Safety Management Systems Specialist

COMPENSATION

$63,856.00 - $89,610.00 annual salary + a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 10% employer paid 401A through VOYA Financial.

*Hiring Salary Range: $63,856.00- $76,733.00 annual salary

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

SUMMARY

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the adoption, implementation, and administration of the Safety Management System (SMS) at Ontario International Airport (ONT). Incumbents in this position report directly to the SMS Manager with functional oversight by the Director of Operations. The SMS Specialist supports the administration of the Airport’s SMS program, conducts hazard identification, risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety audits, and ensures compliance with FAA and OIAA safety requirements.

This position requires an experienced safety professional who can provide technical expertise and continuity of SMS leadership when delegated by the SMS Manager, including during audits, inspections, or emergencies. The SMS Specialist also works collaboratively with environmental, ADA, and emergency preparedness programs to ensure SMS integration across all safety domains.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist SMS Manager in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the SMS program for ONT.

• Support compliance with FAA Part 139, AC 150/5200‑37A SMS standards, OIAA Administrative Directives, Airport Rules and Regulations, and the Airport Operating Certificate.

• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and follow‑up on corrective and preventive actions.

• Apply technical and analytical expertise to manage and interpret SMS databases; ensure data integrity, generate insights, and support safety reporting.

• Communicate SMS database needs to IT staff and contribute to troubleshooting or system enhancements.

• Investigate accidents, incidents, and safety concerns; prepare factual reports and root cause analyses; input findings into SMS databases.

• Perform internal safety audits and inspections of airside and landside operations.

• Collaborate with the SMS Manager to develop and distribute safety bulletins, reports, and awareness materials as part of safety promotion.

• Assist the SMS Manager in evaluating training needs and supporting the planning and delivery of SMS‑related education programs.

• Act as a resource and liaison between OIAA divisions, ONT departments, airport contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies such as FAA, and provide support to other federal agency inquiries as directed by the SMS Manager.

• Attend meetings with regulators, contractors, and industry organizations; take necessary action regarding agenda items in collaboration with the SMS Manager.

• Support the SMS Manager in facilitating SMS meetings, Technical Working Groups (TWG), or other safety committees to ensure continuity of communication and decision‑making if the SMS Manager is unavailable.

• Provide coverage for SMS Manager responsibilities when delegated to ensure continuity of SMS operations.

• Maintain working knowledge of related safety domains (environmental compliance, ADA accessibility, and emergency preparedness) and collaborate with designated specialists to integrate SMS practices into broader organizational safety initiatives.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experienced safety professionals with a proven track record in SMS implementation and compliance, preferably with general aviation safety experience.

• Strong knowledge of FAA Part 139 and AC 150/5200-37A requirements, SMS principles, and safety regulations.

• Skilled in hazard identification, risk management, and incident investigation.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for interaction with regulators, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and provide support in leadership responsibilities when directed by the SMS Manager.

• Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and commitment to promoting a proactive safety culture.

• Ability to plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.

• Ability to evaluate and prepare clear and concise reports.

• Familiarity with environmental, ADA, and emergency preparedness as they relate to SMS practices.

• Ability to consistently demonstrate the Core Values of OIAA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, regulatory compliance, risk management or a related field required. A master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in SMS safety, with familiarity in airport operations preferred.

• Equivalent SMS safety experience in related transit industries (rail, bus, public transportation) may be considered if aligned with aviation SMS principles.

• Experience leading investigations, compliance audits, and safety risk assessments. Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams, with experience in cloud‑based collaboration tools, data visualization, and database management systems.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATION

• Valid Driver’s License equivalent to a California Class C Driver’s License, with an acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment.

• Ability to pass all background/reference checks, knowledge examinations, and aptitude tests necessary to obtain an OIAA employee badge at ONT.

Preferred/Highly Desirable:

• SMS certification (e.g., FAA or FTA recognized program).

• OSHA 30‑Hour General Industry certification.

• OSHA 10‑Hour Construction certification.

• Familiarity with Cal/OSHA regulations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent walking, standing, and climbing/descending stairs in terminal, ramp, and hangar areas; occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching during inspections.

• Ability to safely handle and reposition equipment, signage, and portable safety devices using ergonomic practices and mechanical aids; occasional manual handling of lighter items may be required.

• Dexterity to utilize keyboards, handheld devices, and inspection tools; vision and hearing sufficient for radios, alarms, and monitoring aircraft/vehicle movement.

• Maintain heightened situational awareness in dynamic environments with moving aircraft, ground vehicles, and construction activity.

• Ability to properly don and use required PPE (e.g., high‑visibility apparel, hearing protection, safety footwear, eye protection) as conditions warrant.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily operates in a professional climate‑controlled office environment.

• Frequent transitions to operational areas including airside and landside locations, terminal spaces (secure/non‑public areas), non‑climate‑controlled hangars, and construction zones.

• Exposure to weather (heat, cold, wind, rain), elevated noise, dust, and fumes typical of airport and construction operations; work may occur near moving aircraft and ground equipment.

• Strict adherence to airfield rules, radio communication procedures, access control, escort requirements, and Cal/OSHA‑aligned safety practices.

• Routine use of radios, mobile devices, data collection tools, and digital platforms; occasional use of field instrumentation during inspections.

• May require early morning, evening, weekend, or on‑call assignments to support incidents, audits, or emergencies, local travel on and around the airfield.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

This is an at‑will, exempt position. Only a valid and properly executed employment agreement may alter status as an at‑will employee. Verbal contracts are not valid. The employment relationship may be terminated at the will of either party upon notice to the other. As an at‑will employee, there would not be an established property interest in continued employment with OIAA.