Become an Airfield Operations Specialist
Airfield operations specialists are responsible for a variety of duties at both public, commercial airports as well as military airfields. Work activities span numerous tasks and include implementing safety regulations and protocol to provide a safe, secure operating environment for all personnel. Additional tasks include dispatch, monitoring airfield operations, training staff, maintaining flight records and coordinating communications. Required knowledge and skills for a position as an airfield operations specialist will vary depending on the responsibilities and whether the work is for a public airport or for a military airfield.
Steps
- Conduct some research on the field of airfield operations. Take into consideration whether you are interested in working for a public, commercial airport or a position at a military airfield. A government job may require an extensive background check and a security clearance.
- Evaluate your knowledge and skills to ascertain your strengths and weaknesses. Working as an airfield operations specialist requires strong reasoning and critical thinking skills to quickly identify and solve problems.
- Assess your aptitudes to evaluate your computer skills and to determine your reading and writing competencies as well as business knowledge. Airfield operations specialist positions require administration and management skills.
- Check out programs on the Internet that offer educational training in preparation for work as an airfield operations specialist. If you want to work for a branch of the military as an airfield operations specialist, then browse through the information available on government websites to learn more about their requirements.
- Decide what type of trade or vocational educational program that you want to enroll in to train as an airfield operations specialist. Realize that a position working for a branch of the military may offer you the added benefit of paying for part or all of your education in return for officially joining and training with them.
- Make arrangements to meet with a recruiting officer if you decide that you want to join a branch of the military and receive training and education for an airfield operations specialist through a vocational program that they may support. Most military positions even while in training offer individuals an excellent benefit program.
- Visit some of the school campuses that provide airfield operations specialist training if you decide that you want to work in the private sector and not for a military airfield. Arrange to meet with instructors to learn firsthand more about a possible career in this field and to clarify any questions that you may have.
- Determine what type of program that you want to pursue in training for a position as an airfield operations specialist. If your future goals include a management position then consider a more comprehensive program beyond the basic vocational requirements.
- Apply for admission to the schools of your choice if you decide to work in a public airport or formally apply for acceptance into a training program affiliated with a branch of the military if that is your chosen path. Upon officially being accepted, make arrangements to start your education and training and look forward to a rewarding career as an airfield operations specialist.
