PANAMA CITY-BAY COUNTY AIRPORT AND INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
JOB DESCRIPTION
CLASSIFICATION: Deputy Police Chief
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
SUPERVISOR: Police Chief
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2026
PAY LEVEL: 114 ($78,037.10 — $140,466.77)
PAY CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEFINITION: This is a specialized management position responsible for supervision and operation of the Airport Police Department in the absence of the Police Chief. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Chief with considerable independent judgment and initiative exercised in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Airport Police Department. Performs related duties as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: In the absence of the Police Chief, perform duties including planning, organizing, and directing all airport security and law enforcement functions. Assist the Police Chief in maintaining the TSA-approved Airport Security Plan and ensure compliance at all times with CFR Part 1542 and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Coordinates training for all personnel issued access media. Supervises the access control system and conducts media audits as required. Works with the FBI on violations of federal laws and regulations concerning the traveling public, ensuring proper coordination of all police matters with appropriate municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement officials. Coordinates Airport police and security matters with the TSA, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies in the absence of the Police Chief. Maintains and promulgates necessary department rules, regulations, and procedures.
Supervises personnel and performs duties relative to personnel policies and procedures. Performs routine police patrols and responds to emergency situations as required. Attends conferences, workshops, seminars, and other educational meetings as directed by the Police Chief. Supervises the Airport’s security access control badging system and key control program. Coordinates Airport security matters with staff, tenants, and other users of the Airport. Serves in an on-call capacity. Responds to emergency situations after normal business hours as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be currently certified as a law enforcement officer by the State of Florida. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required in police administration or a related field. Must have 10 years’ experience as a police officer, including at least 5 years in police administration and/or supervision, with preference for 2 years at the rank of Lieutenant or above. Airport law enforcement experience at a FAR Part 139 Certified airport preferred.
Must be physically fit, submit to psychological screening, and be certified as drug-free. Knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to airport security is required. Must have the ability to command the respect of officers and to assign, direct, and supervise their work. Must possess strong interpersonal and administrative skills and the ability to interface and effectively communicate with staff, tenants, governmental entities, and the general public. Must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment drug testing as well as periodic testing in accordance with airport policy; must pass a 10-year, fingerprint-based, criminal history records check as required by the Transportation Security Administration. Must have or obtain the AAAE Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) certification. Preference for Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.) through AAAE.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional:
- Working on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Ability to lift or push/pull 100+ lbs.
Frequent:
- Walking, standing, bending, running, climbing, squatting, twisting/turning, balancing, crawling.
- Ability to lift or push/pull up to 50 lbs.
- Reaching above shoulder, reaching outward, handling/fingering, typing/keyboard functions.
- Prolonged periods of visual concentration and moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
- Maintain ability and proficiency to operate department vehicles, assigned firearms, and equipment.
- Ability to defend oneself from physical assault/attack.
- Able to restrain, lift, and/or carry adults of varying weights.
Constant:
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, utilizing Standard English.
- Ability to hear (with or without a hearing aid) and have acceptable eyesight (with or without correction), and/or signal people to convey and exchange information.
- Ability to differentiate between colors or shades of color, read a variety of materials, and comprehend them.
- Ability to apply problem-solving skills and deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
- Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergencies, unusual or dangerous situations, or situations requiring sustained attention or physical exertion.
- Walking for long periods of time (e.g., TSA checkpoint/terminal).
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee may be exposed to radiant and electrical energy sources, as well as grease, oils, solvents, chemicals, dust, and noise. The employee frequently works in both indoor and outdoor environments, interacts with the public, and encounters a variety of environmental, climate, weather, and terrain conditions. The employee is subject to varied work hours, overtime, and recall during emergencies as essential personnel.
Risk/Safety Conditions:
The position involves a significant degree of inherent danger and risk, with tension being a consistent part of the job.
DISCLAIMER:
The examples above are illustrative and not intended to describe every function which may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific duties does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed, if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.