Location: Mascoutah
Lead Mission-Critical Airport Operations and Public Safety
Avports is seeking an experienced General Manager / ARFF Chief to lead airport operations, security, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) functions at Mid America St. Louis Airport (BLV). This is a full-time, temporary leadership position serving as the senior on-site operational authority for Avports.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced airport operations and public safety professional who can lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and exceptional service.
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The Opportunity
In this temporary leadership role
, you will oversee daily airside, terminal, and landside operations; direct ARFF and emergency response activities; manage regulatory compliance; and lead staff responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable airport operations.
You will collaborate with airport leadership, tenants, public safety partners, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
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Key Responsibilities
• Serve as General Manager / Chief of Public Safety and the senior on-site operational authority for Avports
• Oversee airside, landside, terminal, ARFF, wildlife, security, and public safety activities across all shifts
• Lead emergency response and irregular operations with incident command responsibility
• Maintain compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, the Airport Certification Manual, the Airport Security Program, and other applicable requirements
• Direct the Airport Operations Center, daily inspections, patrols, reporting, and corrective actions
• Lead FAA and TSA inspections, audits, exercises, and operational readiness efforts within Avports’ scope
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, emergency response protocols, training programs, and mutual aid plans
• Plan, assign, schedule, coach, and supervise departmental personnel and shift operations
• Coordinate with airport leadership, tenants, contractors, agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve operational issues
• Support budgeting, procurement, equipment readiness, inventory management, resource allocation, and cost control
• Maintain accurate safety, security, training, incident, and operational documentation
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What You Bring
• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or technical training preferred
• At least eight years of relevant experience in airport operations, security services, or ARFF, including at least five years in a leadership role, preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing emergency response, airport operations, and regulatory compliance in a commercial service airport environment
• Strong leadership, incident command, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving capabilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, airport security operations, and ARFF requirements
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team and maintain operational continuity in a 24/7 environment
• Proficiency in report writing, documentation, and standard business and operational software
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Additional Requirements
• Valid driver’s license required
• Illinois Firearm Owner Identification Card required
• Must meet FAR Part 139 ARFF training requirements within the introductory period
• Current CPR and AED certification required within the introductory period
• Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I certifications required within one year of hire
• Must obtain AAAE Airport…
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