Airport Operations Supervisor – SFO –

Company Description

This is a Citywide Exam posting. Your application to this posting is an application to take a citywide exam.

If you pass the exam, you will be emailed your score and ranking on the eligible candidate list. When a department has an open position with this job classification, they will use this eligible list to hire for that position. Departments will contact candidates from this list to gauge interest in their specific roles. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: 

Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below:

• Application Opening: 09/08/2026
• Application Deadline: Apply immediately. Application filing will be open at least through Monday, 09/14/26 at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time) and will close any time thereafter.
• Salary Range: 
• Recruitment ID: CBT-9212-A00032

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the most dynamic and consequential airports in the world, serving as the primary international gateway to Northern California and Silicon Valley. As an enterprise department of the City and County of San Francisco, SFO welcomes over 54 million guests annually and offers nonstop service to more than 140 destinations worldwide on 50+ airlines.

SFO is far more than a transportation hub. It is a recognized leader in environmental sustainability, equity, arts and culture, and forward-thinking infrastructure. With approximately 1,900 City employees and a broader community of more than 25,000 workers across airlines, concessionaires, and partners, SFO generates significant economic vitality across the Bay Area region.

Our mission is to deliver an airport experience where people and our planet come first. Our core values of Safety and Security, Teamwork, Excellence, Care, and Equity guide everything we do as we build a supportive, purpose-driven workplace where all employees can thrive.

SFO is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Applicants are considered regardless of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under applicable law.

Learn more about careers at SFO at , and follow us on , , , ,  and .

Job Description

Under general supervision, the Airport Operations Supervisor supervises Airfield Safety Officers in duties which involve ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the Airside Operation which includes, Air Operations Area, Secured Area, and other airport facilities.

The essential functions of this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Supervise Airfield Safety Officers and other subordinate staff and oversee the daily operations of a 24/7 section.
2. Coordinate all airside activities with various Federal, State, and local agencies as well as other airport departments, tenants, and agencies, including escorts and remote aircraft parking.
3. Coordinate airside construction and maintenance projects with various airport departments, tenants, and agencies.
4. Proactively lead collaterals (programs, projects, initiatives, committees, etc.) to enhance the department
5. Respond to all emergencies involving airport activities and coordinating Airside Operations emergency response.
6. Act as Airside Operations’ liaison during V.I.P. operations.
7. Prepare and present informational and operational briefings, presentations, and reports related to safety and security incidents and injuries; issue Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) to reflect changing airfield conditions and/or hazards to air traffic; participate in safety risk assessments via SFO’s Safety Management System (SMS).
8. Interpret and enforce Airport Rules and Federal Regulations; admonish verbally or in writing, and issue citations for violations; input, review, and approve citations with software.
9. Conduct basic investigation of infractions and administer progressive discipline.
10. Represent Airside Operations in the Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC) and coordinate Airside information from the shift supervisor, manager(s), and/or director to the AIOC Team Leader.
11. Refer noise complaints received to the Noise Abatement Division.
12. Develop and administer training programs, standard operating procedures, and other related programs; prepare and maintain training syllabus and records for Airfield staff.
13. Develop and administer training for wildlife management; oversee the wildlife hazard management program including habitat control, harassment, depredation, and safe use of firearms.
14. Involvement in managing daily Airside Operations in the collaborative setting of a control center type environment.
15. Perform other functions outlined in the .

Nature of Work: Staff in this role support a 24/7 emergency response operation.

Qualifications

1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination) AND
2. Experience: Four (4) years of safety and/or security operations experience at an airport, airbase, airline, or military base performing safety, security and inspection duties equivalent in scope and level to class in the City and County of San Francisco, of which one (1) year must include recent airfield operations experience* AND
3. License and Certification: Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver license prior to employment.

*Note: Recent airfield operations experience (within the last seven (7) years) must have included inspecting and analyzing airfield surfaces, assets, and related facilities for safety, security, and compliance related data and to develop recommendations to enhance an airport, airbase, FBO, airline ramp, or military operation, including composition of related letters, memoranda and reports.

Experience Substitution: 

• Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Aviation Management or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required safety and/or security operations experience only.
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation Management or a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required safety and/or security operations experience only.
• Completion of a six (6) month program equivalent to the City and County of San Francisco’s Airfield Operations Training Program may substitute for six months of the required recent airfield operations experience.

