Airside Safety Officer

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. Airside Operations is integral to delivering a safe and efficient operation, and is the key in the continued success of the Vancouver Airport Authority.

Position overview

Are you a self-motivated, critical thinker, who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, highly-regulated environment? Do you have a keen eye for safety and are continually striving for improvements and innovation?

We have a permanent, part-time opportunity for an Airside Safety Officer in the Airside Operations Department. Reporting to the Manager, Airside Operations, and representing the Airport Authority and Airside Operations Department, you will be responsible for all aspects of aircraft and vehicle operations in the airside environment. This key decision-making and results-driven role provides resolution to safety and operational issues, coordinates airside activities, and responds to airside emergencies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining regulatory compliance and aviation standards by ensuring that airside inspections are conducted and documented appropriately and that the airport's safety and security programs are carried out in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards
• Reporting and documenting any new hazards/incidents and resolving airside operational issues including undertaking situational analyses and risk assessments, coordinating the appropriate actions, and communicating and documenting the results
• Responding to all airport emergency situations while mitigating operational impacts in order to maintain safe, secure and efficient operations; this includes taking a lead role in the Incident Command System structure
• Proactive inspections and stakeholder engagement to ensure needs of the dynamic operation managed to ensure operational readiness and maximum operational efficiency
• Responding to, or delegating response to, situations to mitigate potential safety, security and operational issues prior to them becoming incidents
• Ensuring plans for construction activity are being conducted as planned, and identifying and communicating any potential changes required to the project

Key qualifications include:

• Minimum four years of relevant airport operations experience, supplemented by the completion of at least two years' post-secondary education in Airport Operations; or an equivalent combination of training and aviation experience 
• Strong understanding of situational awareness and safety culture in the Airside Environment
• Solid leadership and mentorship skills with the ability to provide direction and facilitate meetings
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; this includes conflict resolution and active listening skills, and the ability to maintain diplomacy and integrity while representing the Vancouver Airport Authority
• Strong understanding and execution of:
  • ICAO and TP312 Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices
  • YVR Emergency Management Plans, Airport Operations Manual (AOM), Security Management Plan, Safety Management System and Wildlife Plan
  • Aircraft Operations – theory of flight, aircraft propulsion systems and aircraft identification
  • Canadian Aviation Regulations Part III Aerodromes
• Must possess a valid BC Class 5 driver's license and have the ability to obtain a "D" with free-range Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP) 

Shift schedule with alternating day and night shifts will be required as this role supports the operation on a 24-hour basis, with a requirement to support winter operations for 24/7 operations. As an employee on a shifted work schedule, you may be eligible for shift and weekend premiums.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. This helps us meet federal language obligations while ensuring welcoming experience. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.