Aviation Operations Assistant Manager

Albuquerque International Sunport; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 82,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Albuquerque Aviation Department seeks an Aviation Operations Assistant Manager in Albuquerque, NM. Plan, direct and coordinate airfield operations to ensure safe, secure and compliant airport operations in line with FAA and TSA requirements.

This safety-sensitive role requires a bachelor’s degree and six years in airport or airline operations, including three years in supervision. It is a full-time position with odd hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; six years of airport or airlines operations experience; three years of supervisory experience.
• ACE/CM/AAE designations with AAAE are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and coordinate daily airfield operations and supervise staff.
• Inspect runways, taxiways, ramps and facilities to ensure safety and compliance.
• Develop goals, policies, schedules and service standards for airport operations.
• Coordinate with internal departments, tenants, contractors and agencies on operations and emergencies.
• Ensure FAR Part 139 and applicable FAA/TSA regulations are followed; issue notifications as needed.
• Train personnel, monitor performance and implement process improvements.
• Manage operational status of airfield facilities and opening/closing of runways and areas.
• Serve as on-scene operational representative during emergencies and coordinate responders.
• Participate in budgeting and forecast resources for staffing and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Airfield operations

Safety compliance

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation management or related field

ACE/CM/AAE preferred

Job description

Aviation Operations Assistant Manager

Salary: $82,139.20 - $86,195.20 Annually

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2700303

Department: Aviation

Division: AV-Airport Ops

Opening Date: 09/23/2026

Closing Date: 10/7/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Bargaining Unit: NU

Position Summary

Plan, direct, manage and coordinate activities within the Aviation Department Airfield Operations to ensure the safe, secure and efficient operation of the airport in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements. This position will support the Aviation Operations Manager in supervising operational staff, coordinating airfield activities, implementing operational policies and procedures, and maintaining compliance with FAR Part 139 and other applicable aviation regulations.

This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Must be able to work odd days off, weekends, holidays and on-call.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential And Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assume management responsibility for daily airfield operations, including planning, organizing, assigning, supervising and evaluating the work of operations personnel and operational activities.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate airfield operations activities, including inspections of runways, taxiways, ramps, perimeter fencing, navigational areas, and airport property to ensure compliance with applicable safety and operational standards. Identify deficiencies and recommend short- and long-term maintenance and corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational goals, objectives, policies, procedures, schedules and service standard to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations.
• Direct and coordinate assigned operational programs and projects by assigning work activities, monitoring workflow, evaluating staff performance and work quality, and implementing process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Plan, direct and coordinate airport operations, construction, and safety activities with internal departments, tenants, contractors, airlines, government agencies, and external stakeholders. Respond and resolve operational concerns, complaints, emergencies, and public inquiries.
• Ensure airfield operations are conducted in compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), including FAR 139 requirements. Coordination airfield construction and maintenance activities, issue required notifications, prepare reports and documentation, and ensure completion of required operational and regulatory training.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate operations personnel; provide or coordinate staff training: work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination process.
• Develop, coordinate, and conduct operational training programs for Aviation Department personnel, including airfield driver training, security procedures, safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and regulatory compliance training.
• Determine the operational status of airfield facilities and manage the opening and closing runways, taxiways and other operational areas to ensure the safety of all airfield users and maintain uninterrupted airport operations.
• Serve as a primary point of contract for airport user and stakeholders, delivering timely, accurate operational information and guidance.
• Monitor, inspect, and secure airfield facilities and infrastructure to ensure operational readiness, safety, compliance and timely coordination of maintenance and repair activities.
• Participate in the development and administration of the operations budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Participate as an active member of the airport snow and ice control team during winter weather events, including coordinating and supporting snow removal and airfield condition reporting activities.
• Serve as the City’s on-scene operational representative during aircraft emergencies, incidents, accidents, and other airport emergencies. Coordinate responders, airlines, FAA personnel and other agencies in accordance with airport emergency plans.
• Work closely with the Aviation Operations Manager to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and FAA Advisory Circulars, particularly FAR Part 77, Part 139, and applicable FAA 150 Series Advisory Circulars related to airport operations, safety inspections, and airfield management.
• Interpret, apply, and assist in enforcing Aviation Department policies and procedures, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, Transpiration Security Administration (TSA) requirements, and applicable City, State, and local laws, codes, and ordinances.

Supplemental Functions

• Coordinate assigned activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of aviation operations.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in aviation management, airport management, airport operations, aviation/aerospace, engineering, public administration, business administration, law enforcement or a related field; Six (6) years of airport or airlines operations, or airfield management experience; to include three (3) years supervisory experience.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Operations, Certified Member (CM), and/or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designations with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) preferred.

Additional Requirements

Possession of a Valid New Mexico Driver’s License or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Must be able to successfully qualify for and maintain a Sunport Access Control Card as determined by the criteria set forth by the policies and guidelines of the Aviation Department and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Successful completion of a security background check conducted by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

Must be able to work odd days off, weekends, holidays and on-call.

Working Conditions

Environmental

Office and airfield environment; exposure to noise, dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, and inclement weather conditions, ability to be in vehicle for extended amount of time; travel from site to site.

Physical

Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time, moderate to heavy lifting. May require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Total Rewards. Total You.

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state’s public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee’s contribution. That’s higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays? Check

Paid parental leave? Check

Paid birthdays off? Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.

Total Rewards — City of Albuquerque

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