Apron Controller

YVR's mission is to connect British Columbia proudly to the world, serving the community and the economy that supports it.  We aim to be a premier global gateway, connecting people, cargo, data, ideas, and community.  Our new Apron Management Service Team will play a critical role in achieving our mission by ensuring the safe, orderly and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles on our airfield.  We are seeking people with an interest in aviation and a passion for excellence to join our new team of Apron Controllers.

Position Overview 

YVR’s Apron Management Service is responsible for the provision of services to support the continuous, safe, orderly and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles on YVR’s aprons. In this dynamic environment, your strong spatial and situational awareness, effective communication skills, and ability to make timely decisions will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence. 

Reporting to the Manager, Apron Management Service, we are building a team of full-time, permanent Apron Controllers. You will manage the safe and efficient movement of aircraft by providing pushback instructions, engine start up approvals, aircraft sequencing, and taxi routing to and from designated stands.  You will collaborate with Air Traffic Control, Flight Crews, YVR Airside Personnel and other internal and external stakeholders.  Apron Controllers will be located in YVR’s brand new state-of-the-art Digital Apron Control Centre (DACC), which will be the hub of the overall end-to-end journey of aircraft.   

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles on YVR’s aprons by providing instructions to flight crews, tow crews, vehicle operators and others through VHF radio communications.
• Monitor and track the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ground using Advanced-Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems and a digital visual tracking system.
• Manage and coordinate the seamless transition of aircraft on the ground with Air Traffic Control using an electronic flight tracking system and through data exchange to communicate aircraft stand information, taxi routings, handover points, operational holds, deicing requests, designated runways, emergency response and other critical information.
• Represent the Apron Management Service Unit in collaborative decision-making forums with internal and external stakeholders to address airport capacity, implement operational plans (e.g. Snow and Ice Control (SNIC), aircraft de-icing), manage operational performance, address operating irregularities (e.g. weather, construction), and ensure the safe smooth flow of aircraft into and out of YVR at all times.
• Support and oversee the daily administration of the Apron Management Service Unit including:
  • maintenance of a daily shift log;
  • monitoring and coordinating Apron Controller rotational position assignments;
  • preparing shift handover briefings;
  • implementing quality assurance program elements, monitoring system performance; and 
  • implementing corrective action plans as required.
• Provide peer-to-peer training of new and current Apron Controllers, including instruction, guidance, coaching, assessment, and feedback.
• Represent Apron Management Service in meetings and activities with both internal and external stakeholders to promote and support the work of the team in building resiliency, improving performance and driving for operational excellence.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in working in a safety-sensitive operational environment, supplemented by completion of a two-year program or diploma in Airport Operations, Apron Management Service, Air Traffic Control, Flight Dispatch, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. 
• Proven experience in operating under stress and high-pressure in safety-sensitive situations and emergencies 
• Aviation expertise - aircraft identification, aircraft operating characteristics, air traffic management, aerodrome standards, safety management systems, and airfield design are desired assets.
• Advanced verbal communication skills; knowledge and experience working with standard aviation radio communications phraseology or possession of a valid Radio Operators Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A) is a distinct asset 
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and confidently (i.e. to convey authority)
• Ability to spatially visualize objects in a dynamic operating environment 
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a high-pressure, safety-critical environment.
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Apron Controllers are required to work a shift schedule with day, afternoon/evening and night shifts in support of the airport’s 24-hour per day, 7-day per week, 365-days per year operation. As an employee on an extended shift work schedule, you will be eligible for shift and weekend premiums. 

Our recruitment process requires short-listed candidates to participate in a multi-tiered assessment process which includes satisfactory completion of an Apron Controller medical assessment administered by a certified aviation medical examiner with both drug and alcohol testing.  

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

Salary Range : $85,156 to $111,294 per annum in 2026, based on a 37.5-hour work week. This is individually tailored to reflect your unique experience, qualifications and internal equity.

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning opportunities. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.