Director, General Aviation Operations

Summary: To provide operational oversight of the five general aviation (GA) airports operated by Rhode Island Airport Corporation. This includes supervision of the GA Airfield Technicians and the Chief Aeronautics Inspector, and all contracts associated with GA airports to provide different services, including Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The position directs all aspects of airport operations, including terminal and airfield management, security, maintenance, and emergency response preparedness. Ensures compliance with local, national, and international regulations. Manages the GA budget, ensuring financial stability, and maximizing revenue streams. The position develops and implements long-term strategies and plans to ensure that these airports meet the operational, financial, and growth objectives in line with the direction from Senior Vice President of Operations. The duties include building and maintaining effective relationships with various stakeholders of the eleven jurisdictions that touch airports’ boundaries. Collaborating with these groups to address concerns and foster positive relationships is important. This position oversees infrastructure projects executed by the Infrastructure Department at these locations such as facility and airfield repair and reconstruction. This involves coordinating construction activities while minimizing disruption to airport operations. Representing the airport in media relations, public events, and community outreach efforts. Communicating effectively with the public and stakeholders about airport policies, developments, and initiatives is essential. Developing and implementing contingency plans for handling emergencies and unexpected events at these airports, such as weather disruptions, security incidents, or natural disasters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Provide day-to-day presence at the five general aviation airports. In this regard creates work plans for six months on a rolling basis. Files these plans with the Senior Vice President of Operations. These work plans will describe activities at the GA airports to include construction, mowing, snow removal, striping, fence repairs, pavement repairs etc. Ensures that the GA airports operate in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and regulations ensuring that the GA airports remains competitive and compliant.
• Work with the FAA, tenants, the FBO, community, organizations like Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the neighboring townships in a robust manner. It is important that the position keeps in close contact with these stakeholders and report back any recommendation that are in line with RIAC’s strategy.
• Intricately involved in the operations at the GA airports by keeping track of tasks that need to be completed both on-site and off-site while detailed providing daily reports.
• Enforce minimum standards at the GA airports. In this regard, enforces FAA regulations of airport land use.
• Provide oversight for third-party work at the general aviation airports that include construction work authorized by RIAC through general construction contractors, maintenance contractors, and third-party authorized work on leased premises.
• Provide authorization for third party work through “tenant improvement” process.
• Schedule, issue agendas, meeting minutes, and keep records of meetings regarding the individual airports throughout the year.
• Ensures proper maintenance and repairs for the GA airports including pavement, grounds and facilities.
• Plan and provide recommendations for obstructions at the GA airports and coordinate with Infrastructure group to accomplish safe air space in and around the individual airports.
• Ensure sufficient personnel are available to provide for monitoring, inspection, and support of airfield operations. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal wildlife permits. 
• Oversee and assist in the development of annual departmental budgets.
• Approve department spending in accordance with Rhode Island state procurement rules and regulations.
• Assist in the establishment of and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Provide prompt response to emergencies at the GA airports around the clock throughout the year.
• Assists in preparation of grant materials related to GA airports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises the Airfield Maintenance Technician II – General Aviation Airports. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  These requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Special qualifications include:

• A thorough working knowledge and experience in FAR Part 139 airport certification compliance.
• A thorough knowledge of snow removal techniques used in an airport environment.
• A thorough knowledge of methods of repair and maintenance activities, materials, and equipment used in maintenance of a General Aviation airport.  
• A working knowledge of the methods of maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery, including familiarity of newer and more sophisticated apparatus.
• Proficient computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Possess the ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications.
• Complete and pass a Transportation Security Administration/Federal Aviation Administration (TSA/FAA) 10-year employment history verification, which will include fingerprinting and a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) prior to being considered for this position. This status must be maintained for the duration of employment at the airport.
• Must be available to call back in the event of an emergency and must be willing to work irregular hours.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Ability to follow highly complex directions.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.

Education/Experience:

• A 4-year degree in aviation or business management, with a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in airport operations at a small or medium or a large hub FAR Part 139 certificated airport, especially where GA airports are part of the system.
• Experience with operations at GA airports beside a commercial airport is a plus.
• AAE certification is preferred.
• Experience with snow removal operations at airports is preferred.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• May need to stay awake for extended hours during emergency situations.
• Ability to drive and walk around the airfield.
• Ability to sit at desk for long periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position:

• Sometimes in inclement weather when responding to emergencies, loud noise, air quality outside.
• Climate controlled office environment.
• Frequent travel throughout the state to various airports.

SHIFT: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Responds to emergencies on 24/7 basis.

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Rhode Island Airport Corporation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

This organization welcomes and encourages applications from minorities, veterans, and persons with physical and mental disabilities, and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons in the application process. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation request will be made on a case-by-case basis.