Director Airport

Director Airport

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Director Airport

Salary

$82,278.14 - $119,257.01 Annually

Location

700 N. Main St., Las Cruces, NM

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

C013 05-26 LD

Department

City Manager's Office

Opening Date

05/19/2026

Closing Date

6/1/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Nature of Work

Plans, coordinates, administers, and manages the development, maintenance, and operations of the City's International Airport through effective planning, management, resource allocation, and sound fiscal practices. Ensures compliance with City, state, and federal regulations.

Environmental Factors

Position functions primarily indoors with no notable hazards or adverse environmental conditions. Time spent outdoors is subject to all weather conditions, noise, debris, dust, hazardous chemicals, fumes and other related obstacles and hazards; travel to various locations involves exposure to traffic conditions.

Physical Factors

Position performs light physical work; lifting and moving items weighing up to twenty (20) pounds; frequent use of a personal computer and related office equipment; considerable flexibility to structure daily activities between sitting, standing and walking.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. On-call for emergency management twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Full-time; regular; exempt position.

This position is a grade AD27.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and guidelines through the Airport Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Strategic Plan, and Airport Certification Manual; remains current on modern airport and aviation management, operations and related issues, regulations, and industry trends.

• Operates the airport in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Environmental Protection Agency, and all other state and federal agencies; directs preparation and execution of the annual FAA Part 139 inspection to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

• Plans and directs activities and programs, manages operations, and oversees the inspection and condition of facilities and infrastructure to maintain safety and compliance with all applicable standards and regulations and to coordinate regular and necessary repair and maintenance.

• Meets regularly with staff to review work in progress, discuss and resolve administrative, workload and related issues, and to prioritize and assign tasks and projects; evaluates and analyzes functions, programs, resources, processes, and procedures to identify issues and recommend changes for improvement; interprets rules and regulations to provide guidance in developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures.

• Manages staff through proper delegation and work supervision to ensure appropriate levels of service and resources; monitors work, evaluates performance, trains, counsels, coaches, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; ensures staff and programs adhere to established policies and procedures to remain in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Collects and analyzes data to prepare and present various special and recurring reports to provide accurate and timely information related to assigned functions and duties; develops and presents information in clear and easily used formats; maintains regulatory compliance by keeping current on industry trends, regulations, and issues; identifies areas of concern for management for review and potential action.

• Develops, implements, and monitors airport budget; prepares and reviews operational analyses of program costs, revenue streams, fees, and revenue enhancement opportunities; oversees procurement activities for supplies, services, equipment, and other items to ensure activities comply with established policies; coordinates with state and federal agencies to obtain funding aid; oversees, monitors, and tracks grants and participates in the preparation of grant applications, to ensure compliance and meet performance targets.

• Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; evaluates programs, services, and activities to ensure customer and staff needs are met; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.

• Monitors status of progress related to goals established to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to meet objectives; coordinates responses to emergency operational needs, remains current on modern airport and aviation management, operations and related issues and regulations; monitors, evaluates, and analyzes operational and support aspects to recommend and implement changes that increase efficiencies and promote and support the City's mission and meet service delivery expectations.

• Oversees construction activities; negotiates, prepares, and administers land, facility, and commercial leases and other related agreements; serves as primary point of contact for the public and tenants to provide customer service and resolve issues pertaining to facilities and usage, rules, regulations, and safety; responds to requests for information to provide information within scope of authority.

• Provides guidance and direction, responds to aircraft and related emergencies, issues Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), and weather advisories to ensure compliance with safety and security requirements set forth by FAA regulations; serves as on-scene commander until relieved by emergency responders; reports to the FAA.

• Works with the Airport Advisory Board to develop support for Airport plans, programs, and operations.

• Responds to and resolves various complaints, issues, inquiries, and problems as authorized and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Airport Management, Public or Business Administration or a related field and five (5) years of experience in airport operations, including two (2) years of supervisory experience. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid class D driver’s license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; laws, ordinances, policies, rules and regulations governing airport operations and safety of municipal grounds and facilities; airport and aviation operations and management; techniques and practices for effective, efficient, and cost effective management of allocated resources; related occupational hazards and safety precautions; principles and practices of effective project management, administrative management, strategic planning, employee supervision, current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: plan, develop, implement, coordinate, oversee, and monitor programs, projects, and events; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands; read, interpret, and apply various plans and specifications and local, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; firmly and impartially supervise, coach, counsel, mentor, lead and direct the activities of staff; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: evaluating issues, and developing plans for improvement of processes and programs; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Las Cruces,

Benefits - Home (

01

Are you a current City of Las Cruces employee? (If you fail to include this information under the work experience section of your application, you may be disqualified from the process).

• Yes

• No

02

Do you have, at a minimum, a Bachelor's degree in Airport Management, Public or Business Administration or a related field? (If you fail to include this information under the education section of your application, you may be disqualified from the process.)

• Yes

• No

03

I understand and accept that if my response is "YES" to the question above, I agree to provide proof of the required degree and/or transcript (official or unofficial) if recommended for the position.

• Yes

• No

04

Do you have at a minimum, five (5) years of experience in airport operations? (If you fail to include this information under the work experience section of your application, you may be disqualified from the process.)

• Yes

• No

05

Do you have at a minimum, two (2) years of supervisory experience? (If you fail to include this information under the work experience section of your application, you may be disqualified from the process.)

• Yes

• No

06

A valid driver's license is required. Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes

• No

07

If you answered "yes" to the previous question above, please indicate the type of license, license number, expiration date, any restrictions or endorsements, and the state that issued the license. If none, type N/A.

Required Question

Employer

City of Las Cruces

Address

P.O. Box 20000 Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88004

Phone

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