Operations Manager

Under the general direction of the Airport Manager, the Operations Manager plans, directs, and inspects the overall Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Operations, and Maintenance functions of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport to assure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations including Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139 and associated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations.

Please submit application at

Salary: $79,913.60 - $83,574.40 Annually

Location:

Brainerd, MN Job Type: Full Time Opening Date: 05/06/2026 Closing Date: 5/27/2026 4:30 PM Central

Essential Functions

• Plan, develop, and supervise activities of the ARFF/Operations staff in the general operations and maintenance, repair and/or replacement of landside, terminal, and airside infrastructure.
• Plan and develop work/staff schedules including evaluating and monitoring project progress and costs, prioritizing, assigning, scheduling, and monitoring status of work orders; prepares estimates, approves purchases, and tracks budgeted expenditures.
• Performs personnel administrative functions (e.g., interviewing, selecting, evaluating, supervising, training) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel, and achieving objectives within budget.
• Supervises training of ARFF/Operations personnel on appropriate procedures, use of materials and equipment, including training staff on FAA, OSHA, and other safety and hazardous materials regulations.
• Inspects Airport facilities to determine maintenance and repair needs.
• Manages emergency on-call needs.
• Manage construction contracts for new facilities and major alterations and/or modernization of existing facilities, ensuring that the work is performed in accordance with specifications, timelines, and budget.
• Provides ARFF/Operations support as required to perform installation, repairs and other operations and maintenance duties.
• Complies with federal, state and local laws and regulations, Airport policies and procedures; follows all safety precautions and standards; communicates with staff, airport tenants, airline passengers, aeronautical users, contractors, and other operations and maintenance personnel.
• Responds to and resolves problems within scope of authority; refers more complex problems or those beyond scope of authority to supervisor; and informs supervisor on regular basis of problems and concerns.
• Maintains current knowledge in the field of airport safety, security, operations, and maintenance.
• Performs ARFF coverage, if necessary, in emergencies and because of vacations, sickness, or other absences of ARFF/Operations staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of or ability to learn, follow, and enforce Airport policies and procedures
• Knowledge of management practices and principles
• Knowledge of general maintenance principles, practices and techniques
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to assigned work
• Skill in applying general maintenance principles, practices and techniques
• Skill in utilizing computer programs, databases and Microsoft Suite
• Ability to supervise the work of others and lead a team
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion, with close attention to detail while contributing to team environment
• Ability to relate to a diverse population in a professional and helpful manner
• Ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations
• Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate actions to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes
• Ability to utilize memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and management…