The Organization
The Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) is a community-based, non-share capital corporation that operates, manages, maintains, and invests in the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and affiliate businesses.
WAA is a critical player in the development of one of Canada’s strategic transportation hubs. As a perennial “Manitoba Top Employer”, WAA prides itself as an organization that attracts engaged employees with the right combination of skills, values, and attitude to help us achieve our mission of connecting communities. http://www.waa.ca.
Job Title: Airport Operation Centre Operator (AOCO)
Reports to: Manager, Airport Operations
Number of Vacancies: 2
Vacancy Type (1): Temporary, Full Time – 1 Year Term
Vacancy Type (2): Temporary, Full -Time – 6-Month Term
Closing Date: July 31, 2026
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Manager, Airport Operations, the Airport Operations Centre Operator (AOCO) monitors and responds to internal and external communications within a 24/7 operations centre. The AOCO serves as a central point of communication for airport operations, coordinates and dispatches security and operational responses, and monitors access-control systems.
The AOCO also plans and assigns airport resources, including gates, counters, and baggage belts, while ensuring flight information remains accurate and current. This position continuously monitors flight schedules and adjusts resource allocations in response to real-time operational requirements and stakeholder feedback.
Responsibilities include:
- Dispatch operational resources using the designated ticketing software system
- Monitor critical systems, including fire panels and building alarm systems
- Monitor airport operations and access control through CCTV and other security systems.
- Serve as a central communication hub and generate work orders through the ticketing system
- Respond professionally to inquiries from stakeholders, customers, and members of the public by telephone and email
- Monitor and maintain the airport’s primary security line
- Coordinate appropriate security and safety responses as situations arise
- Manage RAIC and keycard access issues in accordance with established procedures.
- Maintain detailed logs of security incidents and proactively identify recurring patterns or concerns
- Plan daily terminal facility allocations and continuously adjust resources to meet operational requirements
- Assign gates and counters, coordinate baggage-belt allocations, and update flight information displays
- Follow the Common Use Plan to support equitable and efficient gate and counter assignments
- Communicate and coordinate with airport stakeholders and emergency services during emergency-response situations
- Escalate safety, security, and operational concerns to the leadership team
- Prepare daily shift reports and provide verbal briefings to colleagues during shift handovers
- Assist with the on-the-job training of colleagues
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Selection Criteria include:
- Successful completion of high school, along with relevant education or experience in aviation or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience working in a highly regulated environment
- Experience with dispatching and resource management
- Experience with emergency-response protocols and operational procedures
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to interact professionally with internal and external clients, stakeholders, and members of the public while remaining positive and composed in a changing operational environment
- Sound judgement and the ability to make reasonable decisions without direct supervision or guidance
- Ability to assess complex situations quickly and make informed, data-driven decisions that align with operational requirements
- Proactive approach with the ability to anticipate developments and respond to emerging operational needs
- Collaborative team member who willingly provides backup support and contributes to shared goals
- Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new technology and acquire new technical skills
- Strong attention to detail, common sense, active listening, communication, organizational, and project-coordination skills
- Excellent conflict-resolution and de-escalation abilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat; experience using dispatch, access-control, CCTV, flight-tracking, airport operational database, or related systems is considered an asset
Work with us!
- Highly competitive salary
- Full Benefits package of Health, Dental & Vision
- DC Pension Plan
- Healthcare Spending Account to use on additional benefit expenses
- Lifestyle Spending Account to use on Wellness expenses such as health and fitness
- Employee Assistance Program
- Supported Training & Development opportunities
- Opportunity to work with a high functioning team of professionals working on a diversified portfolio
- Proud to be named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers annually since 2011
Conditions of employment include the ability to obtain and maintain an Airport Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) and Transportation Security Clearance (TSC), inclusive of approval for U.S. Preclearance.
Winnipeg Airports Authority is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage all qualified applicants experiencing barriers to equity to self-identify in their application.
Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.