What are the responsibilities and job description for the Airport Operations Manager position at County of San Luis Obispo?
DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
About the Position
The Department of Airports is recruiting an Airport Operations Manager to lead airside and landside operations at 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.
Click Here to view a complete job description.
What You’ll 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.
The Ideal Candidate
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.
MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
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 bachelor’s 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.
Licenses and Certificates:
This classification requires driving as an essential job function. A valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply
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 hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
1055 Monterey Street
Suite D-250
San Luis Obispo, California, 93408
About the Position
The Department of Airports is recruiting an Airport Operations Manager to lead airside and landside operations at 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.
Click Here to view a complete job description.
What You’ll 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.
The Ideal Candidate
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.
MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
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 bachelor’s 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.
Licenses and Certificates:
This classification requires driving as an essential job function. A valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply
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 hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or ‘cafeteria’ contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.
Salary : $97,531 - $124,446