Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:
- Advance Airport Development
- Transform the Customer Experience
- Optimize Ongoing Business
- Cultivate Our Culture
Here, you’ll find a workplace culture that is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.
Why You'll Love Working at SAN:
- Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
- Salary: The hiring salary for the Airport Coordination Center Specialist starts at $60,953 annually. The full pay range for an Airport Coordination Center Specialist is $52,097 to $83,354.
- Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), annual employer funded Lifestyle Spending Account which you can use to invest in your personal development and growth activities, parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and more!
- Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
- Application Deadline: September 22, 2025, applications will be reviewed after this time.
About the Job:
The Aviation Security & Public Safety Department is seeking an Airport Coordination Center Specialist with strong dispatch experience. Dispatch is a core function of this role, requiring the ability to coordinate fast-paced operations, manage real-time communication, prioritize resources, and direct rapid response efforts to support airport safety and security.
The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of managing multiple, simultaneous demands with accuracy and professionalism. The selected candidate will be a self-motivated professional with demonstrated success in handling sensitive responsibilities independently and with initiative. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills are also required, as this position plays a central role in ensuring smooth operations within a highly dynamic airport environment.
This role is a Limited Duration role with a term ending December 2027, with the possibility to transition into a permanent position.
What You’ll Do:
- Handles the receipt, screening, and transmission of routine and emergency calls from tenants, passengers, and staff, ensuring prompt and effective communication through established dispatch protocols. Monitors access control, video surveillance, and other security systems to assess the location and severity of situations.
- Coordinates responses by dispatching and relaying critical information to law enforcement, fire personnel, first responders, and internal stakeholders, ensuring efficient and accurate communication during both routine and emergency operations.
- Provides customer service to stakeholders; assists with public and tenant concerns and complaints; completes airport notifications on weather, evacuations, or critical situations; analyzes situations and resolves operational issues.
- Acts as initial contact on operational issues with stakeholders, contractors, and the public; communicates with and provides information to governmental agencies. Dispatches and coordinates timely mobilization of resources and continuous situational awareness during incidents, emergencies, or high-impact events.
- Works rotational work shifts including; day, night, overnight, weekends, and holidays.
- Documents calls, activities, and emergencies; gathers and disseminates information; maintains records and documentation; performs other duties as assigned.
The Skills You Need:
- Technical Knowledge: Of emergency response and dispatch processes; access control, alarm monitoring, and video surveillance equipment and techniques; effective business communication; organizational rules and regulations; proper radio terminology and protocol; effective customer service practices.
- Communication: Clearly and accurately convey information through various avenues including verbal, written, logs and radio; practice active listening and tact.
- Collaboration: Maintain and strengthen relationships internally and externally; share information and respond to requests; interact frequently and openly.
- Critical Thinking: Critically review and translate requirements, situations, information and take appropriate action; multi-task and detail orientation.
- Problem-Solving/Agility: Accurately analyze and respond to routine and emergency situations; initiate course of action and dispatch others; readily adapt to changing priorities, evolving and unexpected situations.
- Relationship: Maintain relations with internal and external stakeholders and others encountered in the course of work.
- Leveraging Technology: Proficiently operate electronic systems and radio consoles, access and maintain information electronically, prepares reports.