AVIATION SURVEILLANCE SPECIALIST 2025-2026

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

AVIATION SURVEILLANCE SPECIALIST

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION

Security Operations

Number of Positions: 2 (two)

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $56,496.00 ANNUALLY (YZ-12)

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on 1/12/2026

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Monitors and operates a Genetec video management surveillance system providing continuous observation and surveillance of transit, department, and TSA cameras observing activities from different angles and directions in and around the airports. Monitors, detects and tracks drone activity in and around airports. Identifies and reports intrusions, suspicious activity, and access restrictions recorded by the surveillance system. Utilizes automatic license plate recognition to assist in identifying vehicle license plates. Coordinates responses to real-time observations and information received on situations impacting airport operations including safety and public safety related matters. Analyzes flow of passengers, wait lines, crowd controls, parking and curbside management throughout the airports and terminals reporting areas of concerns. Receives and inputs Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Relays and communicates to the Watch Manager and O'Hare Communications Center (OCC) dispatcher detailed descriptions of observed activities, physical descriptions of individuals, and movement of traffic and individuals in the view area. Research local, national, and international news sources, social media feeds to identify potential security impacts. Compiles security and surveillance details and prepares daily security bulletins. Coordinates with local and federal so by responding to requests for information. Act as a liaison with law enforcement organizations and agencies for the purpose of information sharing. Receives notifications of emergency calls in the area of surveillance cameras, observes activities, and reports observations to the Watch Manager and OCC dispatchers. Documents daily activities and incident reports that are concise, informative and accurate. Retrieves and records requested segments of video tape, as required. Monitors, tracks drone detection equipment and makes appropriate notifications. Testifies in court regarding established protocols, as required. Performs other related duties as required.

Location: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago

Hours of Operation: 24/7/365

Shifts: Varies (these are overnight positions)

Candidate(s) selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Three (3) years of public safety, video technology or professional security officer work experience, OR Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree or higher, plus one (1) year of work experience in public safety, video technology, or as a professional security officer.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. Interviewed applicants possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be hired.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on 1/12/2026