Dispatcher - Airport Operations

Salary: $23.09 - $27.59 Hourly
Location : Fort Myers, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00749
Department: Airport Operations
Opening Date: 12/18/2025
Closing Date: 1/1/2026 4:30 PM Eastern

About Us

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is an award-winning, medium-hub commercial service airport that served more than a record-breaking 11 million passengers in 2024 and is one of the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic. Fifteen airlines serve RSW with nonstop service to more than 70 markets, including Canada and Germany. The economic impact of the airport is $8.3 billion annually to the Southwest Florida region and more than 60,000 jobs. Page Field (FMY), an FAA-designated reliever airport, provides services to general and business aviation and accommodated 169,000 aircraft operations in 2024. Base Operations at Page Field is an award-winning, fixed-based operator and has been recognized for its customer service and facilities.

Terminal Expansion projects are currently underway at RSW to improve the airport travel experience by consolidating the security checkpoints, adding concession space and providing passengers more amenities and options. In addition, a new Concourse E is being constructed with 14 gates, as well as other terminal, landside and airside improvements.

The Position
Anticipated hourly starting rate for the ideal candidate is between $23.09 and $27.59

Join our team as an integral part of airport safety and efficiency We are currently seeking a motivated individual for the entry-level position of Airport Operations Dispatcher (AOCC Specialist), at the Lee County Port Authority. This role is a vital link in the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), providing real-time, common operational communication and coordination services for airport police, fire, and emergency responders.

What we are looking for:

• A quick learner: Eager and able to learn our processes and master new skills quickly
• A strong communicator: Able to provide clear and concise instructions and communicate effectively with the team and emergency responders
• A problem-solver: Approaches challenges proactively and takes initiative to find solutions
• A Calming force: Able to keep composure and react effectively during stressful situations
• A team player: Works collaboratively and is committed to contributing to a positive team environment

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• A valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree required
• A complete background investigation of each applicant will be made. Must pass a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC), and multiple criminal background checks to obtain and maintain state and federally mandated security clearances TSA, CJIS, drug screening, psychological evaluation, background, etc.
• Must be able to obtain an approved Security Threat Assessment from the TSA
• Must obtain a CPR and AED certification within 6 months of hire
• Completes Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) certification within three months of hire
• To apply and obtain CJIS certification, you must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past 10 consecutive years and must have never had a felony conviction.
• Ability to retain and relay information under stressful conditions, respond to calls quickly and calmly, and make sound decisions while working under pressure
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to read, write and clearly speak English, speak clearly over the phone, paging system or radio, as well as maintain positive working relationships with other agencies and stakeholders
• Be able to multitask and efficiently and effectively handle a variety of challenges and rapidly changing situations
• AOCC Specialists work an 84 hour (twelve-hour shift) bi-weekly work week and must be available for varying shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays

Key Responsibilities

• Queries, communicates, conveys and enters a variety of information relating to law enforcement activities using the Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS)
• Operates all communication systems to include phone network, 800 MHz radios, cell phones, terminal paging, and various computer-based emergency notification platforms
• Proactively monitors various CCTV feeds for operational situations and/or emergencies and coordinates information for appropriate response by responsible entities
• Operates the Emergency Notification System (ENS) as directed and approved by supervisor or airport leadership
• Dispatches Information Technology (IT) personnel during after-hours emergency requests and inputs after-hours work orders as established by Operations Instruction (OI)
• Provides flight information, pages, general information, and inquiries to both the public and tenants as requested
• One (1) year of aviation/airport experience or emergency call-taking/dispatch experience preferred
• Complete the 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) course to include state testing and certification within 6 months of hiring
• Completion of the State of Florida's Certified Telecommunicator course preferred, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and aviation experience may be considered
• Monitors, tests, controls/operates airport-wide fire alarm systems

Overview of Benefits

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

The Port Authority participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Employees have the option of choosing between two retirement plans:

1) FRS Pension Plan - traditional retirement plan that offers a guaranteed monthly benefit upon vesting requirements

2) FRS Investment Plan - benefit is based on contributions made to the account and on investment performance. Both plans require eligible employees to contribute 3% per paycheck, while the employer contributes 13.63% for regular class or 32.79% for Special Risk.

Medical Insurance

The Port Authority offers two plan choices for all full-time employees, their legally married spouse and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following their date of hire.

Dental Insurance

The Port Authority offers a dental plan for full time employees, their legally married spouse and children.

Vision Insurance

The Port Authority offers two (2) affordable plans options to select: Low and High Plan.

Employee Assistance Program

The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. This is the availability of licensed professional counselors for personal issues with 100% confidentiality.

Flexible Spending Account(s)

There are two (2) types of FSA reimbursement accounts that allows contributions to be deducted from each paycheck before taxes to cover expense with pre-tax dollars. This lowers your taxable income. 1) Medical Expense Reimbursement - covers out-of-pocket expenses for medical, dental and/or vision expenses; 2) Dependent Care Reimbursement - covers daycare costs for dependent children under the age of 13 or elderly adult daycare.

Life /AD & D Insurance

The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. Employees are insured at an amount equal to the annual salary rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. The AD&D insurance provides additional coverage in the event the employee should lose their limb(s), eyesight or die.

Additional Life Insurance

The Port Authority provides the employee with an option to purchase additional life insurance coverage for him/herself, their spouse and their child(ren).

Short Term Disability

The Port Authority provides the employee with short term disability coverage for him/herself at no cost to the employee. Benefits are paid to 60% of salary up to nine (9) weeks.

Long Term Disability

The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. Benefits are paid up to 60% of the employee's salary after being disabled for 60 consecutive days.

Direct Deposit

The employee's payroll check is directly deposited into the bank of their choice.

Other Programs

457 Deferred compensation programs
Education reimbursement
On-site gym - RSW

Paid Time Off & Holidays

The Port Authority offers a generous amount of paid time off in addition to 11 paid holidays, and 1 birthday day
01

Are you available to work any shift, including weekends, nights, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you able to work an 84-hour (twelve-hour shift) bi-weekly work schedule?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have previous dispatch experience? If so, please list what agency.
Required Question

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