More than a job. A career in aviation public safety.
Looking for a public safety career that takes you beyond the ordinary? Join the Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) Department of Public Safety, where law enforcement, aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency medical response, and airport security come together every day.
At CHO, no two shifts are the same. You may respond to a medical emergency, support an aircraft operation, conduct an airfield patrol, respond to a fire alarm, manage a traffic incident, or work alongside local, state, and federal public safety partners.
As a CHO Public Safety Officer, you will help protect passengers, employees, tenants, aircraft, and critical airport infrastructure while supporting the safe operation of one of Virginia’s important transportation hubs.
WHAT MAKES CHO DIFFERENT?
This is a multi-disciplinary public safety position for professionals who can think on their feet, make sound decisions under pressure, and adapt to constantly changing situations.
You will have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in:
- Law Enforcement — Patrol, incident response, investigations, security, and enforcement.
- Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) — Respond to aircraft emergencies, fires, fuel spills, and rescue operations.
- Emergency Medical Response — Provide first-response medical care and coordinate with EMS.
- Airport Security — Protect critical infrastructure, secure restricted areas, and support airport operations.
- Emergency Operations — Respond to accidents, hazardous conditions, severe weather, special events, and other unique aviation challenges.
TRAIN FOR MORE. DO MORE. BECOME MORE.
CHO provides a unique opportunity to build a broad public safety skill set while working in a professional aviation environment.
If you're ready for a career that challenges you, develops you, and offers something different every day, come experience public safety at CHO.
Bring your skills. Expand your experience. Make a difference.
CHO Department of Public Safety
The Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) Department of Public Safety is a specialized, multi-discipline agency dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the airport’s passengers, employees, tenants, and surrounding community. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Department provides law enforcement, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), emergency medical first response, and regulatory compliance services across the airport campus.
The Department’s sworn Public Safety Officers are cross-trained to meet FAA Part 139, TSA, and state and local law enforcement requirements, enabling them to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents—from security operations and emergency medical calls to airfield safety inspections and fire suppression.
Through proactive patrols, training, emergency preparedness, and interagency collaboration, the CHO Department of Public Safety maintains the highest standards of professionalism and operational readiness, supporting the airport’s mission to provide a safe, secure, and efficient gateway for Central Virginia.