Director of Aviation

Salary : $10,857.60 - $12,284.13 Monthly

Location : McKinleyville, CA

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 0839

Department : Department of Aviation

Division : 381 - Arcata-Eureka Airport

Opening Date : 02 / 06 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 2 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION

DIRECTOR OF AVIATION

Please note : This is a County of Humboldt job position, however the job application is submitted through ADK Consulting & Executive Search. To apply for this position, click on this link

The Director of Aviation, reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors, oversees the strategic direction, operations and growth of the county's Aviation Department. This role encompasses capital improvement projects, operational management and community engagement to enhance regional connectivity and economic vitality. With an operating budget of $17.9 million for FY 2024-25, including $10.8 million allocated for capital expenditures, the department operates as a self-sustaining enterprise fund.

The Director of Aviation plans, organizes and directs aviation programs, services and facilities across countyoperated airports. Collaborating closely with the Board, County Administrative Officer, airline partners, general aviation tenants and community partners, the Director ensures the delivery of safe, efficient and innovative airport operations.

DEFINITION Under general policy direction by the Board of Supervisors, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the programs and activities of the County's Aviation Department; provides expert professional assistance to County management staff, responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of aviation facilities and airfields, and related matters; performs related work as assigned. The Airport Department consists of six (6) airports located throughout the County : The California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV), which offers commercial as well as general aviation, and five general aviation airports including Murray Field (EKA) Rohnerville Field (FOT), Garberville Field (O16), Kneeland Field (O19) and Dinsmore Field (D63). DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This class has department head-level responsibility for overall policy & strategic development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operation of the county's Aviation Department. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing departmental goals and objectives, supervising staff, administering the annual budget, and directing the day-to-day operations and activities of the Aviation Department. This class is not part of the classified service and serves at the will and pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Ensures the Humboldt County Airport system is operating according to Federal, State and Local laws and regulations in order to ensure public safety and security; ensures proper maintenance, security and compliance of airport facilities; directs airport security and emergency operation efforts, performing safety risk analysis to ensure the Airport and airfields operate in a safe and compliant manner.

Represents the county in negotiating terms and conditions of tenant leases, submits for review to the County Counsel and Risk Management and enforces terms of leases.

Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Aviation Department; prepares and administers the department's budget.

Works closely with the County Administrative Officer, Board of Supervisors, other County departments, a variety of public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to the assigned function; advises the County Administrative Officer and Board of Supervisors on related issues and programs.

Advises the Board of Supervisors on issues and programs relative to management of the county's airport and airfields; prepares and recommends long-range plans for aviation services and programs and develops specific proposals for action on current and future County needs.

Oversees long- and short-range activities including the Aviation Department Master Plan; coordinating such activities with those of other political jurisdictions.

Formulates and administers the Aviation Department enterprise and capital improvements budgets. Prepares federal and state grant applications. Monitors and administers grant projects expending grant funds per agreements.

Formulates and administers the local commercial air service marketing strategies and serves as the direct representative for Humboldt County in seeking expanded air service and competitive rates for the public.

Represents the County and works closely with boards and commissions and public and private officials to provide technical assistance, directly or through subordinate staff.

Directs terminal, operations and administrative functions. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the county's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; ensuring programs and funding for staff development and training; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Coordinates the preparation of a wide variety of reports or presentations for County management and / or outside agencies.

Directs the development of management systems, procedures and standards for program evaluation.

Monitors developments related to delegated service area; evaluates their impact on County operations and implements policy and procedure improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

Modern principles, practices and programs related airport operation, management and maintenance.

Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations affecting airport operations, safety and security

Methods and techniques of effective facilitation, communication and negotiation

Budget development and administration

Principles of leadership, engagement and performance management

Strategic planning and development

Negotiation and lease management

Principles and practices of business computer applications related to the work.

Skill in :

Selecting, motivating and evaluating staff and providing for their training and professional development.

Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls.

Understanding, interpreting, explaining and applying complex county, state and federal laws regulating airport and airfield programs and projects.

Analyzing complex technical and administrative problems, evaluating alternative solutions and adopting effective courses of action.

Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a variety of citizens, public and private organizations, boards and commissions, and County staff.

Exercising sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.

Other Requirements :

Must possess a valid California driver's license.

Desirable Education and Experience :

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is :

A four year college degree with major course work in aviation, public administration, management, facilities / construction management, or a closely related field and five (5) years of supervisory or administrative experience in aviation and airfield management which has included program planning, development and administration and working with community organizations.

Certification through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) as an Accredited Airport Executive is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through ADK Consulting & Executive Search website found here.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and / or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and / or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and / or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and / or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS retirement system, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program : Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

Tier II - Post 7 / 6 / 2012 : 2% @ 55

Tier III - Post 1 / 1 / 2013 : 2% @ 62

If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you would be in Tier III.

If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes :

Medical : Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

Dental : Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

Vision : Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

Life Insurance

Longevity Pay

Educational Reimbursement

Deferred Compensation

Employee Assistance Program

Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including :

Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21 completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

VACATION CONVERSION

Annual conversion of up to 20 days of vacation to cash, or as a contribution to deferred compensation.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

10 paid days per fiscal year.

LIFE INSURANCE

20,000 in life insurance paid by County with employee option to purchase up to $500,000.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Eligible for an optional County paid physical examination every other fiscal year.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

Salary : $500,000