Maintenance & Operations Director

Maintenance & Operations Director (PCN 250286)

Alaska is not a typical transportation environment and this is not a typical operations role. From Arctic winter storms and coastal erosion to remote rural airports and mountain passes, Alaska’s transportation system operates in one of the most demanding environments in the world. The Maintenance & Operations Director is the leader responsible for keeping that system moving, safely, reliably, and efficiently, across a vast and diverse landscape.

Depending on the selected applicant, this position may be located in Fairbanks, Anchorage, or Juneau. Salary will be determined based on the selected applicant’s qualifications and experience and will be paid according to the applicable Range 27 salary schedule for the assigned duty station.

• Fairbanks:
  Unit Designation XE
  - Partially Exempt and Exempt Executive Branch Employees (Download PDF reader)
• Anchorage:
  Unit Designation XE
  - Partially Exempt and Exempt Executive Branch Employees (Download PDF reader)
• Juneau:
  Unit Designation XE
  - Partially Exempt and Exempt Executive Branch Employees (Download PDF reader)

As the Maintenance & Operations Director, you will serve as the administrator responsible for the statewide operation of Alaska's transportation system. You will provide strategic leadership for highway maintenance, rural airport maintenance, emergency response, operational readiness, and stewardship of transportation assets that connect communities across Alaska.

You will lead one of the nation's most geographically diverse transportation operations organizations, working through regional leaders to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery. Success in this position depends on building high‑performing teams, establishing clear expectations, allocating resources strategically, and ensuring the department is prepared to respond to changing operational demands and emergencies.

You will work closely with engineering, project delivery, aviation, and leadership to ensure maintenance operations, capital investment, and long‑term asset management remain aligned.

• Provide leadership for Alaska’s statewide maintenance and operations organization.
• Establish statewide operational priorities, performance expectations, and consistent service standards.
• Lead workforce development, succession planning, organizational culture, and leadership development.
• Direct statewide emergency preparedness and operational response during severe weather, disasters, and transportation disruptions.
• Oversee operating budgets, equipment fleets, facilities, and public resources to ensure responsible stewardship.
• Partner with engineering and capital project organizations to improve lifecycle performance and long‑term sustainability of transportation assets.
• Champion continuous improvement through performance management, innovation, technology, and data‑driven decision making.
• Represent the department before leadership, the Legislature, federal agencies, local governments, Tribal partners, and industry stakeholders.

DOT&PF is modernizing how transportation services are delivered across Alaska. Functional divisions establish statewide strategy, policy, standards, and performance expectations while regional organizations focus on delivering excellent service locally.

The Maintenance & Operations Director serves as the department’s statewide operational leader, ensuring consistent performance while empowering regional leadership to meet local needs. This position plays a critical role in improving reliability, resilience, workforce capability, and stewardship of Alaska’s transportation system.

• High‑level leadership responsibility with meaningful public impact
• The opportunity to modernize and strengthen transportation operations
• Engagement with complex operational and environmental challenges
• Collaboration with experienced professionals committed to serving Alaskans

Leading transportation operations in Alaska requires adaptability, resilience,…