What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Field Maintenance position at Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority?
About us:
Welcome to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, where we operate RDU International Airport, a vital hub connecting North Carolina to the world. In 2024, our teamwork helped us serve 15.5 million passengers, generate a $24.1 billion economic impact, and our dedication to excellence has been recognized with a Top Five passenger satisfaction ranking in North America. We're a tight-knit team of over 400 employees where accountability and collaboration are our guiding principles, and safety is our top priority. Whether your role is indoors or outdoors, you'll be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions. We believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and professional development to help your career take flight.
About You:
You embody core values that will play a pivotal role in connecting our community to places and the people who matter most. Your commitment to continuous learning will drive innovation and growth, while your unwavering integrity ensures that our brand remains trustworthy and reputable. Your respect for colleagues and clients alike fosters a collaborative and positive environment. Your dedication to excellence in every task you undertake will elevate our brand’s standards. Lastly, your team spirit will unite our efforts and amplify our collective success.
About the Role:
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is looking for a Director of Field Maintenance to lead the team that keeps our airfield and grounds safe, efficient, and ready for takeoff. This role oversees all maintenance and repair operations across our airside and landside areas—ensuring a world-class experience for millions of travelers each year. At RDU, you’ll guide a team that keeps the airport running at full throttle—supporting safety, innovation, and exceptional service. If you’re ready to take command and help shape the future of one of the nation’s most dynamic airports, your career is cleared for takeoff.
Compensation:
- Maximum – Based on experience
- Minimum - $100,657
What You’ll Do:
-
Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing maintenance team that keeps RDU’s infrastructure operating at peak performance.
-
Oversee inspections, repairs, and upkeep of runways, taxiways, lighting systems, signage, and navigational aids in compliance with FAA standards.
-
Develop departmental goals, budgets, and preventive maintenance programs using a CMMS-based system.
-
Coordinate projects, vendors, and environmental programs to maintain operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
-
Respond to airport emergencies—providing steady leadership 24/7.
- Manage snow and ice operations under RDU’s Snow and Ice Control Plan to ensure safe aircraft movement.
What You Need:
Education:
Required:
- Associate degree in a trades-related area, management, engineering, engineering technology, construction management or related field OR relevant equivalent experience to an Associate’s degree
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in management, engineering, engineering technology, construction management or related field
Experience:
Required:
- 6 years of maintenance within a large multi-facility complex, such as an airport, university, or hospital environment.
- 4 years of supervisory experience
Preferred:
- 10 years of maintenance within a large multi-facility complex, such as an airport, university, or hospital environment.
- 7 years of supervisory experience
Licenses or Certifications:
Required:
- Valid NC Driver’s License
Preferred:
- Class B Driver’s License with Air Brake
- AAAE ACE-Airfield Lighting Maintenance Certification
- NC Contractors License
- ORC for Wastewater
- Professional trade license (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Certified Facility Manager
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL encouraged after obtaining position)
- Maintenance and Reliability Management Diploma or similar
Emergency/Weather Status:
This position is considered Essential. This means this department and role are essential to operations and required to be on-site when there is an airport incident (emergency/weather).
RDU Benefits:
At the Authority, we appreciate you and care about your health, happiness, and future. Our benefits start on day one, including medical, dental, vision, tuition assistance, employee discounts, and perks like an on-site gym, a dedicated wellness team, and frequent company and team outings. For a full list of benefit offerings, check out the RDU.com Careers Page
Salary : $100,657