Head of Aviation Security

The post-holder works under the direction of the Director, Airport Operations and is accountable for maintaining a high level of security at the L.F. Wade International Airport (LFWIA), carrying out the safety and security policies and procedures in accordance with International regulatory requirements and standards; OTARs 178, 179, and 180 and the Civil Airports Act 1949.  The position is also accountable for monitoring the performance of the security services contractors, security investigations and issuing security and access passes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Airport/Aviation Security Program

• Develops, directs and implements the airport/aviation security programme to prevent unlawful interference with airport operations.
• Develops and implements security operational plans and standard operational procedures (SOPs) for the guidance of airport, airline, Bermuda Government, tenant and other users staff.
• Develops and implements memorandum of agreement with the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) to define the role of the Police in support of airport/aviation security and emergencies.
• Understands the Government agreement with the US Customs & Border Protection for pre-clearance services and responsibilities at the airport
• Manages the restricted area pass (RAP) system.
• Manages the General Security Awareness Training (GSAT) programme, facilitates the training in order for airport personnel and necessary stakeholders to meet security requirements as outlined by ASSI/OTAR 179.
• Develops and maintains programmes to monitor the effectiveness of physical barriers, Castle Harbour buoy system, thermal camera surveillance, electronic access control systems and closed-circuit TV systems.
• Consults with users through an Airport Security Committee, and in day-to-day dialogue and meetings with airport managers, stakeholders and Skyport team.
• Maintains industry knowledge through travel to other airports and training venues of new developments in security technology and acts as senior advisor to the Accountable Manager, President, Director for Airport Operations and the Governor or Government of Bermuda on all security matters.
• Monitors and records through a documented quality control (QC) system the activities of all security agencies operating in support of airport operations, passenger screening and airlines for compliance with the standards and recommended practices as defined in Skyport security manuals, ASSI OTAR 178, and the recommendations or requirements of international regulatory requirements (ICAO – US TSA) and associated mandates.
• Advisor on aviation security to the Accountable Manager, President and Director for Airport Operations as members of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) and as responsibilities are outlined in the Governor’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
• Analyses, in conjunction with local and international agencies, local threat levels and maintains recommendations for appropriate responses through the Bermuda National Civil Aviation Risk Register.
• Liaises with airport operations staff, airline station managers and staff and Department of Civil Aviation personnel for the purpose of instruction, change management, and investigation on aviation security requirements and incidents.

Management and Administration

• Provides direct supervision of the Assistant Aviation Security Officer, and management of airport security contractors for passenger/bag screening and the landside/airside airport patrols and monitoring (SOC). This includes planning and assigning work for the Units, directly monitoring the work of individuals, training and making recommendations for hiring, promoting and terminating.  This also includes ensuring the contractors comply with budget control, contract financial and operational terms of service delivery, and any identified change.
• Provides direct supervision of the Airport Operations Administrator as it relates to the management of the security access control system and access passes.
• Liaises with security contractor representatives to ensure that the contractors perform according to the specifications and that the Government receives value for money.
• Participates in the annual budget process for the Operations and Security Department and contributes to the Skyport Budget on airport security contracts, airport security technology or equipment acquisitions, airport boundary maintenance and emergency planning for exercises and training matters.
• Collects, collates and provides statistical data and other information to the Accountable Manager and President in respect to airport security operations and incidents. Provides a monthly report on collected security data.
• Acts as the adviser to the Accountable Manager, President, Maintenance Department and Technical Department on airport terminal development and required maintenance of airport boundaries and security fencing for matters related to aviation security.
• Effectively manages all security related SMS issues raised, ensuring timely responses and investigations as necessary.
• Responsible to read, understand and comply with all company policies, applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manuals.

Emergency Planning

• Oversees the development of security elements of airport emergency plans and procedures through the Skyport Airport Emergency Programme (AEP) Manual to be consistent with internationally recommended practices in consultation with the Police (BPS), Bermuda Fire & Rescue Services (BFRS), airline representatives, ground handlers, emergency medical and health care providers and other associated airport stakeholders.
• Oversees the planning, equipping and maintenance of an airport emergency co-ordination centre (ECC) that is activated in times of emergency or significant events.
• Oversees the planning, conduct and evaluation of periodic tests, exercises and table tops of the airport emergency plan and makes recommendations for its improvement.
• Oversees the relationship with other Bermuda Government officials, including the police, emergency response and medical team in relation to emergency plan discussions, negotiations and implementation.
• Participates in the decision-making process during all emergencies.

Associated Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the President, Accountable Manager or the Director of Airport Operations.

Supervisory Responsibility

• The post-holder has the authority for implementing systems, maintaining existing systems and procedures that ensure the safety and security of aircraft, passengers and other airport users. The post-holder is also responsible for disciplinary measures relating to contractual and section personnel.
• Participates with other management in the decision-making processes during all emergency or security related situations or incidents.
• Direct management responsibility of infrastructure for vital government services of high impact Bermuda-wide to include governmental VIP escorts, police (BPS) escorts for high interest individuals or cargo, and identified security threats to the airport.  

Fiscal Responsibility

• Direct management responsibility of non-Skyport staff for security service contract budget and revenue streams.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Qualifications and Experience

• Ability to communicate and liaise with all airport users, Skyport team, airline station managers, ASSI / BCAA / BAA personnel for the purpose of explaining security requirements, instruction and review by audits.
• Able to monitor the activities of all security agencies operating in support of airport operations and airlines for compliance with the standards and recommended practices and provides feedback and motivation as required.
• Firm understanding of the Civil Airports Act 1949, ASSI, international regulatory requirements (ICAO- US TSA) and associated mandates or requirements. Additionally, the post-holder must maintain superior knowledge of developments in Security Technology, Airport Security Contract Administration, Crisis Management and also acts as senior advisor to the Department of Airport Operations and the Department of Civil Aviation on all security matters.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in airport, airline, police service or civil aviation security, with at least two (2) years at a senior supervisory level with familiarity with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices is highly desirable.
• Should possess a Bachelor’s Degree with experience in Criminal Justice, Aviation Management, Airport Management or a related field or working environment.
• Must obtain and maintain Security certification as required under ASSI (OTAR section 178.60 and tables C1/C2/C3).
• The ICAO and US TSA certification would be desirable.

Extent of Public Contact

• Airport and airline representatives, tenants, and identified airport stakeholders.
• Arriving and departing Passengers.

Physical Demands

• Required to maintain AVOP certificate for Airport driving privileges.
• To work extended hours during an emergency incident or prior to or following a severe weather event.

Working Conditions & Environment

• Office work with frequent tours around airport.
• 24/7 call out to the airport for emergency and security incidents.