HPN - Airport Operations Intern

Job Description – Airport Operations Intern

Business Unit: HPN – Airside Operations
Reports To: Airport Operations Supervisor (or designee)
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt 

Job Category: Temporary; Part-time Paid Internship 

Union: None
Primary Work Location: On-Site, Westchester County Airport
Country: USA

The Company

Founded in 1927 as a division of Pan American World Airways, Avports is an experienced and trusted airport manager, operator, and developer. Today, the company operates with over 650 staff at 15+ airports across the US and the Caribbean, with that number slated to grow to 800 during the next year with the addition of new airport projects. Avports has manages a portfolio of airport operations and maintenance (O&M) and public-private partnership (P3/PPP). These airports have diverse operations, encompassing commercial and general aviation airports, passenger terminals, joint-use airports, heliports, NASA facilities, and spaceports. 

Westchester County Airport (HPN) 

https://airport.westchestercountyny.gov/general-information/overview

Westchester County Airport, located at 240 Airport Rd, West Harrison, NY 10604, five miles east of White Plains and about 30 miles north of Manhattan. It has been operating as a public-use airport since 1945, and offers a diverse mixture of commercial, business and private aviation services. Responding to the needs of its surrounding communities and its unique location, the airport has been a pioneer in the management of its environmental impacts caused by aviation operations. 

Job Summary

This entry-level, developmental, and non-supervisory internship position exists to provide structured, hands-on experience that bridges academic knowledge with real-world airport operations. The role supports workforce development by exposing interns to multiple functional areas—including airside and landside operations, safety and compliance, maintenance, and administration—through guided participation, job shadowing, and project-based assignments. The program is designed to cultivate a pipeline of future talent while ensuring interns gain meaningful, compensated learning experiences within a dynamic airport environment.

Candidates should be currently enrolled in a relevant academic program and demonstrate interest in aviation or airport operations. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to follow procedures in a regulated environment.

Interns must reside within a reasonable commuting distance, be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, and be capable of maintaining high levels of engagement, attendance, and professionalism throughout the program. Exposure to standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and cross-functional collaboration is expected, with duties evolving based on operational needs and learning objectives.

Position is classified as non-exempt and temporary under the FLSA and reports to the Airport Operations Supervisor or designee. Work is performed on-site at Westchester County Airport and requires compliance with all schedule requirements, airport credentialing, TSA, and company and schedule requirements.

Interns must adhere to all safety, security, and operational policies, with restrictions placed on participation in hazardous environments, which are limited to supervised observation where applicable. The internship is a structured, time-bound program intended solely for developmental purposes and does not guarantee future or continued employment with the Company.

Essential Job Functions

• Participate in daily operational briefings, coordination meetings, and training sessions
• Assist operations personnel with inspections, monitoring activities, and routine operational tasks under supervision
• Observe and support airside and landside operations, including terminal activity, tenant coordination, and ground transportation
• Support safety, security, and regulatory compliance initiatives
• Assist with administrative, analytical, and project-based assignments
• Maintain documentation related to training, rotations, and assignments
• Prepare and present a final internship summary report or presentation
• Always maintain professional behavior and communication in a safety-sensitive, customer-facing environment
• Demonstrate respect for passengers, tenants, colleagues, and stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational and learning objectives

Program Structure

• Rotational assignments may include: 
  • Airside Operations
  • Landside Operations
  • Airport Maintenance
  • Environmental, Safety & Compliance
  • Administration and Finance
• Includes job shadowing, supervised participation, and exposure to SOPs and regulations
• Designed to support professional development and academic learning outcomes

Core Competencies

• Accept ownership and accountability, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality results with a sense of urgency
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards
• Work effectively in a highly coordinated operational environment and support team goals
• Demonstrate alertness and evaluate conditions in a dynamic airport environment
• Function effectively in adverse weather, fluctuating schedules, and high-pressure situations
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistency in shift-based operations
• Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately when needed
• Manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Maintain high attention to detail, sound judgment, and conscientiousness in all work
• Communicate timelines, expectations, and progress clearly
• Support team continuity and knowledge sharing
• Seek, receive, and apply constructive feedback
• Contribute to continuous improvement through innovative and cost-effective solutions

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program in aviation management, airport management, business, public administration, or related field
• Demonstrated interest in airport operations and aviation

Licenses, Certifications & Eligibility

• Must be at least 18 years of age by December 31 of the calendar year in which employment begins.
• Must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, including work authorization and work permit requirements, as well as assigned scheduling expectations. 
• Valid local driver’s license with acceptable record
• Ability to obtain TSA clearance and airport badging

Technical & Functional Skills

• Ability to learn entry level FAA and airport operational requirements
• Aptitude to learn organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar tools
• Ability to follow procedures in a dynamic operational environment

Work Authorization & Travel Requirements

• Must reside within reasonable commuting distance of the primary work location.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must comply with airport credentialing requirements to work in secure areas.
• Travel is not typically required beyond local airport access.

Work Environment, Physical & Cognitive Demands

• Work is performed in a busy airport environment, including terminal areas, curbside, roadways, parking facilities, administrative offices, and occasional airside access
• Exposure to variable weather, passenger activity, vehicle traffic, and elevated noise levels
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and continuous movement required
• May require lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling moderately weighted items
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required in designated areas
• Maintain situational awareness in a dynamic, customer-facing environment
• Ability to follow instructions and perform tasks safely and accurately
• Demonstrate professional interaction with staff, tenants, and stakeholders
• Ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and make decisions under pressure

Internship Conditions & Expectations

• This internship is a temporary, developmental opportunity and does not constitute regular employment. Participation in the internship program does not guarantee future or continued employment with the Company.
• Continued participation is contingent upon satisfactory performance, adherence to Company policies, and compliance with all operational and security requirements. Interns may be removed from the program at any time based on performance, conduct, or operational considerations.
• Interns are expected to actively engage in all assigned learning activities, demonstrate initiative, and contribute to a professional, team-oriented work environment consistent with organizational standards.
• Interns must comply with all Company policies, procedures, and standards applicable to employees, including but not limited to safety, conduct, confidentiality, and information security requirements.
• Duties will be assigned in accordance with all applicable labor laws, safety regulations, and Company policies. Exposure to operational or higher-risk environments will be controlled and supervised in alignment with regulatory and safety requirements.

Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.

The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company. will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Compensation and Benefits Overview

Internship compensation is provided in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws. Classification and compensation structure are specific to the internship program and do not reflect ongoing employment status.