BLV - General Manager/ARFF Chief (Temporary)

Avports; Mascoutah (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Avports is seeking a General Manager / ARFF Chief to lead on-site airport operations, security, and ARFF at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV). This full-time, temporary leadership role serves as the senior on-site operational authority for Avports.

You will oversee daily airside, landside, and terminal operations; direct ARFF and emergency response; ensure regulatory compliance; and lead staff responsible for maintaining safe, efficient airport operations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading emergency response and airport operations.
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• Strong knowledge of FAA Part 139 and TSA 49 CFR Part 1542.
• Proven ability to supervise multidisciplinary teams in 24/7 environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as General Manager / Chief of Public Safety and the senior on-site operational authority for Avports.
• Oversee airside, landside, terminal, ARFF, wildlife, security, and public safety activities across all shifts.
• Lead emergency response and irregular operations with incident command responsibility.
• Maintain compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, the Airport Certification Manual, the Airport Security Program, and other applicable requirements.
• Direct the Airport Operations Center, daily inspections, patrols, reporting, and corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Incident command

Decision-making

Communication

Problem-solving

Report writing

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary education preferred

Job description

Lead Mission-Critical Airport Operations and Public Safety

Avports is seeking an experienced General Manager / ARFF Chief to lead airport operations, security, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) functions at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV). This is a full-time, temporary leadership position serving as the senior on-site operational authority for Avports.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced airport operations and public safety professional who can lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and exceptional service.

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The Opportunity

In this temporary leadership role, you will oversee daily airside, terminal, and landside operations; direct ARFF and emergency response activities; manage regulatory compliance; and lead staff responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable airport operations.

You will collaborate with airport leadership, tenants, public safety partners, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.

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Key Responsibilities

Serve as General Manager / Chief of Public Safety and the senior on-site operational authority for Avports

Oversee airside, landside, terminal, ARFF, wildlife, security, and public safety activities across all shifts

Lead emergency response and irregular operations with incident command responsibility

Maintain compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, the Airport Certification Manual, the Airport Security Program, and other applicable requirements

Direct the Airport Operations Center, daily inspections, patrols, reporting, and corrective actions

Lead FAA and TSA inspections, audits, exercises, and operational readiness efforts within Avports’ scope

Develop and maintain operating procedures, emergency response protocols, training programs, and mutual aid plans

Plan, assign, schedule, coach, and supervise departmental personnel and shift operations

Coordinate with airport leadership, tenants, contractors, agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve operational issues

Support budgeting, procurement, equipment readiness, inventory management, resource allocation, and cost control

Maintain accurate safety, security, training, incident, and operational documentation

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What You Bring

High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or technical training preferred

At least eight years of relevant experience in airport operations, security services, or ARFF, including at least five years in a leadership role, preferred

Demonstrated experience managing emergency response, airport operations, and regulatory compliance in a commercial service airport environment

Strong leadership, incident command, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving capabilities

Comprehensive knowledge of FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, airport security operations, and ARFF requirements

Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team and maintain operational continuity in a 24/7 environment

Proficiency in report writing, documentation, and standard business and operational software

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Additional Requirements

Must meet FAR Part 139 ARFF training requirements within the introductory period

Current CPR and AED certification required within the introductory period

Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I certifications required within one year of hire

Must obtain AAAE Airport Certified Employee – Airfield Operations within eighteen months of hire

Must pass TSA background screening and maintain eligibility for airport access credentials

Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

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This full-time, temporary position is fully on-site and operates within an active 24/7 airport environment.

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor airport environments, including terminals, maintenance shops, ramps, runways, and aircraft service areas.

The position may involve exposure to varying or extreme weather conditions, fire and smoke, high noise levels, jet blast, moving aircraft and vehicles, heavy equipment, and hazardous chemical or fuel spills.

The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, sustained alertness, and the ability to lift, carry, drag, or move heavy objects and equipment

Job-related pre-employment physical and respiratory protection evaluations and the use of required personal protective equipment may apply

Must be available to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and mandatory overtime as operationally required

Domestic travel, including occasional overnight stays, may be required

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Why Join Avports

Lead mission-critical operations at a commercial service airport

Make a direct impact on safety, regulatory readiness, and operational performance

Work with an experienced airport management company with a strong aviation legacy

Guide a multidisciplinary team in a highly visible leadership role

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Avports offers a competitive compensation package and benefits, which may include:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

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Avports is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.