What are the responsibilities and job description for the Airport Manager position at City of Boulder, CO?
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Application Deadline:
April 16, 2025
Compensation Details:
Full Pay Range
124,696.00 - 187,054.40
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility Group:
Non Union (30 Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the
Employee Benefit Eligibility
document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
Under general direction of the Director of Transportation and Mobility, direct and manage the day-to-day operations of the Boulder Municipal Airport, serve as a member of the Transportation and Mobility leadership team by developing a sustainable business model for the airport, planning for the airport’s future, managing airport operations, ensuring regulatory and safety compliance and working with airport users and the surrounding community to address noise and other concerns in a safe, sustainable and financially self-sufficient manner and to perform related duties as required.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Develop the long-range master plan, strategic plan and annual business plan for the airport.
- Periodically assess business climate, market competition and community goals.
- Work with the community and stakeholders to update the required airport master plan.
- Establish key targets and strategies to achieve goals.
- Develop, implement, and monitor the airport budget, including revenue projections and expenditure control. Prepare yearend reports.
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Manage and administer airport operations. This includes:
- Ensure that the airport is operated within FAA safety guidelines and Federal Air Regulations (FAR). Enforce all FAA rules and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
- Resolve operations and Tenant problems with tact and skill.
- Plan and implement a comprehensive airport safety program.
- Plan and provide for airport security.
- Prepare, revise, and enforce airport operating rules and regulations as necessary.
- Implement the City's voluntary noise abatement program, ensuring that business operations and pilots are well educated about the noise abatement policies. Work with businesses and pilots to achieve compliance.
- Serve as the City’s liaison for the airport and coordinate airport operations and its development with appropriate federal, state and local agencies, as required. In addition, serve as the City’s airport representative in meeting with community groups, tenants, users and other interested parties.
- Ensure airport facilities are properly maintained and supported by evaluating the condition of facilities and equipment to establish and prioritize maintenance/repair/construction needs.
- Direct the planning, development, construction, improvement, maintenance, administration and operations of the Boulder Municipal Airport.
- Develop and enforce minimum building standards for airport structures.
- Direct the development of general aviation service, promotes service to community and regional customers, and assists with the general marketing of the airport.
- Coordinate the upgrade and expansion of airport facilities.
- Manage the work of contractors and consultants in compliance with city, state and federal guidelines as appropriate and applicable.
- Manage work of all airport staff, temporary personnel, interns, volunteers, and others who work on airport operations, maintenance and monitoring.
- Coordinate ongoing maintenance and capital maintenance activities with other city departments and divisions as appropriate and applicable.
- Approves all purchases for the airport; writes specifications for airport equipment; approves facility maintenance needs; approves contractor expenditures; conducts bids for supplies and materials.
- Work to attain the environmental goals and objectives of the City when performing new construction, reconstruction, and major/minor maintenance repair, integrating/utilizing the city's environmentally sustainable techniques such as integrated pest management, LEED and wildlife management policies.
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Oversee, participate in lease negotiations and administer leases. This may include:
- Develop lease and sublease policies concerning length of leases, types of businesses which are acceptable lessees, rate structures, etc.
- Process applications for new leases.
- Monitor the activities of lessees to ensure compliance with lease terms.
- Review and renegotiate existing leases consistent with the goals identified in the airport master plan.
- Identify and recruit potential tenants as needed.
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Administer FAA or other grants for airport rehabilitation and capital improvement projects. This includes:
- Document construction and renovation needs, develop six-year plan for capital improvements, and projects funding requirements.
- Propose five-year FAA preapplications and annual applications for project funding.
- Research, apply for and manage other grants, as necessary.
- Ensure that the airport is in compliance with FAA regulations. Correct or request waiver for preexisting conditions which are not in compliance
- Maintain records, monitor grant expenditures, and submit reports to the FAA or other funding agency.
- Stay current on airport management practices and policies, FAA regulations, etc.
- Act as liaison to City and County Planning Boards and the City Attorney's Office. Provide research and advice on revisions to the City Code, Zoning requirements and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. Review and comment on development applications within the Airport Influence Zone (AIZ).
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Provide information to airport business operators, pilots, neighbors and the community at large. This includes, but is not limited to:
- File FAA bulletins to provide pilots with information about airport closures or temporary safety hazards.
- Attend meetings of the airport business owner’s association.
- Plan, coordinate informational/marketing sessions and conduct airport facility tours for prospective lessees, including airport policies and services available.
- Plan and coordinate public relations and community outreach programs that will enhance the public awareness and understanding about the Boulder Municipal Airport.
- Develop and implement airport policies, procedures, and guidelines. Plan and implement educational and communications programs and processes to disperse information to appropriate users and interested parties.
- Perform related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the City.
- Ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control heavy equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments such as operations of snowplows and various construction equipment.
- Take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to collaborate and to partner when appropriate.
- Ability to function well independently.
- Ability to make strong and effective decisions.
- Ability to manage complex projects.
- Ability to manage/supervise staff, including contract staff as well as managing consultant contracts.
- Knowledge of aircraft, airport safety procedures, airport maintenance, airport security and ability to coordinate with pilots.
- Knowledge of and experience working with the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
- Skill in basic computer skills and ability to utilize City-wide systems (email, calendaring, etc.).
- Skill in business and financial/budget management.
- Skill in Strong communications (verbal, listening, writing and presenting) and interpersonal skills.
- Skill in working with multiple stakeholder groups and proven ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide range of groups and individuals.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
- Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Skill in facilities planning and management, project management, crisis/emergency management, PR/community outreach, grant writing and management, commercial leasing, negotiating and enforcing legal agreements/regulations, noise abatement, conflict resolution, customer service, team building and developing business systems and procedures.
- A.A.E. (Accredited Airport Executive) or A.A.E. candidate preferred.
- Experience as a pilot.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management, Public Administration or Business Management, or related field.
- Seven (7) years of experience in airport management/operations and five (5) or more years in an upper-level management position at a busy general aviation airport, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two (2) years of experience in supervision of airport-related staff.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Transportation and Mobility Director
Supervision Exercised: Airport Safety and Infrastructure Operations Coordinator, Project Coordinator/Program Manager, Temporary Snowplow Driver, Assistant Airport Manager
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to respond to and lead emergency response and recovery efforts.
- Work Environment: May require occasional work on nights and weekends.
- Machines and Equipment Used: Ability to operate heavy equipment such as snowplows, rotary brooms, and loaders for snow removal and airfield management.
Additional Job Description:
Last updated: 02-25-2025
The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.
