Job Overview: Airport Operations Specialist (SMS Manager)

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is seeking an Airport Safety Management System (SMS) Manager to join the team at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). This is a critical leadership role within the operations unit, responsible for instilling a proactive safety culture at one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs.

As the SMS Manager, you are the architect of the airport’s risk mitigation strategies, ensuring that ANC remains compliant with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines to protect both the traveling public and the millions of dollars in federal grants that sustain the airport’s infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities & Safety Leadership

Risk Management & Mitigation

Hazard Analysis: Identify and analyze operational hazards across the airport, proposing and tracking mitigations to ensure risks remain at acceptable levels.
Disaster Preparedness: Increase staff awareness and readiness for safety contingencies, including responses to natural disasters.
Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Act as the central point of contact for airport sections, the FAA, tenants, airlines, and contractors to synchronize safety strategies.

Regulatory Compliance & Funding

FAA Conformance: Ensure the airport strictly adheres to FAA safety guidelines. This is a “mission-critical” task that secures tens of millions of dollars in annual federal grant funding.
Safety Culture: Promote and maintain a positive safety culture through effective communication and training programs for all airport stakeholders.

Working Environment & Culture

Location: Physically based at the North Terminal of Anchorage International Airport.
The Work: A dynamic mix of field inspections (driving or walking the airfield) and office-based collaboration. You will frequently lead or participate in workgroups involving federal and state agencies.
Schedule: While primarily a day-shift role, the airport operates 24/7/365, allowing for potential flexibility in work hours.
Career Growth: The operations team is a proven springboard for executive leadership roles within the airport and other State of Alaska agencies.

Who They Are Looking For

Core Competencies

Compliance Mastery: Deep knowledge of procedures for evaluating and monitoring programs for compliance with Federal laws and FAA regulations.
Effective Communication: The ability to translate complex technical safety data into convincing presentations for diverse audiences, from airline executives to federal regulators.
Analytical Problem Solving: A systematic approach to weighing the accuracy of information and generating alternative solutions for complex safety issues.

Mandatory Requirements

Certification: Must attain Airport Security Coordinator certification within 6 months of hire.
Licensure: Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Clearance: Must pass an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check and a TSA Security Threat Assessment.

Benefits of Joining the State of Alaska

Impact: Direct contribution to “Keeping Alaska Moving” at its primary transportation and economic hub.
Security: Competitive state benefits and a stable career path with one of the state’s most vital agencies.
Mission: The satisfaction of knowing your daily oversight keeps the global supply chain and local travel networks flying safely.

Application Information

Interested Alaska residents and qualified candidates should apply through the State of Alaska/Workplace Alaska portal. Your application should emphasize your experience with FAA Part 139 or SMS frameworks and your ability to manage high-stakes regulatory compliance.

The Organization & Culture Working for the State of Alaska (SOA) means joining the largest employer in the state, with a workforce dedicated to serving one of the most geographically diverse and extreme environments in the world. The culture is built on a foundation of public service, accountability, and “The Alaska Way of Life”—which emphasizes self-reliance, neighborly help, and stewardship of vast natural resources. In 2026, the State is actively modernizing its internal culture through the Denali Awards, a program that recognizes individual and team excellence in customer service and leadership. The atmosphere is professional yet grounded in the reality of Alaskan life, where “Service” is defined as providing every community—from urban Anchorage to remote Arctic villages—access to essential resources.

The Locations The State of Alaska operates out of three primary hubs and dozens of field offices:

Juneau (Capital): Centered in the State Office Building (SOB) and the Alaska State Capitol. This is the heart of policy and administration, where the Department of Administration and the Office of the Governor are located.
Anchorage (Economic Hub): Most business-facing and technical operations are based here, particularly in the Atwood Building (550 W 7th Avenue) and the Robert B. Atwood Building, which houses the Department of Natural Resources and EEO offices.
Fairbanks (Northern Hub): Key operations for the Department of Transportation and University-related state services are based here, serving the Interior and North Slope regions.
Remote/Regional Offices: Offices exist in nearly every major town, including Nome, Bethel, Ketchikan, and Kodiak, ensuring state presence in rural Alaska.

To apply for this job please visit www.alaska.gov.