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.

• 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:
  • Runways, taxiways, aprons, and associated pavement surfaces
  • Airfield markings and surface condition maintenance
  • Airfield signage and lighting systems, including runway and taxiway lighting
  • Safety areas, object free areas, and runway protection zones (as applicable to maintenance functions)
  • Drainage systems and associated infrastructure within movement and non-movement areas
  • Snow and ice control equipment, materials, and operational staging
  • Vegetation control and grounds maintenance within regulated airfield areas
  • Fencing, gates, and perimeter security systems within maintenance jurisdiction
  • Wildlife hazard mitigation support functions in coordination with Operations
• Develops and recommends 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Possesses the ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications.
• Assists 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…