Airport Manager

Airport Manager

The City of Petaluma is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to serve as its next Airport Manager. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead the daily operations, maintenance, and long‑term planning of two vital City assets while balancing regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to managing diverse stakeholders, supporting economic vitality, and preserving Petaluma’s aviation and waterfront resources for the community and future generations.

Recruitment is scheduled to close on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Please attach a cover letter and comprehensive resume (required). After the recruitment has closed, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Plan, manage, and direct the operations and property management of the Petaluma Municipal Airport, Marina, and Turning Basin properties, facilities, and services in accordance with existing leases/licenses and federal, state, and local regulations.

General direction is provided by the Public Works Director or Assistant Public Works Director; responsibilities include direct and indirect supervision of support staff. This mid‑management position is responsible for managing, planning, and coordinating the City’s airport and marina operations and overseeing leases and licenses.

• Assist in the planning, development, and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, and priorities, including long and short‑range planning for the airport and marina.
• Schedule, assign, lead, review and participate in the work of staff; manage the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the airport and marina; select, supervise, train, and appraise employee performance; interpret City policies and procedures and state and federal rules and regulations to staff; establish standards and ensure safe working practices; administer discipline and other personnel actions.
• Manage and coordinate operation, maintenance, safety, and security of the airport and marina; plan and direct work in accordance with federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Analyze fixed base operators and general operation needs and manage facilities and services consistent with user demand and in conformance with federal and state laws and regulations; negotiate and administer contracts for airport, marina, and related services.
• Collect appropriate fees in accordance with City fee policy and provide receipts for services, including fueling and leasing/licensing for facilities, and incidental fees such as overnight visitations; manage and operate fueling facilities and activities.
• Implement the assignment of transient and monthly moorage; assign and collect fees for mooring and launching activities.
• Maintain records and prepare reports of work performed; prepare periodic and special reports regarding airport and marina operations, activities, and finances.
• Monitor, enforce, and administer contracts, leases, and licenses for facilities including hangars, tie‑down spaces, land leases, and berths, including liveaboards and harbormaster office space; arrange for overnight tie‑downs and berthing; maintain accurate records and files related to property management of facilities and receive and process all applicable documents from tenants and licensees.
• Provide information to the public, airport, and marina/turning basin users, establish, interpret and enforce rules governing airport facilities, use, and service, including FAA regulations, State Lands Commission requirements, and other federal, state, and local statutes; promote adherence to air traffic and safety rules and regulations including compliance with aviation approach/departure requirements and airspace protection regulations.
• Enforce and implement aviation accident procedures; ensure the protection of aviation accident scenes; coordinate emergency scene management with FAA, USCG, local law…