Airport Operations Manager

The Department of Airports is recruiting an Airport Operations Manager to lead airside and landside operations at the SLO County Airport. This role is ideal for an aviation professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, brings strong regulatory knowledge and leadership experience, and is motivated by the responsibility of ensuring that the airport is safe, compliant, efficient and operationally ready every day.

As a key member of the Airports leadership team, the Airport Operations Manager oversees operational programs, builds high-performing teams, partners with federal and state agencies and plays a crucial role in shaping the customer, safety and security experience at a rapidly growing commercial service airport.

About the Role

Under general direction, the Airport Operations Manager provides administrative, technical and supervisory leadership for airport operations, maintenance, terminal activities, and security programs. The role develops, interprets and enforces airport regulations, safety protocols, operational procedures and security policies while coordinating with airlines, tenants, military partners and regulatory agencies to ensure seamless airport operations.

This position plays a central role in regulatory compliance, emergency readiness, operational planning and continuous improvement across airport functions.

What Youll Lead

• Daily Operations: Manage Airside, landside, terminal, and maintenance oversight to ensure safety, efficiency, and 5-star customer service.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain the Airport Certification Manual, and the Airport Security Plan (ASP). Ensure readiness for Part 139 inspections, TSA audits, Emergency exercises, and regulatory investigations. Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local requirements.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and train operations and maintenance staff; build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Emergency Readiness: Direct response to irregular operations, aircraft incidents, severe weather impacts, and security events; serve as on-scene authority and coordinate with ARFF and mutual aid partners.
• Program Oversight: Develop SOPs, manage preventative maintenance programs, oversee WHMP and SWPPP initiatives, and track operational performance metrics.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as a primary liaison with FAA, TSA, military partners, airlines, tenants, first responders, County departments, and community partners.
• Operational Communication: Approve NOTAMs, manage access control systems, ensure quality reporting, and maintain accurate regulatory documentation.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

What You Bring

• Strong working knowledge of FAA Part 139, TSA 1542, and airport operations best practices.
• Experience leading teams, managing projects, contracts and operational budgets, and maintaining operational compliance.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and resourceful under pressure, especially during emergencies and operational disruptions.
• Skill in analyzing challenges, identifying risks, and implementing practical solutions.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety and service.
• Commitment to customer service, employee development, and safe airport operations.

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Possession of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in aviation management, business or public administration, engineering, or a closely related field. In addition, five years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations, including at least two years in a supervisory or management role.

This classification requires driving as an essential job function. A valid California drivers license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at ... . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

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