Manager, Airfield Operations

Calgary Airports; Calgary; On-site; CAD 107,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Calgary Airports seeks an Airfield Operations Specialist to lead a team and drive safety and regulatory programs at Calgary International Airport.

You will develop airfield initiatives, coordinate training, and oversee staff actions while ensuring adherence to CAN/TC requirements and emergency readiness.

Qualifications

• RAIC eligibility is required and the employer will assist with the process.
• Must hold a Diploma in Airport Operations or related field.
• 6–8 years of experience in airport/aviation with safety program development.
• Ability to obtain AVOP, ROC-A, and PAL or equivalent training.
• Strong safety mindset, decision-making and high-stress scenario handling.
• Extensive knowledge of airfield operations and regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Airfield Operation Specialists (AOS).
• Develop and maintain airfield programs including safety and environmental tasks.
• Create and sustain training programs for AOS staff to meet regulatory needs.
• Oversee recruitment, scheduling, and supervision of AOS personnel.
• Take corrective action for performance or disciplinary issues.
• Implement aviation compliance programs (Pavement, NOTAM, AVOP).
• Coordinate airfield surface reports, SMS, QA, and winter ops responses.
• Engage stakeholders (Tenants, Nav Canada, Transport Canada) on safety issues.
• Support emergency response exercises and on-scene management.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Decision-making under pressure

Team leadership

Education

Diploma in Airport Operations or related field

Tools

AVOP

ROC-A

PAL

Job description

Salary: Band 10; $118,735.50

Status: Permanent Full Time

Number of positions available: 1

Closing Date: October 2, 2026

WHY CALGARY AIRPORTS

Powered by heart and dedicated to excellence, we’re the team that keeps Calgary connected – and you could be our newest Airfield Operations Specialist team member.

We’re in the business of uplifting people, and every day, we create runways to new places and possibilities, building a better airport experience for everyone.

What’s The Team Like

The Manager, Airfield Operations is responsible for the delivery of the Authority’s airfield operations and regulatory programs at Calgary International Airport. The position oversees all tasks of daily operations airside and groundside, including surface condition reporting, regulatory compliance, SMS, emergency response, security, wildlife management, environmental operations and administrative duties.

People Leadership Responsibilities

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set out and provide appropriate information, expectations, and boundaries for direct reports:
• Organizational and departmental information needed to be successful (purpose, goals, directives)
• Business and work plans (individual and team strategic, operational and resource plans)
• Financial, legal, and/or policy parameters
• Manages personal parameters (communication/approval channels and expectations)
• Ensure safety practices, policies and procedures are followed by all direct reports.
• Communicate the outputs or results expected (work quantity, quality, and timelines).
• Provide inputs and/or resources required such as people resources, time, expertise, capital /operating budget, and technology and connect to achieve results expected.
• Delegates appropriate authority to direct reports to do required work.
• Is accountable for the output/results of direct reports.
• Supports direct reports in using judgement and initiative in doing work.
• Provides feedback and coach direct reports to improve their effectiveness; invoke performance improvement or development plans, if necessary.
• Assesses performance of direct reports and recommend merit increases.
• Develops talent - provide appropriate development opportunities to direct reports.
• Ensure direct reports receive complete and proper training to do required work.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of Airfield Operation Specialists (AOS) Enact and manage bird and wildlife management programs
• Create, execute and maintain the programs related to the AOS role including documentation, training, and quality control aspects.
• Develop, maintain, and coordinate training programs for AOS staff to ensure operational effectiveness and regulatory requirements are met.
• Conduct all staffing actions including all aspects of recruiting, scheduling, directing and supervising AOS
• Initiate corrective action when performance and/or disciplinary issues arise
• Develop, implement, and operate aviation compliance and environmental programs including but not limited to:
• Pavement Restoration and Management (paint and repair)
• Airfield Construction Coordination and NOTAM Management
• Airfield Surface Condition Reporting (GRF)
• Airfield SMS Programs (SSIP, Quality Control, etc.)
• Winter Operations response and coordination
• Field AVOP Standards and Enforcement
• Monthly/annual friction testing program for the airfield
• Wildlife Control and Observations and habitat management
• Vegetation Management Programs
• Material Handling systems (Fuel systems, hazardous materials, spill release and response)
• Develop appropriate continuous improvement processes for updating programs and process related to airfield operations
• Liaise with stakeholders such as Tenants, Nav Canada, Transport Canada, as well as internal stakeholders regarding airside safety, security and operational issues.
• Support emergency response exercises.

What Do You Need To Bring

• You’ll need to be eligible to obtain and maintain a RAIC, don’t worry – we’ll help you through this! For more details, check out: RAIC Program and Application Information
• Diploma in Airport Operations or a related field.
• Minimum 6-8 years of experience working within airport, aviation, or airline environment with extensive experience in developing airfield, airport and industry safety programs and initiatives.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP) and Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A).
• Ability to obtain a PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) and associated training
• Strong commitment to safety, with proven decision-making abilities and a demonstrated track record of following safe work practices in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, operational demands, and high stress emergency situations within a dynamic airport environment.
• Broad knowledge of Airfield operations such as:
• Snow removal
• Summer airfield maintenance
• Site self-inspection
• Bird and wildlife control
• Radio operation
• Vegetation and pest control
• Dangerous goods
• Runway surface condition reporting
• AVOP regulations
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Transport Canada regulatory environment, and ability to interpret and apply regulations in a practical manner
• Ability to act as an on-scene controller in an emergency situation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational abilities
• Attention to detail

What Additional Skills Are An Asset

• Bilingual proficiency in English and French.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive, respectful, and productive working relationships.
• The ability to write clear and accurate technical reports following airside incidents.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on supporting operational effectiveness and overall team success.

What Does Diversity Mean To Us

We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines, and our crew thrives both at work and at home. We believe that deliberate steps such as creating a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, equitable to all, and actively and diligently taking steps along the path to reconciliation are the keys to making this a reality.

OUR VALUES

We prioritize genuine concern and compassion for everyone we engage with, from our team members to our partners and guests, always striving to help and support one another.

We actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making and collaboratively tackle challenges.

We work together with trust and transparency, supporting one another to achieve the collective goals of our organization.

We grow, evolve, and adapt with purpose, continually aligning our actions with our vision.

We embrace curiosity and boldly challenge the status quo, exploring new opportunities and taking thoughtful, responsible risks that drive purposeful innovation.