Director, General Aviation Operations

Job Description

Summary: To provide operational oversight of the five general aviation (GA) airports operated by Rhode Island Airport Corporation. This includes supervision of the GA Airfield Technicians and the Chief Aeronautics Inspector, and all contracts associated with GA airports to provide different services, including Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The position directs all aspects of airport operations, including terminal and airfield management, security, maintenance, and emergency response preparedness.

Ensures compliance with local, national, and international regulations. Manages the GA budget, ensuring financial stability, and maximizing revenue streams. The position develops and implements long-term strategies and plans to ensure that these airports meet the operational, financial, and growth objectives in line with the direction from Senior Vice President of Operations. The duties include building and maintaining effective relationships with various stakeholders of the eleven jurisdictions that touch airports’ boundaries.

Collaborating with these groups to address concerns and foster positive relationships is important. This position oversees infrastructure projects executed by the Infrastructure Department at these locations such as facility and airfield repair and reconstruction. This involves coordinating construction activities while minimizing disruption to airport operations. Representing the airport in media relations, public events, and community outreach efforts. Communicating effectively with the public and stakeholders about airport policies, developments, and initiatives is essential.

Developing and implementing contingency plans for handling emergencies and unexpected events at these airports, such as weather disruptions, security incidents, or natural disasters.

• Provide day-to-day presence at the five general aviation airports. In this regard creates work plans for six months on a rolling basis. Files these plans with the Senior Vice President of Operations. These work plans will describe activities at the GA airports to include construction, mowing, snow removal, striping, fence repairs, pavement repairs etc. Ensures that the GA airports operate in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and regulations ensuring that the GA airports remains competitive and compliant.
• Work with the FAA, tenants, the FBO, community, organizations like Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the neighboring townships in a robust manner. It is important that the position keeps in close contact with these stakeholders and report back any recommendation that are in line with RIAC’s strategy.
• Intricately involved in the operations at the GA airports by keeping track of tasks that need to be completed both on-site and off-site while detailed providing daily reports.
• Enforce minimum standards at the GA airports. In this regard, enforces FAA regulations of airport land use.
• Provide oversight for third-party work at the general aviation airports that include construction work authorized by RIAC through general construction contractors, maintenance contractors, and third-party authorized work on leased premises.
• Provide authorization for third party work through “tenant improvement” process.
• Schedule, issue agendas, meeting minutes, and keep records of meetings regarding the individual airports throughout the year.
• Ensures proper maintenance and repairs for the GA airports including pavement, grounds and facilities.
• Plan and provide recommendations for obstructions at the GA airports and coordinate with Infrastructure group to accomplish safe air space in and around the individual airports.
• Ensure sufficient personnel are available to provide for monitoring, inspection, and support of airfield operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal wildlife permits.
• Oversee and assist in the development of annual departmental budgets.
• Approve department spending in accordance with Rhode Island state procurement rules and regulations.
• Assist in the establishment of and ensure compliance…