City and County of San Francisco

Airport Noise Abatement Specialist (#5264)

$40.38-$49.06 Hourly / $6,998.00-$8,504.00 Monthly / $83,980.00-$102,050.00 Yearly


Definition

Under supervision, the Airport Noise Abatement Specialist is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the Airport’s noise monitoring system, flight tracking system and responding to citizen’s concerns.  The essential functions of this class include:  monitoring aircraft noise and airlines’ compliance with FAA, State and Airport noise regulations; troubleshooting and maintaining remote noise monitoring sites and flight tracking equipment; retrieving and correlating data from the Airport’s various noise monitoring sites; compiling data into standardized format; responding to and investigating citizens’ complaints; may attend community meetings to assist in and/or make presentations regarding noise abatement issues; maintaining inventory of spare parts for the systems.

Distinguishing Features

Class 5264 is the journey level in the Noise Abatement class series. Positions at this level perform technical operational duties in the operation and maintenance of the Airport noise and flight tracking systems.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Noise Abatement Specialist in that the latter performs more complex technical abatement duties and serves as lead specialist in team or special projects.

Supervision Exercised

None

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 9, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive.

1. Operates the Airport’s noise monitoring and flight tracking equipment, retrieves and correlates data through the use of customized computer software programs and utilities including routine operation, backing up and archiving data, daily checking the status of the systems, e.g., time, disk capacity, error messages, etc.

2. Troubleshoots & maintains remote noise monitoring sites and flight tracking equipment (e.g., circuit cards; microphones) including identifying defective components, and calibrating and replacing components. Troubleshoots and maintains noise and flight tracking computer components (e.g., printers, modems). Transport and/or retrieves data equipment between the Noise Monitoring Office and storage room to and from remote sites.

3. Monitors aircraft noise, flight operations (including test programs) and other pertinent aviation factors and procedures in the Airport Noise Office utilizing voice logging, noise monitoring, flight tracking, aircraft radios, and other equipment. Monitors Noise Abatement equipment in the field and at private residences through the use of portable noise monitors, hand held receiving radios, cellular phones, and binoculars.

4. Maintains records and logs of spare parts, calibrations, maintenance history, data storage; writes form reports.

5. Analyzes and evaluates data in monthly airline reports for compliance with Airport noise regulations.

6. Maintains and operates Noise Monitoring Van including fueling, cleaning interior, arranging cleaning of exterior, and maintaining inventory of contents.

7. May attend community meetings to assist in and/or make presentations regarding noise abatement issues.

8. Responds to and addresses calls relating to Airport/Airplane noise complaints from the community.

9. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:  Federal Aviation Regulations, State and Local noise abatement laws and regulations; aircraft performance including noise characteristics; general airport operations and the principles of aviation; acoustics, including frequency response, decibel levels and sound transmission; the principles and procedures of Air Traffic Control Communications, (i.e. translating flight strip data, weather data and interpretation of flight tracks); aviation weather patterns and their effect on airport operations locally and worldwide; modern computer systems and applications related to noise monitoring mitigation (e.g. flight tracking systems, spreadsheets, databases and word processing, and the set up and connection of noise monitoring hardware.)

Ability to:  anticipate and identify problems associated with noise and flight tracking systems and develop and make recommendations for solutions; analyze, summarize and compose a variety of noise monitoring and abatement reports for the Airport and State, and Federal agencies; orally communicate effectively and persuasively with staff, airport management, members of the public and government officials; demonstrate sensitivity and concern to the public in regard to noise complaints in the community.

Experience and Training

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:
One (1) year of aviation experience, such as working with flight tracking equipment, radar, airport traffic patterns, flight paths,  aircraft flight procedures or applying airspace rules, safety procedures, navigation techniques and aviation regulations, six (6) months of which must have included noise abatement responsibilities.

Substitution:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation, Aeronautical Operations or a related field can substitute for the six (6) months of noise abatement experience.
Additional experience as described above may be substituted for  the required degree on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two (2) years.  Thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one (1) year; OR
Possession of a Commercial Pilot’s license may substitute for the one (1) year of required experience; OR
Possession of a Professional Air Traffic Controller certificate may substitute for the one (1) year of required experience.

License or Certificate

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a Class C driver’s license by the time of appointment.

Notes

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Ability to climb and work in confined or awkward spaces to install and monitor equipment; strength to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

PROMOTIVE LINES
To: 5271 Senior Noise Abatement Specialist
From: Entrance Examination

AMENDED DATE:   9/27/00, 5/30/2012

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 5264; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 5/30/2012;