Manager, Airfield Operations

Socket.dev; Calgary; On-site; CAD 107,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Calgary Airports Authority is seeking an Airfield Operations Leader to oversee the delivery of airfield operations and regulatory programs at Calgary International Airport. The role includes supervision of daily operations, safety programs, and wildlife management to ensure a secure and efficient airfield environment.

You will coordinate staffing, training, and continuous improvement, while liaising with tenants, Nav Canada and Transport Canada to maintain compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6-8 years of experience in airport/aviation with strong track record of safety program development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of airfield operations, AVOP, ROC-A, and regulatory requirements.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain RAIC and PAL training; strong decision-making in safety-sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Airfield Operation Specialists (AOS) and manage daily airside/groundside operations.
• Develop, implement and oversee airfield safety programs, wildlife management, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate staffing, recruitment, scheduling, and performance management of AOS staff.
• Drive continuous improvement of airfield programs and liaison with stakeholders (tenants, Nav Canada, Transport Canada).
• Support emergency response exercises and ensure training compliance.

Skills

People leadership

Airfield operations knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Emergency response

Safety management

Communication skills

Team management

Education

Diploma in Airport Operations

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

TheManager, Airfield Operationsisresponsibleforthedelivery ofthe Authority’s airfieldoperations andregulatoryprograms atCalgary International Airport.The positionoverseesall tasks of daily operations airside and groundside, including surface condition reporting,regulatory compliance, SMS, emergencyresponse, security, wildlife management, environmentaloperationsand administrative duties.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES

People Leadership Responsibilities:

• Set out andprovideappropriateinformation,expectations,and boundaries for direct reports:

• Organizational and departmental information needed to be successful (purpose, goals,directives)
• Business and work plans (individual and teamstrategic, operational and resource plans)
• Financial,legal, and/or policyparameters
• 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 resourcesrequiredsuch aspeopleresources,time,expertise, capital/operatingbudget, and technology and connect toachieveresults expected.
• Delegatesappropriate authorityto 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 improvementor developmentplans, if necessary.
• Assessesperformanceof direct reports and recommend merit increases.
• Develops talent -provideappropriate development opportunities to direct reports.
• Ensure direct reports receive complete and proper trainingtodo required work.

Role Responsibilities:

• Manageand lead a team of Airfield Operation Specialists (AOS)Enact and manage bird and wildlife management programs
• Create,executeandmaintainthe programs related to the AOS role including documentation, training, and quality control aspects.
• Develop,maintain,and coordinate training programs for AOS staff to ensureoperational effectiveness and regulatory requirements are met.
• Conduct all staffingactionsincluding all aspects of recruiting, scheduling,directingand supervising AOS
• Initiate corrective actionwhen performanceand/or disciplinaryissues arise
• Develop, implement,andoperateaviationcompliance 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, spillreleaseand response)

• Developappropriate continuousimprovementprocesses for updating programs and process related to airfield operations
• Liaise withstakeholderssuch asTenants, Nav Canada, Transport Canada, as well as internal stakeholdersregardingairside safety,securityand operational issues.
• Supportemergency 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-inspectionBird 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.