What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Aviation position at Port of Bellingham?
About the Port of Bellingham
The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Aviation is responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient management of Bellingham International Airport as a customer service oriented public-use facility, and to ensure that it is operated in a business oriented, fiscally responsible and economically competitive manner.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Work closely with senior management and the general public in meeting Port established goals and in serving the needs of the diverse public utilizing the Port’s aviation facilities.
2. Establish short and long-range development plans and service program goals for the Airport. Work closely with contractors, consultants, regulatory officials, and the public to ensure that Port plans reflect the region’s aviation needs.
3. Oversee the administration and management of airport operations, maintenance, security, planning and financial services.
4. Manages the division’s annual budget and capital improvement programs and make recommendations on purchase of major items.
5. Manages, directs, administers, facilitates, and coordinates special research requests, CIP projects, and other airport and aviation initiatives.
6. Develop the Aviation team by providing sound leadership and engaging in team building and training activities that result in a productive and cooperative environment for all employees at the airport. Ensure that the aviation team works well with and utilizes other relevant port divisions and departments.
7. Ensures adequate succession planning with development of Aviation management team.
8. Ensures FAR Part 139 airport operations and security, including FAA and TSA 1542 compliance.
9. Administers the airport federal grant program. Forecasts and administers the operational and capital needs for the aviation division and promotes aeronautical growth.
10. Maintain the Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and acts as the primary contact for FAA inspections.
11. Serve as the Primary Airport Security Coordinator. Coordinates with TSA regarding Part 1542 security compliance, inspections, and badging program requirements.
12. Maintain the DBE Program and annual reporting along with serving as the DBE Liaison Officer.
13. Represent and market general aviation services, fixed-base services, commercial airline services, and the use of airport facilities in the retention and attraction of new tenants/airport users. Negotiate contracts and agreements with perspective customers.
14. Serve as the Port's key interface with citizens, the community, and the airport advisory committees; meet with various civic groups and interested individuals to promote public interest and gain community support for the Airport.
15. Serve as the primary liaison with Federal, State, and local regulatory and emergency service agencies to ensure airport compliance with established regulations/requirements related to safety, security, grants administration, etc.
16. Represent the Port in professional and industry associations.
17. Collaborate across Port departments with various internal parties including other directors with mutual interests.
18. Undertake special assignments and duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
High level of authority responsible for departmental operations, including supervision of others, and economic development at the Port. Decision making could have a major impact on the Port, Port employees, and the public.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Dirt
Fumes
Smoke
Water
Noise
Vibration
Grease, Oil
Contaminants: pollutants, gases, dust, odors
Very hot (above 90) or cold temperatures (below 32)
Extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions
Confined spaces
High places
Hazardous conditions: high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives, chemicals
Hazardous equipment: saws, machinery with moving parts, near vehicular traffic
Exposed to diseases or infections
Uneven, slippery surfaces
Never 1x/year , not monthly 1x/month , not weekly 1x/week , but not daily Daily
Work indoors (climate controlled)
Work indoors (not climate controlled)
Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Work outdoors under cover
Work overtime
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Sit
Stand
Perform work on a ladder
Climb ladder
Twist
Bend/Stoop
Squat/kneel
Crawl
Reach
Work above shoulders
Keyboard
Wrist (flexion/extension)
Grasp (forceful)
Fine manipulation
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 20 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 40 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs. or more
Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 18 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2, 3, or LEOFF, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance.
At its sole discretion, the Port of Bellingham may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify.
The Port provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, citizenship status, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Aviation is responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient management of Bellingham International Airport as a customer service oriented public-use facility, and to ensure that it is operated in a business oriented, fiscally responsible and economically competitive manner.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Work closely with senior management and the general public in meeting Port established goals and in serving the needs of the diverse public utilizing the Port’s aviation facilities.
2. Establish short and long-range development plans and service program goals for the Airport. Work closely with contractors, consultants, regulatory officials, and the public to ensure that Port plans reflect the region’s aviation needs.
3. Oversee the administration and management of airport operations, maintenance, security, planning and financial services.
4. Manages the division’s annual budget and capital improvement programs and make recommendations on purchase of major items.
5. Manages, directs, administers, facilitates, and coordinates special research requests, CIP projects, and other airport and aviation initiatives.
6. Develop the Aviation team by providing sound leadership and engaging in team building and training activities that result in a productive and cooperative environment for all employees at the airport. Ensure that the aviation team works well with and utilizes other relevant port divisions and departments.
7. Ensures adequate succession planning with development of Aviation management team.
8. Ensures FAR Part 139 airport operations and security, including FAA and TSA 1542 compliance.
9. Administers the airport federal grant program. Forecasts and administers the operational and capital needs for the aviation division and promotes aeronautical growth.
10. Maintain the Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and acts as the primary contact for FAA inspections.
11. Serve as the Primary Airport Security Coordinator. Coordinates with TSA regarding Part 1542 security compliance, inspections, and badging program requirements.
12. Maintain the DBE Program and annual reporting along with serving as the DBE Liaison Officer.
13. Represent and market general aviation services, fixed-base services, commercial airline services, and the use of airport facilities in the retention and attraction of new tenants/airport users. Negotiate contracts and agreements with perspective customers.
14. Serve as the Port's key interface with citizens, the community, and the airport advisory committees; meet with various civic groups and interested individuals to promote public interest and gain community support for the Airport.
15. Serve as the primary liaison with Federal, State, and local regulatory and emergency service agencies to ensure airport compliance with established regulations/requirements related to safety, security, grants administration, etc.
16. Represent the Port in professional and industry associations.
17. Collaborate across Port departments with various internal parties including other directors with mutual interests.
18. Undertake special assignments and duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in business management, aviation, or related field required.
- Minimum five (5) years’ in managerial, leadership, director, or executive role overseeing teams, projects, or departments.
- Previous experience must include experience in operations and management of complex projects.
- Incumbent must successfully pass a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC).
- Master’s degree preferred.
- A.A.A.E. Accreditation strongly preferred.
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience managing airport operations at a commercial and general aviation airport and/or experience managing a transportation hub.
- Previous experience grant application/administration and management of complex airport projects.
- Prefer experience with route development, advisory committee leadership, tenant and employee relations, and managing a union workforce.
- Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
- Maintains strong understanding of aviation regulatory environments and ability to apply that to the administration and operations thereof.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
- Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurial skills to continue to grow the airport while being mindful of the community interests and concerns.
- Knowledge of principles of personnel management, including managing union employees, and ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of others through subordinates.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information and motivate teams.
High level of authority responsible for departmental operations, including supervision of others, and economic development at the Port. Decision making could have a major impact on the Port, Port employees, and the public.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Dirt
Fumes
Smoke
Water
Noise
Vibration
Grease, Oil
Contaminants: pollutants, gases, dust, odors
Very hot (above 90) or cold temperatures (below 32)
Extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions
Confined spaces
High places
Hazardous conditions: high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives, chemicals
Hazardous equipment: saws, machinery with moving parts, near vehicular traffic
Exposed to diseases or infections
Uneven, slippery surfaces
Never 1x/year , not monthly 1x/month , not weekly 1x/week , but not daily Daily
Work indoors (climate controlled)
Work indoors (not climate controlled)
Work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Work outdoors under cover
Work overtime
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Never 0% 0 hrs. Seldom 1-10% 0-1 hr. Occasional 11-33% 1-3 hrs. Frequent 34-66% 3-6 hrs. Constant 67-100% 6 hrs.
Sit
Stand
Perform work on a ladder
Climb ladder
Twist
Bend/Stoop
Squat/kneel
Crawl
Reach
Work above shoulders
Keyboard
Wrist (flexion/extension)
Grasp (forceful)
Fine manipulation
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 20 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 30 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 40 lbs.
Lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs. or more
Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 18 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2, 3, or LEOFF, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance.
At its sole discretion, the Port of Bellingham may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
The Port of Bellingham participates in E-Verify.
The Port provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, citizenship status, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
