A day in the life of... an Assets Supervisor

The eyes and ears in the terminal. That's how Henk van Dijk, Assets Supervisor (or caretaker, as the position was formerly known), describes himself. Together with his two colleagues he is the operational link between different parties in the terminal, such as the airlines, Dutch Customs, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the operational departments within Schiphol itself. 'We walk around the terminal and hear about what isn't working and what has been left undone during meetings between parties. We try to help tackle the issue and let the relevant people know about it. We're like intermediaries on an operational level.'

More supervision on the floor

When you have this job, it helps if you know your way around the airport. That's all right with Henk. 'I have been working at Schiphol since 1988 and started as a caretaker in 2019 because there was a need for more supervision on the floor. We didn't have our own workplace back then and created the position ourselves by establishing relations, letting people know we were there and telling them about what we did.'

Always new matters to take care of

Every day is different for the Asset Supervisors at Schiphol. 'We have a lot of meetings and often make rounds in the terminal. And we are always coming across new matters to take care of. For example, there were once several old lockers at Schiphol Plaza, cordoned off with red and white tape. They were no longer being used but had also not been cleared away. We found out who was responsible and made sure that they dealt with it.'

A unique place to work

'The variety, without a doubt,' Henk enthuses after being asked what he likes most about his job. 'But also, that you really contribute to the terminal and to the experience of the travellers. Schiphol really is a unique place to work, it's so diverse. One moment you're walking among the crowd, a bit later you're at the office and in the afternoon, you may find yourself next to the planes, in the baggage basement or in a technical room. It can't get more varied than this.'

Getting things done

A job in a million, it seems. Is there nothing that falls short of expectations? Henk: ‘Not much. Sometimes you have to fight to get things done. Sometimes I wonder why certain things take so long. But you know that can happen, you shouldn’t let that become an annoyance. Fortunately, I’m very good at that.’

Approachable

In short, if something isn't working as it should in the terminal, go and see Henk and his colleagues. Does that also apply to travellers? 'Definitely! We may not be instantly recognisable, but you can approach us when we're making our rounds. I often wear an orange vest. So, if you have anything to report, please let us know!'