About the position
The City of Fort Lauderdale is seeking a dedicated individual for the position responsible for the day-to-day management of safety and regulatory compliance at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Downtown Helistop. This role requires a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency, as the successful candidate will be expected to convey the vision and mission of the organization while providing excellent service to both internal and external customers. The position involves supervising, coordinating, directing, training, evaluating, and monitoring the work of airport operations personnel engaged in various activities including airfield, apron, and hangar inspections, emergency activities, preventative maintenance, and planned projects. In addition to overseeing the daily operations, the individual will manage construction projects, assist in the development and administration of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and identify necessary airfield improvements. The role also includes managing contracts related to security, environmental services, airfield markings, and operations technology. The successful candidate will serve as the primary liaison for tenants and will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and other regulatory requirements. Daily meetings with operations personnel and contracted security staff will be conducted to discuss ongoing activities, maintenance schedules, and special events. The position requires a proactive approach to safety and operational efficiency, including the development and implementation of environmental and wildlife plans, coordination with local emergency services, and training programs for airport personnel. The individual will also be responsible for preparing technical reports, managing the division budget, and promoting good relationships with the community through various outreach programs. This role is critical in ensuring the smooth operation of the airport and maintaining high safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, direct, supervise, train, evaluate and monitor the work of Airport operations personnel engaged in airfield, ramp and hangar inspections, emergency activities, preventative maintenance and planned projects.
- Oversee construction projects in progress on the Airport.
- Manage the Joint Automated Capital Improvement Program (JACIP) project portfolio.
- Assist with the development and administration of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
- Identify airfield improvements needed due to new requirements, safety enhancements or good business practices and plan, organize and coordinate those improvements.
- Manage contracts including security, environmental, airfield markings, and operations technology contracts.
- Develop and manage Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional and operational services, security, special projects and airfield maintenance.
- Review proposed on and off airport construction projects to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77 surfaces.
- Serve as the primary tenant liaison with the Airport for operational matters and resolve tenant and user concerns.
- Identify improvements to airport operations plans, policies and programs.
- Conduct daily meetings with operations personnel and contracted security personnel regarding daily events, scheduled maintenance, construction projects, operating procedures, training, and special events.
- Act as the primary contact for Airport management with tenants, FAA Air Traffic Control, Police, Fire, US Customs, contractors, engineering inspectors, DNRP, Florida Power and Light, and other government agencies and City departments.
- Develop, implement and monitor the Environmental and Wildlife Plans and Programs.
- Coordinate with local fire and police departments to establish training programs as part of the emergency preparedness process.
- Act as liaison with tenants and user groups regarding Airport operational and safety issues including incursions of unauthorized entry onto the Airport Movement Area.
- Plan, organize, and conduct training programs for tenant airfield personnel on runway operational and safety procedures and certify these personnel for airfield access privileges.
- Plan and coordinate the maintenance of Airport and Airfield facilities, roads, gates, grounds, vehicles and equipment.
- Oversee and respond to aircraft incidents/accidents and maintenance emergencies; provide information for dissemination to City officials and the media.
- Act as primary contact with FAA Flight Standards and the NTSB regarding aircraft accidents.
- Compose technical reports and correspondence to the FAA, FDOT, tenants and other City departments.
- Assist in administering Airport security contract including direction, testing, training and enforcement.
- Prepare Advisory Board and City Commission agenda items; make presentations before the Aviation Advisory Board.
- Oversee and manage Division budget for maintenance and operational needs.
- Make recommendations for purchase of equipment, services, and vehicles and for sale of surplus items; prepare bid specifications.
- Conduct preliminary plans review of improvement projects on and around the Airport to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations; confer with design engineers, contractors, inspectors and property owners regarding plans review.
- Represent the Airport in construction and safety meetings with engineering, FAA Air Traffic Control Tower, FAA Airports District Office, FDOT, tenants and building contractors.
- Promote good relationships with the community through the oversight of the Airport tour and youth program.
- Train and develop interns regarding airport operations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising airport operations. Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
- Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license as a private pilot preferred.
- Accredited Airport Executive preferred.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) compliance.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations related to airport operations.
- Experience in managing budgets and financial planning for airport operations.
Benefits
- Competitive salary range of $65,324.13 - $101,257.97 annually.
- Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
- Automatic enrollment in FRS for new hires.
- Six (6) additional Management Vacation Days.
- Vehicle Allowance of $250/month.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program eligibility for student loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.
