Specialist, AVOP Program (1 Term Opportunity - 8 months)

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 1,800 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you!

As a GTAA employee, you’ll have access to amazing benefits, including retirement planning, comprehensive group health benefits, an employee assistance programs (EAP), paid leave, education and training, as well as recognition and rewards programs.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager Airside Vehicle Operator Program this position is responsible for ensuring compliance to standards and regulations to TP312 and Airport Traffic Regulations as well as the day-to-day oversight, training and examinations of the Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP) program.

Key Accountabilities:

• This role is certified by Industry Canada as an Accredited Examiner to conduct Restricted Radio Operators Certificate - Aeronautical testing on their behalf
• Serve as the subject matter expert regarding the Airport Traffic Directives and provide guidance and direction to organizations’ trainers/testers, the Aviation Safety Officers as well as all AVOP holders
• Develop, implement, maintain and interpret all documentation, including standardized "key" processes and training materials, related to the Airport Traffic Directives
• Maintain, develop and implement Airport Traffic Directives to ensure compliance to the Canadian Aviation Regulations, TP312 and Airport Traffic regulations by devolving and maintaining airside driving rules, AVOP site maps, AVOP training videos, and AVOP Training Materials that are provided to airport employees, and airport testers and trainers
• Ensure amendments to ATDs are kept up to date for all Airside Safety
• Enforce the Airport Traffic Regulations which may include having difficult conversations and make difficult decisions in revoking testing or training status of any certified trainer and or tester
• Test airport employees in both a written and practical manner who require an AVOP (Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit) to drive airside
• Make decisions in regard to whether or not individuals are proficient to adhere to the Airport Traffic Directives (ATDs)
• Administer AVOP verbal exams to airport employees who have difficulty comprehending English, as the need arises
• Develop training, testing and presentation materials in both Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and PDF formats and update them as required
• Coordinating printing, delivery and distribution of training and testing materials as required.
• Participate in training all AVOP testers and trainers as well as AVOP training itself at Toronto Pearson
• Carryout AVOP trainer certification for candidates who are approved, including both practical and theory based, for the AVOP program
• Re-certify tester/trainers periodically to ensure their proficiency, advising them on changes to the AVOP program which must be incorporated into testing and training
• Coach and support AVOP trainers/testers and signing authorities as it relates to their responsibilities under the Airport Traffic Directives
• Administer audits on applicants previously tested and passed by other certified AVOP testers
• Follow up on corrective action plans once complete
• Conduct audits to ensure organizations operating at Toronto Pearson are adhering to the regulatory requirements as well as the standards set out within the Airport Traffic directives
• Participate in making decisions regarding suspensions and AVOP related matters
• Participate in the appeal process to offer expert opinion about the severity of infractions as well as make recommendations on suitable suspensions or revocations of AVOP privileges
• Prepare AVOP statistical data pertaining to AVOP written exams, practical exams, training, tester certification, AVOP verbal exams, AVOP violations/suspensions
• Participate as a Subject Matter Expert in the review of safety incidents and accidents as part of the Safety Management Systems review process
  
  
  

This unionized position with an hourly wage of $43.33, based on a 37.5 hour work week. The successful candidate must be available to commence the duties of the position once a selection decision has been made. A practical test will be administered as a part of the competitive process.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary school degree or diploma in Airport Management or equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience
• Experience with training, testing or enforcement of the Airport Traffic Directives
• 3 years’ experience working in an aviation operation environment
• Experience in writing manuals
• Possess a “D” AVOP permit, or have held an AVOP at this airport for 5 consecutive years. If applicant does not currently hold a D AVOP permit the successful applicant must obtain this within thirty (30) days of acceptance of this position.
• Possess a valid Provincial Driver’s License (class G) with a minimum three (5) years’ experience driving a motor vehicle
• Possess an Aeronautical Radiotelephone Certificate. If no Aeronautical Radiotelephone Certificate is held, successful applicant must obtain this within thirty (30) days of acceptance of position.
• No major infractions or accumulative warnings on AVOP record for the last 5 years
• Recent experience of driving on the ramp in an operational capacity (within the last 6 months)
• Extensive airside ramp training and testing experience or equivalent in a role to evaluate and assess applicants for their knowledge, driving skill, familiarization, orientation
• 5 years continuous experience driving on airfield maneuvering areas
• Experience in preparing and carrying out presentations, developing training courses, training personnel, and preparing statistical data
• Experience administering and evaluating AVOP examinations, and coaching candidates on test results
• Experience conducting audits, interpreting results, and making recommendations according to generally accepted industry standards
• Currently hold Transportation Security Clearance at the designated level for the position
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Specialized knowledge of Pearson International Airport airside layout of the aprons, taxiways and runways, construction sites, airside gates and runway operations used by Air Traffic Control
• Knowledge of aircraft, airline, and Toronto Pearson’s airside operating procedures, including ground handling practices, Airport Traffic Directives (ATDs) and Airport Safety Program
• Specialized knowledge of relevant Acts, Regulations, Standards, Recommended Practices and Procedures related to airside driving such as TP312 and Airport Traffic Regulations
• Knowledge of adult training elements to effectively write manuals, processes and procedures which will be applied by all AVOP users
• Specialized knowledge in auditing principles as it relates to ISO 9001 Quality Management standards to effectively conduct audits for compliance and conformance with the Airport Traffic Directives
• Ability to use Microsoft applications to access internal files; develop presentations; compile written documents/reports; and to build and generate reports
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to provide clear, concise instructions and feedback to the person being tested on the apron, runways and taxiways areas
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability tactfully deal with difficult or upset individuals
• Ability to effectively communicate, develop and manage strong relationships with all AVOP trainers, testers, signing authorities and all levels of tenant management
• Ability to write training manuals for all AVOP trainers to utilize as well as other trainer material such as practice maps, practice tests and performance evaluation checklists, to capture students learning
• Ability to listen to individual’s concerns as they relate to the Airport Traffic Directives as well as the ability to address these concerns through exchanging information and clarifying expectations
• High degree of judgment, diplomacy and discretion
• Ability to present complex information to frontline staff and train using several training aids (e.g PowerPoint, , and computer based AVOP software training)
• Ability to determine the weak areas where the applicant was unsuccessful during the AVOP practical and written exam, review results and recommend additional areas of airside driver’s training
• Ability to pivot in irregular operations Ability to interpret, apply and provide subject matter expertise on legislation, regulations and process and procedures that impact the Airport Traffic Directives
• Ability to identify potential safety hazards and identify corrective actions to address these issues, including addressing safety related issues as they are witnessed airside
• Ability to act safely and expeditiously if needing to intercept and take control of a vehicle while administering an AVOP practical exam airside to prevent an error on the maneuvering area
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
  
  
  

The GTAA is a federally-regulated private sector corporation. The Government of Canada has suspended mandatory vaccination requirement for federally regulated transportation sector workers. The GTAA continues to monitor government and health developments relating to COVID -19 and may re-introduce the Vaccination and proof of Vaccination requirements in the Policy at any time.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.