Airport Operations Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Airport Operations Specialist roles at U.S. airports can qualify for H-1B visa or TN visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in aviation management, logistics, or a related field. Employers filing LCAs under DOL's prevailing wage rules are your clearest signal of active sponsorship capacity.
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The position performs airport safety inspections required for airport certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The inspections are a requirement for the airport to maintain its operating certificate. The position’s major objective is to ensure that the airfield is operated and maintained according to the certification requirements of the FAA. This involves monitoring all of the activities occurring on the airfield. Will be expected to assist in above wing and below wing operations including, but not limited to: ticketing, baggage check-in, passenger check-in, aircraft marshalling, chalking airplane tires, loading and unloading baggage, making public announcements.
Responsibilities
- This includes recording aircraft using the aprons and terminal gates
- Monitors the airport tenants for compliance with the Minimum Standards, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and lease agreement
- Monitors construction activities to ensure that the activities do not pose a danger to aviation, the traveling public and other users of the airport
- Attends daily construction meetings to coordinate activities that affect the utility and safety of the airport
- Part 139 inspections include pavement, lights and signs, markings, safety areas, perimeter fencing, and activities in proximity to the airport to ensure that airport safety is not compromised and that the airport is operating with the parameters of its Certification Manual
- Part 77 inspections involve checking the airport and surrounding areas to ensure that buildings, towers and trees do not penetrate any of the approach areas
- The inspections also verify that obstruction lights are operating on tall structures near the airport
- Performs ramp checks for unauthorized personnel, verification of valid IDs displayed by personnel in the Air Operations Area
- Perform fence patrols to check for damage and unauthorized access
- Perform terminal patrols to ensure that access control points are secured and functioning properly
- Animal counts, fence checks and wildlife control are required tasks under the Airport Wildlife Control Plan
- Check for signs of wildlife activity on the airport and uses various techniques to remove the wildlife from the airport
- The Operations Specialists collect information on wildlife strikes, reports the strikes to FAA and maintain a database of the strikes used to monitor the effectiveness of the Wildlife Control Plan
- The specialist must be knowledgeable about several species of mammal and bird so that proper habitat modification and harassment techniques are used
- Check in customers for flights using airline based computer system, check baggage, print boarding passes, assist customers with wheelchairs, make public address system announcements, marshall aircraft, chalk tires, deplane and board/load baggage and passengers
- Coordinate international trash and other issues with customs and border protection
- Utilize computer and software applications including MS Office, Internet Explorer, Maximo
- Coordinate with supervisor and other trades for the purpose of operating projects and work with others efficiently
- Works with Lead Landside Agent to update manuals and SOPs related to Facilities, equipment, and personnel
- Finds and reports discrepancies on the airfield
- Works with airfield maintenance and electrical sections to ensure that the repairs and routine maintenance are within FAA tolerances
- Coordinates work in the safety areas and on the paved surfaces with FAA, airport users, and maintenance staff
- Instructs new and current airport ID holders on the Airport Security Program badge holder responsibilities
- Instructs on the rules and regulations of operating vehicles on the airport
- Ensures that the course material is in compliance with changing regulations and airport conditions
- Maintains the records of the training per FAA regulations
- Instructs airport personnel on their responsibilities in the Airport Emergency Plan for various emergencies that can occur at the airport
- Maintains the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan and Wildlife Hazard Management Plan to ensure that the information is accurate, reflects current Advisory Circulars and current airport conditions
- Maintains the Airport Emergency Preparedness Plan to ensure that the city and airport plans are compatible and that the airport plan contains current information
- Ensures that the Irregular Operations Plan regarding passenger delays is current and reflects accurate information
- Updates the Storm Water Pollution Prevent Plan with current information on personnel and chemicals
- May be asked to perform other duties as assigned
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work
- Non Exempt – Full-Time
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
- In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services
Minimum Qualifications
- Associates Degree (AA/AS) or 2 year technical certificate
- Six (6) months to one (1) year experience
Licenses and Certifications
- Texas Hunting License - must obtain within ninety (90) days of hire
Required
- A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire
Employment Testing
Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
- Criminal Background Check: Yes
- Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes
- Drug Screening: Yes
- Physical Exam: Yes
Basis of Rating
A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.
Supplemental Information
Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.
The City of Corpus Christi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
Overview
The position performs airport safety inspections required for airport certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The inspections are a requirement for the airport to maintain its operating certificate. The position’s major objective is to ensure that the airfield is operated and maintained according to the certification requirements of the FAA. This involves monitoring all of the activities occurring on the airfield. Will be expected to assist in above wing and below wing operations including, but not limited to: ticketing, baggage check-in, passenger check-in, aircraft marshalling, chalking airplane tires, loading and unloading baggage, making public announcements.
