Safety Management Systems Specialist

Job Summary

The Safety Management Systems (SMS) Specialist at Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a critical regulatory and operational role responsible for the “Safety DNA” of the airport. Reporting to the SMS Manager, you will assist in implementing and administering a proactive safety culture that meets FAA Part 139 and AC 150/5200-37A standards. This position requires the “wit” to interpret complex safety data and the “grit” to conduct rigorous airside inspections and incident investigations in a fast-paced, high-growth aviation environment.

Job Details

• Employer: Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).

• Location: Ontario, CA (Southern California).

• Position Type: Full-time, At-Will, Exempt.

• Salary Range: $63,856 – $89,610 per annum.

  • Hiring Range: $63,856 – $76,733 (based on qualifications).

• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and a 10% employer-paid 401A retirement plan.

Core Responsibilities

• SMS Administration: Assist in the development and maintenance of the airport’s SMS program to ensure 100% compliance with FAA and OIAA safety requirements.

• Hazard & Risk Management: Conduct formal hazard identification and Safety Risk Management (SRM) assessments; track and follow up on corrective and preventive actions.

• Incident Investigation: Lead investigations into accidents and safety concerns; perform root cause analyses and prepare factual reports for the SMS database.

• Technical Data Analysis: Manage SMS databases, ensuring data integrity and generating insights to support safety reporting and IT system enhancements.

• Audits & Inspections: Perform internal safety audits and physical inspections of both airside (tarmac/runways) and landside (terminal) operations.

• Safety Promotion: Collaborate on the distribution of safety bulletins and the delivery of SMS education programs to airport staff and contractors.

• Integration & Liaison: Work with environmental, ADA, and emergency preparedness specialists to integrate SMS across all airport domains; serve as a liaison for the FAA.

Candidate Profile

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Regulatory Compliance, or Risk Management required (Master’s preferred).

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible SMS experience. Aviation experience is preferred, but related transit industry experience (rail/bus) may be considered.

• Technical Wit: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and cloud-based data visualization/database management systems. Familiarity with ISO 9001 is an asset.

• Licenses: Valid Class C Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an OIAA employee badge (fingerprinting/background check required).

• Certifications (Highly Desirable): SMS Certification (FAA/FTA), OSHA 30-Hour General Industry, or OSHA 10-Hour Construction.

Technical Insights: The SMS “Pillars” at ONT

Operating under FAA Part 139, an airport SMS is structured around four functional components that you will help manage:

1. Safety Policy: Establishing the airport’s commitment to safety and defining roles.

2. Safety Risk Management (SRM): The core process of identifying hazards and mitigating risks before they lead to an incident.

3. Safety Assurance: Using audits and data to ensure that safety risk controls are working as intended.

4. Safety Promotion: Building a “Just Culture” where employees feel safe to report hazards without fear of retribution.

Job Description

Do you believe that the safest airport in the world is the one that never stops looking for the next hazard? Ontario International Airport (ONT)—the fastest-growing airport in the U.S.—is seeking a Safety Management Systems (SMS) Specialist to join our vibrant team. We aren’t just following rules; we are shaping the future of aviation safety in Southern California. If you have the “grit” to conduct inspections in a 100°F hangar and the “wit” to analyze complex safety trends to prevent future accidents, you belong at ONT.

In this role, you are a “Safety Guardian.” You understand that a proactive safety culture is the foundation of our world-class operations. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Oversight,” ensuring every passenger and employee experiences a secure environment. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are detail-oriented, reliable, and ready to provide leadership continuity when the SMS Manager is in the field.

Joining the OIAA means joining a team that “lives the vibe.” We offer a highly competitive compensation package, including a generous 10% employer-paid retirement contribution. If you are a safety professional with a commitment to “Continuous Improvement and Proactive Risk Management,” we invite you to apply and help us continue paving the way for the aviation industry. #ThisisONT.

The Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) is the governing body for Ontario International Airport (ONT). While your prompt mentions “Ontario, Canada,” it is a common geographical mix-up: the OIAA actually operates in Ontario, California, USA. It was formed in 2012 to return the airport to local control, transforming it into a premier Southern California gateway.

Company & Culture

The OIAA is a “Great Place to Work” certified organization (89% employee satisfaction) that operates with a “So Cal. So Easy” philosophy. Its culture is defined by a mission to “boldly seize every opportunity to connect the Inland Empire to the world.” Employees work in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment where “every moment matters,” focusing on technical innovation, safety, and a seamless customer experience that rivals larger hubs like LAX.

Unique Location

The OIAA is headquartered at the airport in Ontario, California, roughly 35 miles east of Los Angeles. This unique location places it at the center of the Inland Empire, one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. It serves as a dual-threat hub: a massive Global Cargo Powerhouse (Top 10 in the U.S.) for brands like UPS and Amazon, and a passenger favorite for those seeking a stress-free alternative to coastal traffic.