Aerodromes Inspector

Salary:£49,007 up to £55,300 dependent upon experience + car allowance.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: CTC

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

Whilst the location for this role is Gatwick the CAA is committed to smarter and flexible ways of working. There may be scope to agree a degree of homeworking and/or the use of one of the other CAA offices at Manchester or Stirling.

The Role

The role of Aerodrome Inspector is critical to our 'field force' and sits within the Airspace, Air traffic Management, and Aerodromes (AAA) team, which in turn is a part of the CAA's Safety and Airspace Regulation Group (SARG). As an Aerodrome Inspector one of the key aspects of your role will be to carry out regulatory oversight of the safety management, infrastructure, and operational services at licensed and certificated aerodromes, ranging from small general aviation airfields to major international airports.

Reporting using a range of IT based tools; you will have specific accountabilities and responsibilities that will include:

• Planning and carrying out audits and inspections of aerodromes against relevant requirements, either individually or as part of an audit team
• Conducting proportionate oversight at 'general aviation' UK licensed aerodromes
• Reporting findings to senior aerodrome management teams and recording intelligence internally.
• Collaborating with other CAA teams to share intelligence gathered whilst active in the field.
• Using intelligence and knowledge gained from interactions with aerodrome operators to develop a risk profile.
• Evaluation of safety management systems (SMS)
• Contributing to the development of CAA policy in line with areas of expertise
• Carrying out or contributing to investigations into aviation safety related issues such as whistle-blower disclosures or mandatory occurrence reports (MORs)
• Contributing as a focal point in areas of expertise to CAA projects or change programmes (Including Future Flight Challenge)
• Management of new aerodrome licence/certificate applications as required.
• Supporting CAA International safety initiatives (including audits, expert missions, and delivery of training courses).

The above provides some key aspects of the role, however the role is varied and diverse and other accountabilities and responsibilities that are within the scope of the post holder's competence will also be included.

About You

You will be providing regulatory oversight at the full spectrum of UK aerodromes ranging from small 'general aviation' airfields where recreational flying takes place, to major international airports. The CAA has a strong commitment to proportionality and the successful candidate will need to apply this principle in everyday activities.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience of aerodrome safety management, aerodrome design and operational services, and/or an understanding of aerodrome emergency response planning and the delivery of Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS).

This role will require extensive travel and time away from home. Following successful completion of induction training, the successful candidate will provide oversight of aerodromes throughout the UK.

Essential requirements:

• Experience in the field of aerodrome infrastructure design
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework for aerodrome operations
• Understanding of the aerodrome safeguarding arrangements associated with obstacles and instrument flight procedures.
• Proven understanding of SMS at aerodromes and the principles of their application
• Operator level of IT literacy (including Microsoft office suite of tools)
• Meticulous approach to record keeping.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Ability to adapt to safety critical unforeseen events.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable attributes:

• Sound understanding of human factors principles.
• Ability to self-manage and organise time and workload effectively.
• Clear communicator who can build effective and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to organise and lead meetings at a senior level.
• Ability to challenge safety related assumptions where appropriate.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 3 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Working With Us

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 19th April 2024

Interview Date: May 2024

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.