Responsibilities
- This includes recording aircraft using the aprons and terminal gates
- Monitors the airport tenants for compliance with the Minimum Standards, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and lease agreement
- Monitors construction activities to ensure that the activities do not pose a danger to aviation, the traveling public and other users of the airport
- Attends daily construction meetings to coordinate activities that affect the utility and safety of the airport
- Part 139 inspections include pavement, lights and signs, markings, safety areas, perimeter fencing, and activities in proximity to the airport to ensure that airport safety is not compromised and that the airport is operating with the parameters of its Certification Manual
- Part 77 inspections involve checking the airport and surrounding areas to ensure that buildings, towers and trees do not penetrate any of the approach areas
- The inspections also verify that obstruction lights are operating on tall structures near the airport
- Performs ramp checks for unauthorized personnel, verification of valid IDs displayed by personnel in the Air Operations Area
- Perform fence patrols to check for damage and unauthorized access
- Perform terminal patrols to ensure that access control points are secured and functioning properly
- Animal counts, fence checks and wildlife control are required tasks under the Airport Wildlife Control Plan
- Check for signs of wildlife activity on the airport and uses various techniques to remove the wildlife from the airport
- The Operations Specialists collect information on wildlife strikes, reports the strikes to FAA and maintain a database of the strikes used to monitor the effectiveness of the Wildlife Control Plan
- The specialist must be knowledgeable about several species of mammal and bird so that proper habitat modification and harassment techniques are used
- Check in customers for flights using airline based computer system, check baggage, print boarding passes, assist customers with wheelchairs, make public address system announcements, marshall aircraft, chalk tires, deplane and board/load baggage and passengers
- Coordinate international trash and other issues with customs and border protection
- Utilize computer and software applications including MS Office, Internet Explorer, Maximo
- Coordinate with supervisor and other trades for the purpose of operating projects and work with others efficiently
- Works with Lead Landside Agent to update manuals and SOPs related to Facilities, equipment, and personnel
- Finds and reports discrepancies on the airfield
- Works with airfield maintenance and electrical sections to ensure that the repairs and routine maintenance are within FAA tolerances
- Coordinates work in the safety areas and on the paved surfaces with FAA, airport users, and maintenance staff
- Instructs new and current airport ID holders on the Airport Security Program badge holder responsibilities
- Instructs on the rules and regulations of operating vehicles on the airport
- Ensures that the course material is in compliance with changing regulations and airport conditions
- Maintains the records of the training per FAA regulations
- Instructs airport personnel on their responsibilities in the Airport Emergency Plan for various emergencies that can occur at the airport
- Maintains the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan and Wildlife Hazard Management Plan to ensure that the information is accurate, reflects current Advisory Circulars and current airport conditions
- Maintains the Airport Emergency Preparedness Plan to ensure that the city and airport plans are compatible and that the airport plan contains current information
- Ensures that the Irregular Operations Plan regarding passenger delays is current and reflects accurate information
- Updates the Storm Water Pollution Prevent Plan with current information on personnel and chemicals
- May be asked to perform other duties as assigned
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work
- Non Exempt – Full-Time
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
- In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services
Minimum Qualifications
- Associates Degree (AA/AS) or 2 year technical certificate
- Six (6) months to one (1) year experience
Licenses and Certifications
- Texas Hunting License - must obtain within ninety (90) days of hire
Required
- A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire
Employment Testing
Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
- Criminal Background Check: Yes
- Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes
- Drug Screening: Yes
- Physical Exam: Yes
Basis of Rating
A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.
Supplemental Information
Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.
The City of Corpus Christi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Airport Operations Specialist
Verify your degree field matches
Airport operations roles only qualify as a specialty occupation if the employer requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like aviation management or logistics. A general business degree may not satisfy USCIS's specialty occupation definition for this role.
Check TN eligibility before applying
If you hold Canadian or Mexican citizenship, TN status may apply if your role falls under a qualifying USMCA profession. Confirm your specific job duties align with the listed category before targeting employers, since airport operations titles vary widely.
Search LCA filings for active sponsors
Use Migrate Mate to identify airports and aviation employers with verified LCA filing history for operations roles. Focusing your applications on employers who have already filed LCAs for similar positions cuts through the sponsorship guesswork entirely.
Request the prevailing wage tier upfront
Airport operations roles span wage levels one through four under DOL's prevailing wage system. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage tier for your target airport's location before negotiating, so you know the floor the employer must certify on the LCA.
Prepare an O*NET-aligned duties summary
Compile a written summary of your daily duties that maps directly to the O*NET occupation profile for Airport Operations Specialists. Employers need this documentation to justify the specialty occupation classification to USCIS during the H-1B petition process.
Clarify cap-exempt status with your employer
Some airports operate under government contracts or are affiliated with institutions that may qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. Ask your HR contact early whether the organization has filed cap-exempt petitions, since this removes the annual lottery from your timeline entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Airport Operations Specialist role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on how the employer defines the position. USCIS requires the role to be a specialty occupation, meaning it must normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like aviation management or transportation logistics. If the employer lists the degree as preferred rather than required, the petition is at risk of an RFE or denial.
Can I use the TN visa for an Airport Operations Specialist job?
TN is an option for Canadian and Mexican nationals only if the specific job duties map onto a profession listed under USMCA. Airport operations generalist roles don't have a clean USMCA category, so TN eligibility turns entirely on how the employer classifies the position and what degree the role actually requires.
What degree do I need to get sponsored for this role?
Most employers sponsoring H-1B petitions for Airport Operations Specialists require a bachelor's degree in aviation management, airport management, transportation logistics, or a closely related field. A degree in a broad area like general business administration is less likely to satisfy USCIS's specialty occupation test for this specific job title.
Where can I find employers who actively sponsor Airport Operations Specialists?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship history for operations roles, so you can target companies that have already committed to the LCA filing process rather than approaching employers who've never navigated visa sponsorship for this job type.
How does the H-1B lottery affect my chances in airport operations?
If the employer is a standard cap-subject company, your petition enters USCIS's annual H-1B registration pool each spring. The regular cap covers 65,000 slots and the advanced degree exemption adds 20,000. Some airport employers hold contracts with government entities and may qualify for cap-exempt filing, which bypasses the lottery entirely and allows year-round petitioning.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Airport Operations Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.