Public Safety Officer

Overview

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) is a nonprofit corporation operating McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX). With a long-standing service history in East Tennessee, MKAA airports serve as gateways for travelers and businesses. This opportunity invites you to contribute to the continued success and growth of MKAA’s airports.

The Public Safety Officer performs sworn law enforcement, firefighting, security, and emergency medical services for all MKAA-owned property, facilities, and users. The role includes operational maintenance and upkeep of physical plant and equipment. The position requires obtaining and maintaining all required certifications and training (some training may require attending courses away from home for several weeks). May perform other designated duties as assigned to ensure regulatory compliance.

This position requires working a 48-hour shift, followed by 96 hours off.

• Enforce state, federal, and local laws, as well as security policies across MKAA property.
• Ensure compliance with Tennessee POST standards, FAA regulations, TSA requirements, and Department of Homeland Security policies.
• Respond to and resolve complaints and incidents; investigate crimes, suspicious activity, and security breaches.
• Collect witness statements and prepare detailed, accurate reports of findings.
• Provide fire protection and suppression services, including training, salvage, and overhaul for aircraft, vehicles, buildings, and equipment.
• Respond to and enter wrecked or burning aircraft, vehicles, and structures to rescue trapped individuals using forcible entry tools.
• Deliver emergency medical care 24/7, including patient assessment, lifesaving treatment, and triage during critical incidents; coordinate ambulance transport when needed.
• Perform Airfield Operations duties during non-business hours, holidays, weekends, and staffing shortages.
• Assist with building maintenance tasks such as repairing security doors, baggage conveyors, escalators, elevators, jet bridges, and electronic gates during off-hours or staffing shortages.
• Complete assigned tasks and designated duties related to specific service areas.
• Perform other related work as required.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fire, police, and medical operations, along with knowledge of airport-specific elements such as runways, markings, signage, debris and lighting inspections, and wildlife management. Familiarity with maintaining security doors, baggage conveyor systems, escalators, elevators, jet bridges, and electronic perimeter gates is essential. The role requires excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, radio communication, negotiation, and customer service abilities.

Candidates must maintain physical and medical fitness for duty in accordance with applicable standards. This position also requires working a 48-hour shift, followed by 96 hours off.

• Six months to one year of advanced study with 0 to 3 years of experience in a police or firefighting discipline.
• POST, Tennessee Fire Commission Structural Firefighting, FAA approved Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and Emergency Medical Responder certifications required within 12 months in the role.
• A valid Tennessee state driver’s license is required.

The hiring range for this position is $59,115.14 - $76,849.68, with the final offer based on experience. MKAA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; and a 401(a) retirement program.

For best consideration, apply by Sunday, July 26, 2026. Position open until filled. Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600, Knoxville, TN 37901, Attention: HR. Resumes/App­lications must be received by the stated deadline, or postmarked by the deadline date, to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. The employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing. MKAA complies with the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act and federal law by participating in E-Verify. All post-offer new hires are verified to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long‑term basis.
• MKAA conducts random employee drug screenings.
• MKAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.