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Thousands of people keep an airport running, and most don't work for the airport. Here's a look at the careers behind every smooth takeoff at ONT and how to pursue one.
A great airport makes the experience effortless. Check-in, glide through security, grab a coffee and before you know it, you’re taxiing toward takeoff.
But behind that smooth experience is a constant, coordinated effort powered by thousands of people doing very different jobs at the exact right moment. Some wear uniforms you recognize, whereas others are part of teams you may never see. All of them play a critical role in getting you from curb to cabin and beyond.
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to run an airport or considered a career in aviation, this is your behind-the-scenes pass to the people who keep everything moving.
Not Everyone Who Works at an Airport Works for the Airport
One of the biggest misconceptions about airport careers is that everyone works for the airport itself. In reality, airports operate more like small cities. There are many employers working side by side, each responsible for a different piece of the experience.
At Ontario International Airport (ONT), there are more than 5,000 badged employees, with only around 150 of those working directly for the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) itself. These roles center on administration, planning, operations oversight, customer experience and the long-term vision that shapes everything else at the airport.
The majority of workers you interact with while at the airport actually belong to partner organizations. Airlines employ gate agents, pilots and flight attendants. The Transportation Security Administration handles security screening. Ground handling companies manage baggage and aircraft servicing. Restaurants and shops are run by concession partners. Rental car companies operate their own teams.
If you’re looking for work in aviation or an adjacent industry, the type of role you’re interested in determines where you apply and who you work for.
Related: Meet ONT’s Airport Leadership
Who Hires At ONT? A Quick Guide for Job Seekers
Behind every smooth takeoff, clean terminal and perfectly timed gate announcement is a massive network of people doing wildly different jobs. The careers below are just a sampling of the many opportunities across aviation and ONT, from entry-level customer service roles to highly specialized technical careers that keep the entire airport ecosystem moving.
| Role Type | Who Employs Them | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Control | FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) | FAA Careers |
| Airline Staff (Gate, Ticketing, Crew) | Individual airlines (United, Southwest, etc.) | Each airline's careers page |
| Airport Admin & Operations | OIAA (Ontario International Airport Authority) | OIAA Careers |
| Car Rental Staff | Individual car rental brands (Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) | Each company's careers page |
| Cargo & Freight | Cargo carriers and ground handlers (FedEx, UPS, etc.) | Each company's careers page |
| Concessions (Food & Retail) | Individual concessionaire companies | Each company's careers page |
| Ramp & Ground Handling | Third-party ground handlers (Swissport, Unifi, etc.) | Ground handler's careers page |
| Security (Non-TSA) | Private security contractors | Each company's careers page |
| TSA Officers & Federal Staff | U.S. Transportation Security Administration | TSA Careers |
The Roles You See: Front-of-House Careers
These are the people who shape your day in real time. They’re the faces you associate with travel and often the ones who set the tone for your entire experience.
Airline customer service agents check bags, issue boarding passes and rebook passengers during delays. Concessions staff run the restaurants, cafes and retail shops inside the terminal. Guest services professionals staff information desks, support accessibility needs and help travelers navigate the airport. Car rental agents manage reservations and vehicle turnovers for the brands operating at the ONT Rental Car Center.
These roles require strong communication skills, patience and the ability to think on your feet. No two days or travelers are ever the same.
The Roles You Don't Always See: Operations and Ground-Side Careers
Out on the ramp and behind the scenes, a different kind of tightly choreographed dance is happening. These roles are less visible but just as essential.
Ramp agents load and unload bags, marshal aircraft and operate ground support equipment in all weather conditions, often starting well before sunrise. Aircraft fuelers calculate fuel loads and service each plane before departure, a safety-critical role that requires certification and attention to detail.
Behind the scenes at ONT itself, the OIAA's operations team handles airfield inspections, airline and vendor coordination and regulatory compliance. Facilities and maintenance technicians keep the terminal's mechanical and electrical systems running around the clock, and custodial staff ensure that the airport stays a pleasant and safe place to work and travel through.
These careers often appeal to people who enjoy hands-on work, problem solving and being part of a team that operates with high competence.
Safety and Security: The Jobs That Never Stop
Safety is the foundation of every airport operation, and is supported by teams that are always working, even when passengers aren’t paying attention.
TSA officers are responsible for screening passengers and luggage. Their role requires focus, consistency and a deep understanding of evolving security protocols. Flight dispatchers, employed by airlines, share legal responsibility with pilots for every flight they release, analyzing weather, coordinating fuel and filing flight plans. Air traffic controllers working for the FAA direct aircraft movement on the ground and in the sky — one of the most demanding roles in aviation, requiring intense concentration and rapid decision making. Safety and operations inspectors conduct daily airfield checks, monitor runway lighting and markings and ensure FAA compliance, roles that blend fieldwork with regulatory knowledge and serve as a natural entry point for people interested in aviation administration, safety or security.
Despite how it can feel during a busy travel day, these systems are designed to work together smoothly and seamlessly. Each role supports the others to create a travel experience that is both efficient and secure.
Working at ONT: Be Part of What Makes It Work
Airports are places of constant motion, but the people behind them build careers that last. Some start in entry level roles and work their way into leadership, while others find a niche that fits their skills and stay there for years.
No matter the path, working in aviation means being part of something bigger than any single flight. You’ll be helping people connect, supporting journeys that matter and keeping an entire system running smoothly day after day.
ONT is also heavily invested in building the next generation of aviation professionals. Our partnership with the Ascend internship program provides college students with paid, hands-on experience throughout different aviation departments, and we provide frequent tours of the airport to help inspire and inform local schools and business groups.
Next time you pass through ONT, take a moment to notice the people around you. Every smooth takeoff, every on-time arrival, every small moment of ease along the way is the result of a team effort that never really stops.
Want to be an integral part of it? We’re waiting to hear from you.
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