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Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA)

Assistant Director of Airport Operations

Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA), Los Angeles, California, United States

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of AIRPORT OPERATIONS Location: New Castle, DE

Salary: $113,400 to $141,800 annualized (Grade 112). (Salary commensurate with experience and skills)

Opening Date: October 23, 2025

Closing Date: November 23, 2025

I. POSITION SUMMARY This position acts as the independent leader of the operations for Authority owned or operated airport facilities. The incumbent is directly responsible for the day-to-day management of several Airport Department units as assigned by the Director of Airport Operations. This position will assist the Director with short- and long-term planning, execution of all preventative and reactive airport activities, and is responsible for the safe and efficient management of multiple concurrent complex projects. This position assists the Director with strategic and tactical planning of maintenance for all Authority airport facilities including runways, equipment, buildings, and customer tenant facilities such as hangars. This position prepares and/or administers directives, memorandums, contracts, and business analyses and is responsible for the preparation and administration of operating and capital budgets upon direction by the Director. This position reports directly to the Director and also acts on behalf of the Director, by providing direction to the entire Airport Department, in his/her absence and in times of emergency when assigned.

Multi‑Site Responsibility This position has the responsibility to act as the principal Authority manager for the operations of multiple operation sites. These positions have ongoing day-to-day oversight of all airport operations at the assigned sites. These positions operate autonomously with no direct managerial support from superiors on‑site. These positions have the responsibility to ensure that all airport operations at the assigned sites are delivered in accordance with all regulatory and statutory requirements. Considering the nature of the Authority's core operations, these regulatory and statutory requirements are typically quite onerous and stringent (e.g., FAA).

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals

Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short- and long-range planning

Prepares, analyzes and manages department operating and capital budgets

Provides in-depth review, analysis, and recommendations of critical and/or complex capital programs as assigned

Provides management, organizational, and fiscal analysis and impact of projects as assigned

Manages employees and coordinates work allocation, level of effort, schedules, training, and problem resolution

Evaluates employee performance and motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance

Assists other Authority departments in developing annual and monthly preventative maintenance plans for airport facilities;

Interfaces with regulatory and government agencies, vendors, contractors, and customers on matters related to the operation of airport facilities.

Develops and implements systems to maintain records in relation to regulatory requirements.

Develops and executes employee development (mandated and career) for all maintenance employees and ensures compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations

Participates in environmental planning and compliance with policies and regulations

Approves and executes contracts within Authority guidelines

Provides the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers

II. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of management principles and airport practices, procedures, and operations; proven success in managing a diverse workforce

Detailed specialist knowledge of relevant local, state and federal regulations, and Authority protocols and procedures that impact airports in general and work unit in particular

Knowledge of business and financial practices related to airports

Ability to set clear expectations and performance standards for employees; ability to hold individuals accountable for poor performance

Supervise, develop, motivate, and train staff, by organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments in a complex operating environment

Identify, develop, and implement strategic and tactical plans and solutions

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts such as outside vendors and contractors

Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to provide excellent customer service

III. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, business administration, airport administration or related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities specifically in the fields of transportation or public sector airport management

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public or Business administration, Aviation Management or an Engineering discipline is preferred

Five (5) years' experience in supervisory roles in transportation, or airports, including direct supervision; seven (7) years preferred

Strong background in management of airport operations functions

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and project management

Demonstrated experience in finance/budgeting principles and practices; at least five (5) years of experience in budget development/execution and cost analysis preferred

Three (3) years of experience with organized labor preferred

IV. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Valid driver's license

FAA Pilot's License Preferred

Airport industry accreditation preferred

V. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Subject to a background investigation, pre‑employment physical, pre‑employment drug test, and criminal history records check (CHRC)

Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution to receive their bi‑weekly pay

Must be willing and available for duty at such hours, day or night, as may be required in order to maintain continuous operation of the DRBA's facilities. Must be willing and available to respond to emergency situations and effectively lead the Department in completing duties to maintain or restore operational capability

The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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