Airport Operations Manager

Summary:

Under general supervision, directs and performs complex administrative and operational work supervising airport operations, property maintenance, and related activities. Duties include, but are not limited to, supervising staff, managing daily airport operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing maintenance activities, and administering the airport budget including grants. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Economic Development.

Essential Functions of the Position:

Management:

• Supervises Airport staff engaged in refueling and towing aircraft and assisting customers, pilots and the general public who use and/or visit the Airport.
• Maintains productive working relationships with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) for the benefit of the Louisa County Airport.
• Ensures operations comply with all applicable agreements, evaluates effectiveness, and takes corrective action as needed.
• Performs administrative duties associated with supervising staff, including hiring, scheduling, training, and evaluating job performance.
• Establishes and maintains a positive employee climate and ensures proper and efficient use of human and financial resources.
• Ensures departmental compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees and assists as needed with planning and coordination of airport events and marketing efforts via website and social media.
• Directs, manages, and organizes the daily activities and resources of the Airport, including budgeting, grant administration, staffing, and equipment needs.
• Develops, updates, and implements airport policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with other County offices and functions.

Operations:

• Manages daily airport operations to ensure compliance with federal and state aviation regulations.
• Oversees and participates in aircraft fueling, towing, fuel sales and related tasks.
• Ensures adherence to safety standards, including issuing NOTAMs, controlling aircraft movement, and enforcing compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manages hangar leasing, including hangar waiting list, agreements, and access control.
• Oversees inventory and sale of aviation-related items (e.g., oil, etc.).
• Directs or performs airfield maintenance, including buildings, fueling equipment, mowing, snow removal, and County-owned vehicles.
• Prepares for and implements plans for inclement weather, such as snow removal.
• Assesses airfield conditions, records discrepancies, and arranges corrective actions.
• Responds to emergencies and implements contingency plans to ensure security and safety.
• Manages capital projects and coordination with state and federal agencies, airport tenants, consultants, and stakeholders.

Fuel:

• Ensures aviation fuel quality and compliance with required standards.

• Manages fuel inventory, sales, and quality control operations.
• Maintains accurate fuel sales, inventory records, and required reports.

Budget:

• Prepares and manages the airport’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Reviews and oversees prepared billing statements and reports.

General:

• Prepares written reports and presentations.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of airport facility maintenance, operations, and applicable regulations.
• Ability to supervise staff and allocate resources efficiently.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to recognize and diagnose operational and maintenance issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with associates and stakeholders.

Education, Experience, and Training:

• Associate’s or Technical degree with applicable licensure and training.
• Considerable experience in airport management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Conditions:

• Work requires frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, and working in various environmental conditions.
• Exposure to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and toxic chemicals.
• Work may involve exposure to high and precarious places and risk of electrical shock.

Special Conditions or Requirements:

• Aircraft/Airport/Fuel Safety training.
• Radio Communication training.
• Emergency Procedures training.
• Fuel testing training.
• Possession of a valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must be willing to submit to a background check and drug testing consistent with Louisa County’s policies.

Disclaimer: This job description is of a general nature and is not intended to be a comprehensive description of each and every duty. This position is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned.