Aerodromes Inspector (Rescue and Firefighting Services)

Salary: £56,959 dependent upon experience + car allowance

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: CTC

Location: Manchester Regional Office

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

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.

The Role

Whilst the Head Office location for the CAA is Gatwick, there are also regional offices located at Manchester and Stirling. At the CAA we are committed to smarter and flexible ways of working to support a healthy work / homelife balance whilst meeting the needs of the organisation, team, and the colleague.

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). This is an exciting time to join the CAA and work amongst a highly skilled team of professionals whose overall objective is to protect people and enable aerospace.

As an Aerodrome Inspector one of the key aspects of your role will be to carry out regulatory oversight of the safety management, and operational services (in particular Emergency planning and Rescue and Firefighting Services) at licensed and certificated aerodromes, ranging from major international airports to small general aviation airfields.

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

• Plan, conduct, record and report on audits and inspections of aerodromes against relevant requirements, either individually or as part of an audit team.
• Reporting audit outcomes to, and holding regular meetings with, aerodrome accountable managers and CAA management teams.
• Conducting proportionate oversight at 'general aviation' UK licensed aerodromes
• Collaborating with other CAA teams to share and record 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).
• Carrying out or contributing to investigations into aviation safety related issues such as whistle-blower disclosures or mandatory occurrence reports (MORs).
• Contributing to the development of CAA policy in line with areas of expertise.
• Contributing as a focal point in areas of expertise to CAA projects or change programmes (Including Future Flight Challenge).
• Supporting CAA International safety initiatives (including audits, expert missions, and delivery of training courses).

The above provides some of the 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, meaning no two days may be the same, from visiting 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.

Your work will be varied and interesting, allowing opportunities to engage at every level, from conducting desktop audits, being out within the Aerodrome airside environment to hosting meetings with Accountable Managers. The ability to build collaborative relationships will be key to success within the role.

You will be experienced in the delivery and management of Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS), Emergency Response Planning, and Aerodrome Safety Management.

You will be required to travel and there will be time spent away from home as following successful completion of the induction training programme, the successful candidate will provide oversight of aerodromes throughout the UK.

Minimum Essential Attributes

• Personal values that align to CAA values.
• Experience in the field of Aerodrome Emergency Planning and RFFS.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework for Aerodrome Operations.
• Proven understanding of SMS at Aerodromes and the principles of their application.
• Communication skills that involve exploring and understanding what is happening in a situation rather than accepting information at face value.
• Ability to adapt to safety critical unforeseen events and challenge safety related assumptions where appropriate.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Meticulous approach to record keeping.
• Operator level of IT literacy (including Microsoft office suite of tools).

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.
• A desire to gain knowledge and skills to improve your performance and grow professionally.

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 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.

Relocation & Property
 

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusive Recruitment

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.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us

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 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!

Our Values
 

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

Closing Date: Friday 28th March 2025

Interview Date: W/C Tuesday 22nd April 2025

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.