Airport Operations Manager

THE POSITION

The Santa Barbara Airport is seeking a dynamic, motivated and proactive individual who will lead the Operations Division in providing land and airside operations including security in compliance with a range of State and federal safety laws and operating regulations.  

The Airport Operations Manager is one of five manager positions at the airport. This position requires a thorough knowledge of hub carrier airport laws and is distinguished from supervisory staff by its understanding of operational standards, and safety and security regulations. Work is performed in accordance with policies established by the Airport Director. The Airport Operations Manager class is distinguished from the Airport Operations Supervisor, and the Airport Patrol Supervisor by its broader accountability for interdivisional operations, projects, and compliance monitoring, and greater scope of supervision and policy-making authority.

Under administrative direction, the Airport Operations Manager:

• Manages and coordinates the operations and security of the City’s airport.
• Ensures that Airport operating practices comply with a range of State and federal safety laws, operating regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Coordinates security aspects of airport construction projects and manages staff.
• Ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139 Certification requirements; maintains and updates the Airport Certification Manual.
• Ensures compliance of Airport Security Program with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations Part 1542 security regulations; manages daily security operations.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
 

• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Assists the Director in day-to-day Airport operations.
• Coordinates Airport construction projects with staff, FAA Tower personnel, TSA, and other governmental planning and regulatory agencies.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates Airport operations and security staff.
• Develops, reviews, and administers division budget for operations and security; assists with the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program budget.
• Manages the Airport's Noise Abatement Program, including handling of supervising complaint responses.
• Develops and directs the FAA-required Airport emergency response plans and oversees staff training; plans and conducts ongoing safety and job training.
• Acts as liaison for FAA required Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting services provided by the Santa Barbara Fire Department.
• Recommends and helps develop general policies for Airport operations and security activities.
• Develops and administers Commercial Ground Transportation Programs, including fees and operating procedures.
• May act in the absence of Airport Director or Assistant Airport Director.
• Prepares and presents reports to Airport Commission and City Council.
• Ensures Departmental compliance with City, State, Federal, procurement, Human Resources and Financial procedures and policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local aviation rules, regulations and laws pertaining to airport operations.
• Principles and practices of airport development, operations, maintenance, security, terminology and facilities.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget development and compliance
• Administrative principles and practices including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and implement division goals, projects, policies, and practices.
• Interpret, analyze, apply and implement complex laws, regulations, manuals, and other materials.
• Communicate clearly and concisely and create effective oral and written presentations.
• Prepare, monitor and administer division budget.
• Plan, oversee, coordinate, and evaluate the work of supervisory and support staff.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
• Analyze complex operational and administrative problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend or implement effective courses of action.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and management controls.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the staff, management, vendors, contractors, consultants, government officials, and the general public encountered in the course of the work.
• Assist in the development of Master Plan and Land Use Plan.
• Read and interpret laws, regulations, manuals, and other materials.
• Exercise independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Prepares and presents reports to Airport Commission and City Council.
• Ensures Departmental compliance with City, State, Federal, procurement, Human Resources and Financial procedures and policy.

Education/Training/Experience:
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in airport management, public administration, business administration or related field and five years of managerial experience in the operation of a small hub municipal airport. Possession of a Pilot’s License and operational understanding of aircraft are desirable, as is C.M. or A.A.E. accreditation through the American Association of Airport Executives. The candidate who is ultimately hired must have the ability to become certified as an Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) for the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Licenses, Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid Class C California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy. Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives is highly desirable.  

May need to work extended hours or be on call to respond to Airport emergencies or special events.

Must obtain Santa Barbara Airport AOA driving authorization allowing operation of vehicles and equipment on the active airfield within 6 months of appointment.

Must qualify for and maintain personnel identification media authorizing access to all restricted areas of the Airport.


IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION, PLEASE VISIT THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA WEBSITE TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION.