Director of Operation, Airfield and Equipment Maintenance

Summary:  Responsible for overseeing all aspects of airfield maintenance and repair activities at the six (6) airports and surrounding grounds, ensuring proper upkeep, safety compliance, and efficient operations by managing a team of maintenance personnel, coordinating with contractors, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Also responsible for the oversight of the automotive repair facility and associated staff.

Shift: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm (available for emergencies 24/7)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Maintenance Planning and Scheduling: Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance plans for all airport facilities, including preventative maintenance schedules, prioritizing critical repairs, and coordinating with contractors for larger projects.

·       Staff Supervision: Lead and manage a team of maintenance technicians, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, providing training, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. This includes participation in the hiring, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes.

·       Facility Inspections: Regularly inspect airport infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, lighting systems, and grounds, identifying potential issues and initiating necessary repairs.

·       Budget Management: Create and manage the maintenance budget, tracking expenditures, procuring materials, and evaluating cost-effective solutions.

·       Compliance with Regulations: Ensure all maintenance activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations regarding airport maintenance, safety and operations.

·       Emergency Response: Coordinate with emergency services to respond to maintenance-related incidents, including repairs and clean-up operations during disruptions.

·       Contractor Oversight: Manage relationships with outside contractors, reviewing bids, overseeing project execution, and ensuring quality standards are met.

·       Reporting and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, including work orders, inspection reports, and repair documentation. Analyzes maintenance trends and establishes key performance metrics.

·       Communication and Collaboration: Collaborate with airport staff, airlines, and other departments to coordinate maintenance activities and address operational issues.

·       Ensure airport’s successful passage of necessary testing and inspections by applicable outside agencies.

·       Formulate and effectuate management policies and procedures.

·       Participates in grievance proceedings under the collective bargaining agreement.

·       Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Airfield Maintenance Manager, Airfield Maintenance Supervisor, Automotive Supervisor and the Airfield Maintenance Technicians report to this position.

·       Approve time off and payroll for all departmental employees.

·       Responsible for the hiring, training, and disciplinary action of all RIAC departmental employees.

·       Coach, counsel and challenge employees regarding performance expectations of their 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.

·       A thorough working knowledge and experience in 49 CFR Part 139 airport certification compliance.

·       A thorough working knowledge and experience in 49 CFR Parts 1542 and 1544.

·       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 an 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.

·       Detail-oriented and organized.

·       Excellent problem-solving ability.

·       Must be able to consistently exercise discretion and judgment in performance of work.

·       Ability to follow highly complex directions.

·       Ability to remain calm in high stress situations.

·       Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.

·       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.

Education/Experience:

·       Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, engineering or related field required.

·       Minimum of 5 years of airport operations and/or maintenance experience at a commercial airport required. 

·       Experience in direct management of collective bargaining units strongly 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.

·       May need to work and 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 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.

·       Outdoor exposure in various climate and weather conditions while performing essential functions of this job.

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.