Summer Intern, JFK Airport Operations

Description

About the Internship

The JFK Airport Operations Center (AOC) is seeking a summer intern to join their team and support the core functions that keep one of the nation's busiest airports operating safely and efficiently. This internship offers hands-on exposure to real-time airport operations, emergency preparedness, and the technologies and coordination efforts that drive airport-wide decision-making. Working alongside AOC staff and multi-agency partners, the intern will gain insight into how operational issues are monitored, communicated, and resolved in a dynamic 24/7 environment. The role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while developing a strong foundation in aviation operations, incident management, and public-sector service.

Responsibilities

• Support daily airport operations and coordination by monitoring passenger flow, customer experience conditions, roadway activity, and flight impacts, while assisting with the development and maintenance of performance analyses and tracking systems in collaboration with airlines, federal partners, and internal Port Authority units.
• Organize and support AOC-led meetings, including preparing agendas, recording notes, tracking follow-up actions, and coordinating with multiple JFK units.
• Support implementation and maintenance of airport monitoring technologies, including traffic management tools, customer experience platforms, and operational dashboards used by AOC staff.
• Assist in organizing, reviewing, and digitizing AOC documentation such as SOPs, COOP plans, regulatory manuals, procedures, and technology user guides; upload and maintain materials in structured, searchable SharePoint libraries.

• Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship
• Major in Aviation, Aeronautics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Transportation Systems, or related discipline
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to work with data-driven reports and tracking tools.
• Must be able to obtain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge (fingerprint-based CHRC required)

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including strong listening and follow-up abilities.
• Familiarity with SharePoint or other document management platforms, with the ability to maintain organized, searchable digital libraries.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment, apply common sense, and work both independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, competing priorities, and interruptions in a dynamic operational environment.

• The start date will be Thursday, May 28, 2026
• The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026
• This is a full-time internship (5 days per week at 7.25 hours per day)
• In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits interns to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required depending on business needs. Some internships may require interns to be fully in-person.

• Only applicants under consideration will be contacted
• If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews
• Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

• The hourly rate range is $18.07 to $30.31 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)
• Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System
• Access to Employee Business Resource Groups
• Facility Tours
• Career Panels
• Social/Networking Events