Job Description

This is an important job. At the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA), our Lead Airport Operations Specialists work on the front-line as a critical component in the security of the Airport from the front curb to the terminal building and beyond. In this role, you will use your well-honed security and customer service skills when working with the traveling public, airport employees, and our tenant partners each and every day. As a Lead, you will operationally oversee and direct the daily work of Airport Operations Specialists. What you do in this role makes a difference !

At the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA), our Lead Airport Operations Specialists are the heartbeat of airport safety and customer service—working from the front curb to the terminal and beyond. This is not just a job, it's a vital public-facing role ensuring that travelers, employees, and partners experience a secure, smooth, and welcoming airport environment.

If you're a confident leader, passionate about safety and service, and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments, this could be your next career move.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Airport Operations Specialist, you will:

• Oversee daily operations and direct a team of Airport Operations Specialists.
• Ensure security and federal compliance by conducting Screenings, ID checks, access control, and vehicle/person inspections.
• Respond quickly to alarms and incidents with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Interact daily with the public, employees, law enforcement, and tenants to provide guidance and address issues.
• Maintain traffic flow and issue citations or arrange enforcement actions when necessary.
• Support emergencies as a trained member of the airport response team.
• Complete reports and maintain detailed logs of daily operations and incidents.

Full Job Description and list of essential duties can be provided upon hire.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking individuals with:

• A positive, proactive attitude and strong customer service mindset.
• The ability to lead peers, model professionalism, and inspire teamwork.
• A strong grasp of airport security and safety protocols.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• The ability to remain calm and make effective decisions during emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: At least 2 years of experience in roles with consistent public interaction. Security background with a strong customer service focus preferred.

Licenses: A valid Driver's License is required at the time of application.

Work Schedule

This is a 24/7/365 operation. Applicants must be available for all shifts (day, swing, graveyard) including weekends and holidays. Shift assignments are based on a seniority-based bidding system.

Pay & Benefits

Hourly Rate: $24.34 – $28.63/hour, DOE

Annual step increases up to $35.09/hour

Shift Differential: $2.40/hour for work between 6pm–6am

$1,000 Sign-On Bonus

Benefits Include:

100% employer-paid Nevada PERS retirement

100% employer-paid health insurance for employees

Paid vacation, sick leave, and 14 paid holidays/year

Generous work-life balance and a strong team culture

Physical & Environmental Demands

Ability to walk, run, climb, kneel, and operate in all weather conditions

Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to noise, heat, cold, and vehicle traffic

Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE)

How to Apply

Submit a fully completed RTAA Employment Application online by 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Applications must demonstrate how you meet all minimum qualifications.

Tips For Success

This is an online application process. Click here ( to apply.

For each job, use the “Experience: Work History” section to carefully describe your work experience, education, training, and any other information you'd like us to know.

• Go ahead and submit a resume if you'd like. It's not required, just supplemental.
• Make sure you clearly state how you meet the minimum qualifications listed on the job announcement.
• Please provide at least five years of employment history.
• If you had more than one position with the same employer, list each position separately along with the time or dates you were in each position.
• Explain any gaps of employment of 6 months or more in the work history section . To do this, just add a ‘New Position' and write ‘Unemployed' for the Company and what was occurring under the 'Title' (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates. Please note, a statement in the 'Summary' section is not sufficient to address gaps in employment

Selection Process: Once applications have been reviewed, only those whose experience and qualifications most closely align with the needs of the position will be invited to an interview.

Pre-Employment Requirements: The RTAA requires each candidate to successfully complete employment history verification prior to being considered for employment.

All employment offers are subject to successful completion/passing of a drug-screening test, a fingerprint criminal history records check, security badging test, and post-offer physical and psychological examinations.

Questions about the application, recruitment, and/or selection process, the physical demands of the position, or requests for a reasonable accommodation, should be addressed to the RTAA People Operations Office at (775) 328-6450.

The RTAA is an organization that thrives by living our core values and by honoring the dignity of all individuals. With teamwork, respect, versatility and a focus on excellence, we serve our employees and our community with pride and passion. We are a drug-free workplace, and an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a healthy work environment.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs