Manager of Airfield Maintenance

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is seeking a Manager of Airfield Maintenance to oversee airfield maintenance operations at a Part 139 certificated airport under executive direction. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant maintenance of critical airfield infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting systems, signage, drainage, and safety areas. The position directs preventative maintenance programs and oversees snow and ice control operations, vegetation management, pavement maintenance, and airfield security systems. The Manager ensures all activities meet FAA regulatory requirements, including 14 CFR Part 139, and maintains operational readiness through effective inspection, documentation, and corrective action processes. Responsibilities also include managing equipment and materials procurement, maintaining fleet reliability, and ensuring adequate inventory of critical supplies. The role requires strong expertise in airfield systems, regulatory compliance, and operational planning within a safety-critical airport environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Other related duties may be assigned; the essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• In accordance with executive direction, establishes departmental priorities and operational plans for implementation by the Airfield Supervisor and maintenance staff .
• In accordance with executive direction, oversees, through supervisory staff, the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of the following in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements: o Runways, taxiways, aprons, and associated pavement surfaces o Airfield markings and surface condition maintenance o Airfield signage and lighting systems, including runway and taxiway lighting o Safety areas, object free areas, and runway protection zones (as applicable to maintenance functions) o Drainage systems and associated infrastructure within movement and non-movement areas o Snow and ice control equipment, materials, and operational staging o Vegetation control and grounds maintenance within regulated airfield areas o Fencing, gates, and perimeter security systems within maintenance jurisdiction o Wildlife hazard mitigation support functions in coordination with Operations • Develops and recommend preventative maintenance programs to the Department head.

Oversees the approved maintenance plans and ensures the Airfield Supervisor and the rest of the team executes them in accordance with approved standards and regulatory requirements.

• In accordance with executive direction, oversees departmental compliance systems and ensures the Airfield Supervisor and staff properly implement 14 CFR Part 139 requirements.
• Ensures alignment of airfield maintenance operations with executive strategic objectives.
• Reviews inspection documentation, maintenance records, and corrective action reports for completeness and regulatory accuracy.
• Coordinates departmental preparation for FAA inspections in consultation with executive leadership.
• Monitors compliance trends and identifies systemic deficiencies requiring management intervention.
• Oversees snow and ice control operations at a programmatic level, ensuring staff implements the Snow and Ice Control Plan in accordance with executive direction. Participates in snow removal activities as needed.
• Reviews reports of conditions from supervisory staff, ensures appropriate corrective actions are implemented, and elevates significant risks to executive leadership as necessary.
• Oversees and manages the procurement of equipment, materials, parts, and contracted services necessary to maintain continuous operational readiness of the airfield and fleet. Ensures timely ordering, proper inventory levels, and coordination with purchasing and finance departments in accordance with organizational policies and executive direction.
• Ensures adequate inventory levels of critical parts, airfield lighting components, pavement repair materials, snow chemicals, and other safety-sensitive supplies.
• Monitors vendor performance and ensures materials and services meet required specifications and operational standards.
• In accordance with executive direction, oversees, through the Automotive Supervisor, preventative maintenance, inspection, and repair programs for departmental vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations governing vehicle and equipment operation.
• Reviews equipment downtime reports and ensures corrective measures are implemented to maintain operational readiness.
• Ensures adequate parts inventory and supply levels to support fleet reliability and emergency response capability.
• Identifies long-term capital equipment replacement needs and submits recommendations to executive leadership.
• Possess the ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications.
• In accordance with executive direction, assist in the maintenance of General Aviation airports as necessary with support of personnel, materials, and/or equipment.
• Develops, monitors, and manages the departmental operating budget under the direction of management, including resource allocation, capital planning recommendations, and variance reporting.
• Escalates significant personnel matters, compliance concerns, and operational risks to senior management promptly and without omission.
• Exercises supervisory authority over assigned staff, including corrective action, and and addresses performance deficiencies, misconduct, and behavioral concerns in a timely and consistent manner.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides direct managerial oversight of the Airfield Supervisor and Automotive Supervisor.
• Establishes performance expectations consistent with executive direction.
• Recommends and issues corrective and disciplinary action in accordance with organizational policy.
• Ensures the department maintains proper staffing, training, and documentation standards.
• Reviews and validates supervisory decisions affecting operational compliance.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Special qualifications include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of 14 CFR Part 139 requirements applicable to airfield maintenance operations.
• Working knowledge of Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and Snow and Ice Control Plan (SICP) implementation.
• Ability to interpret and apply FAA regulations, advisory circulars, and operational standards.
• Knowledge of airfield lighting systems, pavement maintenance practices, airside safety areas, and snow and ice control operations.
• Understanding of regulatory documentation, inspection tracking, and audit preparation processes.
• Demonstrated experience supervising supervisory-level personnel.
• Ability to establish departmental goals, performance standards, and operational priorities under executive direction.
• Ability to manage workforce planning, scheduling oversight, and resource allocation in a 24/7 operational environment
• Strong organizational leadership skills in a safety-critical environment.
• Ability to assess operational risk and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ability to identify systemic compliance issues and implement corrective action plans.
• Experience preparing reports and presenting operational or compliance information to executive leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for interaction with executive management.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite and ability to effectively utilize a work order management system.
• Complete and pass a Transportation Security Administration/Federal Aviation Administration (TSA/FAA) 10-year employment history verification, which will include fingerprinting and a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) prior to being considered for this position. This status must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Movement Area authorization, possess a valid driver's license, and be insurable, which must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Education/Experience:

• Preferred Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field OR Equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in airport maintenance.
• Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in airfield maintenance at a 14 CFR Part 139 certificated airport.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing regulatory compliance activities.
• Experience managing snow and ice control operations in an airport environment.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to traverse airfield property, including movement and non-movement areas, to inspect infrastructure, assess conditions, and evaluate maintenance activities.
• Ability to enter and exit vehicles and heavy equipment as necessary for inspection and oversight purposes.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, wind, rain, and snow.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and reach while conducting site inspections of pavement, lighting systems, drainage structures, fleet facilities, and maintenance yards.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders or elevated platforms when inspecting lighting or equipment as operationally necessary.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems for extended periods.
• Ability to respond to emergency conditions during snow events, infrastructure failures, or other operational disruptions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Combination of office-based administrative work and field-based operational oversight.
• Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions in all seasons, including adverse weather during snow and ice events.
• Work performed in proximity to active aircraft operations, heavy equipment, and moving vehicles.
• Exposure to high noise environments requiring use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Required use of two-way radio and airside communication equipment.
• Participation in emergency response and snow and ice control operations, which may require extended hours, shift modifications, and availability outside of normal business hours.
• Occasional work in maintenance garages and fleet service areas involving exposure to fuels, lubricants, mechanical equipment, and related hazards.