Project #1: Daily Airfield Inspections 

• Join Airside Operations team in inspecting runways, taxiways, ramps, and concourses. 

• Observe and document conditions affecting operational safety, including lighting, pavement, and signage.  

• Learn how inspection findings feed into compliance reporting and emergency response protocols. 

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Project #2: Support New-Hire Training for Airside Operations 

• Assist in preparing and delivering classroom training for new Airside Operations employees. 

• Build foundational knowledge of FAA Part 139 certification requirements and their impact on airport operations. 

• Learn and help communicate key topics such as Part 139 compliance, radio communication, safety protocols, and emergency response coordination. 

Project #3: FAA Inspection Log & Database Audit 

• Reconcile and audit FAA inspection logs to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations. 

• Review and update digital databases, verifying that all airfield inspection records meet Part 139 standards. 

• Identify discrepancies and propose process improvements for record-keeping efficiency. 

Project #4: Runway Friction Testing & Compliance Audits 

• Assist with required runway friction testing to maintain safe aircraft operations. 

• Document test results, compare against FAA thresholds, and support corrective action planning. 

• Participate in audits to confirm adherence to Part 139 requirements and DEN’s internal safety standards. 

Project #5: Aviation Megatrend Research 

• Collaborate with a team of fellow DENterns to conduct discovery research on a key aviation megatrend. This includes gathering data, interviewing industry experts, and analyzing findings. At the end of the summer, your team will present insights to DEN’s executive leadership to help shape strategic innovation and prepare the airport for the future. 

What You’ll Bring 

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following skills, characteristics, and interest:  

• An interest in aviation and airport operations 

• Someone seeking to gain aviation experience and insight into airport management.  

• Strong interest in understanding FAA Part 139 regulations and how they impact airfield operations 

• Curiosity about how airports prepare for and respond to emergencies, including drills and incident protocols 

• Enthusiasm for working outdoors on the airfield, conducting inspections, and supporting airfield safety 

Desired Skill Set 

• Communications: Writing and oral communication skills for expressing concepts and results; ability to communicate research findings clearly and captivatingly. 

• Interpersonal Skills: Verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to handle conflict, teamwork, empathy, listening, and a positive attitude  

• Creativity and Innovation: Thinking outside the box and coming up with new and unique concepts. Someone who takes those creative ideas and turns them into practical and valuable outcomes. 

• Time Management: Proactively taking on new challenges and responsibilities; effective time management to prioritize activities and achieve project deadlines. 

• Adaptability: Easily adjusting to changing circumstances and shifting priorities on short notice while balancing multiple tasks 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Education Requirement: Current enrollment in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associates, bachelor’s, or higher degree, or a recent graduate (completed specified program within 1 year of completion).  

• Experience: None  

• Education and Experience Equivalency: No substitution of experience for education is permitted.  

• License/Certifications: Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application 

Mandatory documentation required to be considered for this position: 

• 1–2-page resume 

• Transcripts – either official or unofficial; dated within your current academic term. This is only used to verify amounts of credits; grades will not influence decisions 

Optional Documents 

• Cover letter detailing why you are interested in this position and 3-5 new skills, experiences, or tools you are hoping to take away from this experience.  

Application Deadline   

This position is expected to stay open until Monday, February 23, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than February 22nd at 11:59 PM. 

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.  

FBI Background Check

FBI criminal background check is required for all positions at Denver International Airport (DEN). Employees are also required to report any felony convictions and/or moving violations to maintain this clearance and be eligible for continued employment. By position, a pre-employment physical/drug test may be required. 

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