Vice President of Infrastructure

Summary: Management oversight of executing capital projects at six airports. The primary responsibilities are small to large airport infrastructure planning and design, pavement evaluations, airfield pavement designs, site and facilities design, commercial and airport site development layouts, utility system design, and related services. Duties also include generating and overseeing consultants who will generate engineering reports, construction plans, preparation of project specifications, assembling permit applications and providing engineering oversight during construction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other related duties may be assigned:

• Management of sections of RIAC’s capital improvement program through direct supervision (both internal and external) of assigned staff managing capital projects.  Ensures that assigned capital projects are properly programmed, and appropriately delivered through planning, permitting, design, construction, and project closeout.
• Interact with operating department managers, executive staff, board members, community groups, regulators, consultants, contractors, tenants, and others on engineering matters, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the FAA, consultants, contractors, other departments and individuals in the planning and implementation of airside and landside projects.
• Manage the preparation of Scope Definition and Scope Change Forms.
• Write procurement documents for design and planning projects.
• Manage the selection process for Architects and Engineering (A/E) firms.
• Manage the review and evaluation of A/E’s fee proposals to include scope, budget, schedule, deliverables and administration of the project.
• Prepare independent estimates for consultant fees.
• Review schematic and development plans and specifications for various projects.
• Coordinates with agencies to ensure environmental permitting is in compliance for various projects.
• Review final plans, specifications and bid documents.
• Review preliminary cost estimates and construction schedule.
• Manage the administration of construction projects to include pre-bid and pre-construction conferences, contract award recommendation, cost estimates, change orders and addenda.
• Negotiate contracts with A/E firms and contractors.  Review and approve design invoice vouchers and construction progress payments.
• Demonstrate creativity, foresight and mature engineering judgment in anticipating and solving unpredictable engineering problems.
• Responsibilities sometimes require working evenings and weekends, sometimes with little or no advanced notice.
• Other related duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position supervises engineering and architectural project managers (both internal and external) to support program delivery.  The Environmental Department also reports to this position.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Senior level management responsibility.
• Excellent business acumen.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple projects with strict deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including, but not limited to verbal and written communication skills, active listening and negotiation skills, ability to understanding others’ perspectives.
• Confidence in directing and coordinating staff, contractors and consultants.
• Innovative and effective management techniques to encourage employee performance.
• Budgeting skills.
• Valid driver’s license and must remain insurable as a condition of continued employment.
• Proficient in MS Office suite, Email, Internet and multiple engineering programs (GPS, AutoCAD).
• Familiarity with Advisory Circulars, FAA and ICAO requirements, procedures and publications.
• Ability to pass the required TSA background investigation and maintain as a condition of employment.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.  Master’s degree is preferred.
• Must have or obtain Rhode Island Professional Engineer (PE) license via reciprocity within one year from the date of hire. 
• 5 years of progressive engineering management experience at a small, medium, or large hub airport is required.
• Extensive knowledge of the FAA coordination associated with the execution of airport capital program is required.
• Active participation in the aviation industry is preferred.
• Experience with architectural projects is preferred.
• A.A.E. accreditation is preferred.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Prolonged sitting and viewing a computer monitor, utilizing a computer keyboard.
• Ability to drive and walk around the airport properties.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Climate controlled office environment.
• Exposed to the elements when visiting airport properties.

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.