Assistant Airport Operations Director

Position Title:

Job Description:

This position will close on October 3 at 11:59 p.m. MT; early application is encouraged.

About the Position:

Lead and oversee critical airport operations, providing strategic direction and day-to-day leadership across multiple operational areas. The Assistant Airport Operations Director ensures safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations while managing complex operational challenges, emergency response, and federally mandated programs. This role works closely with airport leadership, tenants, regulatory agencies, and internal teams to support continued growth, development, and the evolving needs of the airport.

Position Salary Range:

$109,409 to $149,379 based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development, implementation, management and modification of various federally regulated and mandated programs, including Airport Security Program (TSR Part 1542), Airport Certification Manual (FAR Part 139), Safety Management Systems (FAR Part 139), Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR Part 1910), and Emergency Planning Program (FAR Part 139). Develops, implements, and manages operating policies and procedures and safety regulations in compliance with federal, state and city rules, regulations and guidelines related to civil airport operations. Coordinates activities and communicates with regulatory bodies. Acts as the central point of contact on programs and areas of responsibility. Establishes airport-wide procedures and practices.
• Responsible for oversight of assigned sections. Provides strategic planning, development of policies and procedures, leadership and personnel management, disciplinary intervention, employee training and development, and resource management. Establishes and maintains cost effective work schedules for each section. Keeps subordinates and superiors informed on matters impacting achievement of department goals.
• Obtains, analyzes and utilizes data from all Airport areas including Airfield, Airport Police, Airport Rescue Fire Department, Landside, Construction, Maintenance, Air Traffic Control, etc. in order to effectively respond to and bring together routine emergency response actions, personnel or equipment reassignments, or other Airport wide coordination of activities. Has programmatic responsibility for various operational and compliance issues associated with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Safety Administration. Plans, designs, organizes, and implements specific programmatic functions for assigned sections. Researches applicable FAA/TSA regulations. Ordinances, and law for compliance and develops policies and procedures to enhance program effectiveness.
• May be responsible for all emergency planning, coordination, compliance, implementation, and training on federally required National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) for emergency response personnel. Responsible for assuming control and ensuring incident command structure is followed during both emergency and non-emergency situations, which requires response to all incidents. Coordinates with Airport, local law enforcement and federal security and enforcement agencies. Coordinates disaster planning/emergency preparedness drills and exercises. Responsible for emergency and nonemergency security measures, including development and oversight of systems authorizing and controlling access to restricted areas.
• May be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Curbside Traffic Enforcement Program including commercial ground transportation regulation, traffic flow and security measures for the Airport’s landside public and restricted parking lots, terminal front roadway and curbside activities. Regularly reviews the efficiency and effectiveness of associated landside programs. While overseeing front-of-airport snow removal activities, works in close collaboration with other Operations personnel in the coordination of Airport-wide safe and efficient snow removal operations.
• Ensures compliance with training and other requirements as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for all assigned Operations personnel. Responsible for development and implementation of training programs required by the FAA and TSA for all employees working at the airport related to security and safety.
• Directs various regulated and non-regulated programs to ensure safe and orderly flow of air, ground, and pedestrian traffic in a large hub airport environment. Ensures tenant compliance with operating policies and federal regulations.
• Prepares and administers annual budget for division sections. Manages Operations capital improvement program and makes recommendations for other capital projects and equipment for the department.
• Participates in the planning, design, and construction phase of all airport construction projects. Responsible for oversight of all airport construction projects to ensure safety, security, federal compliance and operational requirements are met. Coordinates other functions impacting or interfering with routine operations.
• Responsible for managing multiple airport-wide technology systems. Research, identify, and procure state-of-the-art technologies and systems related to security, safety, and passenger convenience.
• Negotiates terms and conditions of contracts for various service providers. Enforces contracts to ensure compliance. Plans, directs, and ensures the provision of various airport service programs. Ensures facilities are accessible in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) federal regulations; identifies and coordinates facility modifications as required.
• Responsible for the coordination of special events which includes interface with Secret Service, federal, state and local law enforcement, and national security agencies to ensure compliance with required protocols.
• Daily coordination with executive level airline personnel and managers, airport tenant management, city, state and federal managers and agencies as necessary for compliance with governmental guidelines and/or requirements and other matters related to airport operations.
• Acts as and represents the Director of Airport Operations in his/her absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in aviation management, public administration, or a closely related field plus eight years progressively responsible management and supervisory experience in an airport environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis, except that at least three years must be experience at a commercial service airport.
• A nationally recognized airport-related certification required within one year of employment.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to the operation of a commercial service airport. Broad general knowledge of airport physical security, communications, airfield, terminal and landside issues. Understanding of equipment and technology, and administration in an aviation-related environment.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and administration and the ability to implement budget requirements into departmental operations. Knowledge of materials, equipment, personnel management, and budget accounting associated with airport operations. Ability to read and understand maps, blueprints and charts.
• Thorough knowledge of principles of organization and management and public administration related to operation of a commercial service airport.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with high-level representatives from local, state, and federal governments, dignitaries and VIPS, airline companies and airport tenant management.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, to relate well and cooperate with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Resolves complaints from the traveling public.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card or the ability to obtain one immediately upon employment.

Working Conditions:

• Comfortable general working conditions, handling of light weights. Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking. Intermittent exposure to noise, elements of weather, dust, fumes, and other elements to be expected in an airport environment (extensive under certain circumstances).
• Considerable exposure to stress as a result of human behavior and heavy accountabilities, crisis intervention situations, emergency response, and security requirements.
• Non-traditional working hours required due to irregular operations, airport emergencies, emergency implementation of security directives, and weather-related incidents; 24-hour on-call availability.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Airport

Full Time/Part Time:

Scheduled Hours: