City of Santa Barbara
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. The Santa Barbara Airport
As the Tri-County region’s “Airport of Choice”, Santa Barbara Airport will be self-sustaining, exceed expectations for safety and quality service, and meet the air transportation and economic development needs of its customers and partners. Read more about the Airport Department here. THE POSITION
The position serves as a member of the airport management team, responsible for execution and management of airport development efforts, including planning, design, construction and activation. Efforts include managing projects and programs necessary to deliver complex development projects related to the Airport Master Plan, facility improvements, tenant improvements, and Airport Improvement Fund (AIP) federally funded projects. Ensures the Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP), Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and State CIP are developed in accordance with established guidelines and requirements. The position reports to the Assistant Airport Director and coordinates efforts with Airport Facility Maintenance, Properties, and the Operations and Security Divisions to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, development and marketing of the airport to meet the needs of the traveling public. Responsibilities include ensuring all improvement projects/programs are planned effectively; executed and remain within scope, on schedule and on budget. Includes developing and managing budgets for each project, managing grant funding; developing design and construction contracts of many types, monitoring and managing staff productivity. Oversees the work flow and priority of the Airport Planning staff to meet the airport's needs and obligations. Coordinates airport development efforts with Community Development, Public Works, tenants, commissions, community members, public officials and other stakeholders interested in airport development. Ensures compliance with Inter-City Service Agreements and manages roles and responsibilities of Public Works on airport projects. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE ABLE TO:
Efficiently plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff and consultants responsible for providing planning, engineering, and construction services. Negotiate consultant contract terms and fees; approve contractor and consultant pay requests. Utilize tracking systems for project budgets and staffing resources, regularly monitor and consider adjustment to maximize staff effectiveness and ensure project success. Oversee and participate in the technical aspects of planning, engineering and construction of projects including the preparation of plans, specifications, cost and quality estimates, and bid documents for airport development projects. Represent the City and Airport in public settings including hearings, meetings before airport commission, council or other public agencies, both in person and through a variety of mediums. Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports and other written materials and make effective oral presentations. Work effectively with various airport departments to ensure the fiscal strength of the airport and to ensure the development of projects while minimizing the impact to the airports operation. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field; and at least six years of progressively responsible experience delivering complex public facilities in a airport/transportation/government environment; a relevant Master’s degree is also preferred. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or other relevant professional certification is desired. Applicants must submit a completed City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that qualify you for this position. Applications, supplemental questionnaires, and acknowledgement forms will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the exam process. Applications and supplemental questionnaires may be rejected if incomplete. Applicants must also successfully complete an aviation clearance for unescorted access to airfield and terminal areas. The selection process may consist of the following: application/questionnaire rating, practical/written exercise, oral board exam, departmental interview. CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO HUMAN RESOURCES BY 5:30 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. The Santa Barbara Airport
As the Tri-County region’s “Airport of Choice”, Santa Barbara Airport will be self-sustaining, exceed expectations for safety and quality service, and meet the air transportation and economic development needs of its customers and partners. Read more about the Airport Department here. THE POSITION
The position serves as a member of the airport management team, responsible for execution and management of airport development efforts, including planning, design, construction and activation. Efforts include managing projects and programs necessary to deliver complex development projects related to the Airport Master Plan, facility improvements, tenant improvements, and Airport Improvement Fund (AIP) federally funded projects. Ensures the Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP), Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and State CIP are developed in accordance with established guidelines and requirements. The position reports to the Assistant Airport Director and coordinates efforts with Airport Facility Maintenance, Properties, and the Operations and Security Divisions to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, development and marketing of the airport to meet the needs of the traveling public. Responsibilities include ensuring all improvement projects/programs are planned effectively; executed and remain within scope, on schedule and on budget. Includes developing and managing budgets for each project, managing grant funding; developing design and construction contracts of many types, monitoring and managing staff productivity. Oversees the work flow and priority of the Airport Planning staff to meet the airport's needs and obligations. Coordinates airport development efforts with Community Development, Public Works, tenants, commissions, community members, public officials and other stakeholders interested in airport development. Ensures compliance with Inter-City Service Agreements and manages roles and responsibilities of Public Works on airport projects. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE ABLE TO:
Efficiently plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff and consultants responsible for providing planning, engineering, and construction services. Negotiate consultant contract terms and fees; approve contractor and consultant pay requests. Utilize tracking systems for project budgets and staffing resources, regularly monitor and consider adjustment to maximize staff effectiveness and ensure project success. Oversee and participate in the technical aspects of planning, engineering and construction of projects including the preparation of plans, specifications, cost and quality estimates, and bid documents for airport development projects. Represent the City and Airport in public settings including hearings, meetings before airport commission, council or other public agencies, both in person and through a variety of mediums. Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports and other written materials and make effective oral presentations. Work effectively with various airport departments to ensure the fiscal strength of the airport and to ensure the development of projects while minimizing the impact to the airports operation. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field; and at least six years of progressively responsible experience delivering complex public facilities in a airport/transportation/government environment; a relevant Master’s degree is also preferred. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or other relevant professional certification is desired. Applicants must submit a completed City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that qualify you for this position. Applications, supplemental questionnaires, and acknowledgement forms will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the exam process. Applications and supplemental questionnaires may be rejected if incomplete. Applicants must also successfully complete an aviation clearance for unescorted access to airfield and terminal areas. The selection process may consist of the following: application/questionnaire rating, practical/written exercise, oral board exam, departmental interview. CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO HUMAN RESOURCES BY 5:30 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr