In a bid to boost security at Chicago's bustling air hubs, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is on a hiring spree to onboard more than 80 Aviation Security Officers (ASOs) at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee pulled the curtain back on the recruitment drive to fill these critical roles as part of the CDA's security enhancement strategy.
The ASOs have their work cut out for them, responsible for a range of duties that include patrolling terminals, and grounds, verifying IDs, inspecting vehicles, and responding to a myriad of safety incidents. "Each day, more than 50,000 badged employees report to work at Chicago’s airports with one top priority in mind: the safety and security of passengers who arrive, depart, and connect through our airports," Commissioner Rhee stated, according to the official announcement.
Those eyeing a spot in the security team are expected to bring at least one year of experience to the table, preferably from safety, security, or customer service domains. The CDA is casting a wide net by also welcoming applications from individuals with military backgrounds, higher education credentials, or security certifications.
The appointed ASOs stand to gain a comprehensive insurance package, ample time off, and a pension plan through the City of Chicago. These unionized roles kick off with a starting salary of $53,340. Detailed job requirements and the application process can be sifted through at chicago.gov/careers or for those curious about the broader landscape of CDA career opportunities, FlyChicago.com/jobs is the destination.
