Airport Communications Dispatcher Lead

Company: City of Atlanta
Location: Atlanta
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Description Salary range: $51,035-$82,000 Posting expires: April 9, 2026 General Description and Classification Standards Under general direction of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) Airport Operations Center (AOC) Manager, this position is responsible for assisting in the technical and functional supervision of the Airport Operations Center in the absence of the supervisor. These responsibilities include but are not limited to sending informational messages through the airport’s mass notification system. This position will oversee AOC operations and providing guidance to staff on performance and job responsibilities. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of airport operations, aviation security and law enforcement practices, fire and emergency medical service practices, emergency incident management systems and technologies along with a familiarity of federal regulations governing airfield activities and airport security. The position requires thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, and practices of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as well as thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Responsibilities Essential Duties & Responsibilities Performs multiple tasks simultaneously and reports to the Airport Communications Supervisor. Operates as a team lead making operational decisions in coordination with supervisory and management staff. Makes independent decisions that affect the safety of the traveling public, airport employees, and stakeholders and those involved in determining the urgency of requests received and the appropriate action to take Makes decisions that impact the AOC operations in the absence of the supervisor. Dispatches Police, Fire / EMS, Security, maintenance, and airport operations personnel to the incidents based upon established protocols and Airport Communications Supervisors’ direction. Monitors video surveillance systems and relays observations to responders upon request. Monitors security access control systems, duress alarms and coordinates security and law enforcement responses. Trains the newly hired operators via on-the-job training. Coordinates with stakeholders for personnel/passenger paging and public information systems. Operates the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to track, record and prioritize incidents and incident responses. Provides on-going communications and coordination support to both emergency and non-emergency operations in the field as required. Acts decisively when incident conditions change and/or airport staff / facilities are endangered. Coordinates communications with off-airport responders to airport incidents. Conducts detailed and comprehensive briefings to relief Telecommunicators before exiting their workstation(s). Coordinates with other Team Leads ensuring continuity of operations and management, and other related duties as assigned by the Manager and/or Airport Communications Supervisors. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must have the ability to supervise the activities of subordinate staff in the absence of the supervisor(s) and to plan and direct with work as well as have the knowledge and skill in operation of communication systems, dispatch equipment and software used in the Airport Operations Center. Ability to use established operating procedures to determine severity of emergency events and appropriate course of action. Ability to work under stressful conditions, analyze and manage situations and make decisions rapidly. Must have the ability to deal courteously, firmly, and tactfully with the passengers and employees of the airport. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to respond to emergency calls at any time. Ability to report to work in inclement weather. Ability to use keyboard devices, computers, and communications equipment and be able to sit for extended periods. Ability to troubleshoot equipment failures, problems and make timely notifications via the mass notification software. Must have knowledge of personal computers and commonly used software such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Office, Outlook and other mapping, database and I.P. systems Qualifications Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in emergency communications or one (1) year aviation experience in access control and CCTV preferred. Any combination of education and experience deemed equivalent to the above requirements may be substituted at HJAIA's discretion. Must successfully pass the Airports security clearance and maintain security badge privileges at a level determined by the General Manager. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Georgia vehicle operators license. Certification as a Basic Communications Officer by GAPOST per Chapter 464-14 within six months of employment. Preferred Qualifications A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in an emergency communications center Satisfactory completion and certification of NIMS/FEMA courses 100, 144, 200, 242, 700, and 800 within one year of appointment. Essential Capabilities and Work Environment Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job and perform other duties as assigned. It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department. The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.

Keywords: City of Atlanta, North Atlanta , Airport Communications Dispatcher Lead, Customer Service & Call Center , Atlanta, Georgia