One-year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full time employment.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Desirable Qualifications: The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

• Expert knowledge of CFR Part 139, Part 77, FAA Advisory Circulars 150 series, and incident management in Airport/Airside/Airfield Operations.
• Working knowledge of CFR Part 1542 and FEMA ICS.
• Expert in aviation phraseology and public safety communications with ability to communicate via two-way radio, telephone, and messaging applications to Airside Operations team, Communications Dispatcher(s), FAA Air Traffic Control, Airport Duty Managers, AIOC, and other stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating on deliverables with multiple stakeholders.
• Thorough knowledge and application of Airport and Aviation Security principles, methods, and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-versed in conflict resolution and motivating subordinate staff to improve performance.
• Experience supervising teams of eight (8) or more first responders in a 24/7 operation.
• Solutions-oriented and adaptable to changing simultaneous situations and incidents.
• Proven track record of successful multitasking and project management.
• Ability to meet commitments, work independently, accept accountability, and remain focused under pressure.
• Excellent analytical skills with decisiveness and ability to rapidly adjust.
• Experience utilizing CCTV and video management systems.
• Previous experience working in a control center environment.
• ACI and AAAE Airport Operations and/or Security or AAAE Certified Member (CM) certification.

Verification of Education and Experience:

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review  for considerations taken when reviewing applications.  

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at . 

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Basic Supervisory Exam (BSE): (Weight: 40%)

Candidates will be administered a written multiple-choice examination that is designed to measure basic knowledge of various supervisory practices and procedures (e.g., directing, counseling, guiding, evaluating, motivating, disciplining, developing, and training subordinates, delegation) as well as customer service and reading comprehension. This is a standardized examination and, therefore, test questions and test answers are not available for public inspection or review. The Basic Supervisory Exam will be administered either on a computer or in paper format. The type of format will depend on the size of the qualified applicant pool. Qualified candidates will be notified of the type of exam format in their exam appointment notification. The score you achieve on this examination shall be valid and ‘banked’ for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that, during this three-year time-period, you will not be required to take this test again should you apply and be found eligible for a future announcement for which this particular test is used. Please note this test is used for other supervisory classes, therefore your test score may be applied to one or more of these classes if you choose to apply to future recruitments. If the test for this future announcement is held within one year of the date of this examination, your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after one year, you have the option to either (a) apply your test score to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test. Re-testing is permitted no sooner than one year from the date of the examination and only in association with your eligibility for another announcement for which this test is used. Please note that, should you re-test, your re-test score would become your official score since it is the most recent.

Note: A passing score must be achieved on the Basic Supervisory Exam in order to continue in the selection process.

Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation: (Weight: 60%)

Applicants who achieve a passing score on the Basic Supervisory Exam will be sent a Supplemental Questionnaire (Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire) designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in job-related areas required for the position which may include but are not limited to: knowledge of Airport and Aviation Security Operations; knowledge of Airport and Transportation Security Regulations; knowledge of principles and procedures of the airport and air operations, aviation terminology of physical security systems and controls; analytical skills; ability to supervise; communication skills; decision-making skills; problem-solving skills; time management skills; interpersonal skills; ability to use technology; adaptive skills and ability to obtain and maintain valid Airport driving privileges.

Note: Failure to complete these steps by the established deadlines will result in disqualification. All applicants’ responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are subject to verification.

A passing score on both the Basic Supervisory Exam and the Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation must be achieved in order to be placed/ranked on the Eligible List.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through all of the steps in the selection procedure.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance: Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Customs Clearance: This position requires that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Custom Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.

Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully pass a medical examination to determine their ability to perform the essential functions of the job and/or the ability to meet the physical minimum requirements.

Additional Information

Eligible List/Score Report:

A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created, and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

The duration of the eligible list resulting from this examination process will be of six (6) months and may be extended with the approval of the Human Resources Director.

To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city’s

Certification: The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of Ten. The hiring department may administer additional position-specific selection procedures prior to making final hiring decisions.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at . 

The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4.  Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 941******* by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement.  Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at .

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

Where to Apply

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit  to begin your application process.  

Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the , 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110. 

Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. 

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from  that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. 

If you have any questions, you may contact Jillian Perillo at .

Recruitment ID: REF60876C

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.