County of San Mateo
Airport Manager (Departmental Promotional Only)
County of San Mateo, Burlingame, California, United States, 94010
Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.
The County of San Mateo's Department of Public Works is seeking applications for the position of
Airport Manager.
The
Airport Manager
will oversee the overall safety, security, and efficiency of the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports. This key leadership role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering airport operations, facilities maintenance, security programs, capital projects, and leasing policies and procedures. The Airport Manager will work closely with airport stakeholders on facility enhancements, engage with local community groups and government officials on various airport initiatives, and provide direction and supervision to airport staff. Additionally, this position serves as the acting Deputy Director of Public Works – Airports when needed and performs other related duties as assigned.
About the County of San Mateo Airports Division Located in the scenic settings of Northern California, the Half Moon Bay and San Carlos Airports are integral parts of the County of San Mateo’s aviation landscape. Both airports serve as vital assets to the community, not only in terms of transportation but also as crucial hubs for emergency services. The airports provide a variety of emergency services and response functions including Air-Ambulance and Medivac flights; law enforcement and homeland security patrols; and Coast Guard sea-rescue operations, emphasizing their role in community safety and disaster relief.
The County of San Mateo Airports are vibrant centers for aviation activities, home to approximately 400 aircraft and more than 25 aviation-related businesses. With San Carlos Airport generating over 100,000 aircraft operations annually, these airports are not just transit points but also key contributors to the local economy. The airports are self-funded through user fees. Offering extensive opportunities for education and training, these airports are ideal for those seeking careers in aviation, and provide a platform for aspiring pilots, mechanics, and airport professionals to thrive in a dynamic and progressive environment. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan, organize, and direct all phases of the 24/7 operations, staffing, facility management, capital projects and overall coordination of the activities at the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports. Ensure daily operational efficiency, safety, and full regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Develop, implement, and manage operational policies and standards to ensure consistent regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Oversee the administration, enforcement, and development of lease agreements, licenses, and contracts, including agreements requiring Board of Supervisors approval. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and promote sustainable development of airport facilities. Establish procedures for the mitigation of hazardous conditions and strict adherence to federal and state safety standards and requirements. Formulate and implement long-range operational plans, including updates to the Airport Layout Plan and Capital Improvement Program. Implement strategies for future airport development projects to align with the County’s vision for airport operations and efficiency. Oversee the preparation and management of the annual operating and capital budgets, including financial projections and the airport enterprise fund. Develop and promote new revenue sources through airport leasing opportunities and partnerships. Ensure proper administration and evaluation of grant-funded programs to maximize resource utilization. Supervise and assign tasks to staff involved in airport operations, maintenance, security, and business administration. Provide mentorship, training, and leadership to foster staff development and enhance operational efficiency. Facilitate and coordinate the preparation and solicitation of Requests for Proposals for airport properties and vendors, develop bid specifications, and evaluate proposals. Coordinate and monitor capital projects, maintenance activities, prioritizing safety and long-term facility needs. Collaborate with other divisions and departments, public agencies, and private organizations to ensure seamless coordination of airport operations, maintenance, and capital project activities. Represent the airport in meetings related to regulatory compliance, airport planning, capital projects, and operational policies. Collaborate with airport stakeholders to prioritize facility upgrades and align programs with evolving business needs and budgets. Partner with local community groups, elected officials, and agencies on airport initiatives to exchange information, address community needs, promote airport benefits, and support general aviation. Engage airport users and community groups in airport planning processes, present new airport programs to various airport and community groups; and represent the Department in matters pertaining to the airports. Compile administrative reports and communications; and direct the preparation of special reports. Conduct interviews, oversee hiring, and assess staff performance; assign, delegate, and coordinate the team’s work. Perform other duties as assigned to support airport management and operations, ensuring that all goals are aligned with operational efficiency and sustainability. Knowledge of: Effective management practices, including performance evaluations and training, work organization, long-term planning, delegation of authority, and accountability. Commercial service and general aviation airport management and operations, including rules, policies, and procedures. Federal aviation regulations and guidance including but not limited to FAR Parts 91, 135, 141, and 139, compliance program, grant assurances, advisory circulars, orders and program guidance letters, as well as state requirements related to land use, environmental, stormwater, and hazardous materials compliance for airports. Federal airport improvement and state capital improvement programs; planning, improving, and constructing new facilities to enhance airport services. Principles and practices of airport enterprise funds, budget preparation, administration, and control. Principles and techniques of supervision, performance evaluations and training. Skill/Ability to: Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with tenants, business operators, community members, consultants, and various private and public agencies contracted in the course of performing assigned duties. Manage comprehensive programs, including at a public airport. Lead teams effectively toward achieving goals. Make presentations to the public, professional organizations, and/or boards. Develop and promote new and additional aeronautical and nonaeronautical revenue sources, including business development, airport leasing, and the implementation of marketing programs to enhance County airport revenues. Recruit, mentor, develop, and assess assigned staff. Interpret accurately and make decisions in accordance with appropriate rules, laws, regulations and policies. Analyze situations and problems accurately, identify alternative solutions, project consequence of proposed actions, and implement effective course of action in support of solution. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain clear and accurate records and reports. Perform essential physical tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, and engaging in activities like climbing, walking, standing, stooping, and crouching for extended periods with or without reasonable accommodations.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Training or equivalent experience in aviation management and at least five years of experience in airport management or in an airport leadership role. Licensure/Certification:
Possession of or ability to obtain credential as a Certified Member (CM) through the American Association of Airport Executives within one (1) year of hire. Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Department of Public Works with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to
https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply . Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.
Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. Tentative Recruitment Timeline Final Filing Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. PST Application Screening:
Monday, August 25, 2025 Civil Service Panel Interview:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 About the County San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. Analyst: Sarah Huynh (08072025) (Airport Manager - D002) #J-18808-Ljbffr
Airport Manager.
The
Airport Manager
will oversee the overall safety, security, and efficiency of the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports. This key leadership role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering airport operations, facilities maintenance, security programs, capital projects, and leasing policies and procedures. The Airport Manager will work closely with airport stakeholders on facility enhancements, engage with local community groups and government officials on various airport initiatives, and provide direction and supervision to airport staff. Additionally, this position serves as the acting Deputy Director of Public Works – Airports when needed and performs other related duties as assigned.
About the County of San Mateo Airports Division Located in the scenic settings of Northern California, the Half Moon Bay and San Carlos Airports are integral parts of the County of San Mateo’s aviation landscape. Both airports serve as vital assets to the community, not only in terms of transportation but also as crucial hubs for emergency services. The airports provide a variety of emergency services and response functions including Air-Ambulance and Medivac flights; law enforcement and homeland security patrols; and Coast Guard sea-rescue operations, emphasizing their role in community safety and disaster relief.
The County of San Mateo Airports are vibrant centers for aviation activities, home to approximately 400 aircraft and more than 25 aviation-related businesses. With San Carlos Airport generating over 100,000 aircraft operations annually, these airports are not just transit points but also key contributors to the local economy. The airports are self-funded through user fees. Offering extensive opportunities for education and training, these airports are ideal for those seeking careers in aviation, and provide a platform for aspiring pilots, mechanics, and airport professionals to thrive in a dynamic and progressive environment. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan, organize, and direct all phases of the 24/7 operations, staffing, facility management, capital projects and overall coordination of the activities at the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay Airports. Ensure daily operational efficiency, safety, and full regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Develop, implement, and manage operational policies and standards to ensure consistent regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Oversee the administration, enforcement, and development of lease agreements, licenses, and contracts, including agreements requiring Board of Supervisors approval. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and promote sustainable development of airport facilities. Establish procedures for the mitigation of hazardous conditions and strict adherence to federal and state safety standards and requirements. Formulate and implement long-range operational plans, including updates to the Airport Layout Plan and Capital Improvement Program. Implement strategies for future airport development projects to align with the County’s vision for airport operations and efficiency. Oversee the preparation and management of the annual operating and capital budgets, including financial projections and the airport enterprise fund. Develop and promote new revenue sources through airport leasing opportunities and partnerships. Ensure proper administration and evaluation of grant-funded programs to maximize resource utilization. Supervise and assign tasks to staff involved in airport operations, maintenance, security, and business administration. Provide mentorship, training, and leadership to foster staff development and enhance operational efficiency. Facilitate and coordinate the preparation and solicitation of Requests for Proposals for airport properties and vendors, develop bid specifications, and evaluate proposals. Coordinate and monitor capital projects, maintenance activities, prioritizing safety and long-term facility needs. Collaborate with other divisions and departments, public agencies, and private organizations to ensure seamless coordination of airport operations, maintenance, and capital project activities. Represent the airport in meetings related to regulatory compliance, airport planning, capital projects, and operational policies. Collaborate with airport stakeholders to prioritize facility upgrades and align programs with evolving business needs and budgets. Partner with local community groups, elected officials, and agencies on airport initiatives to exchange information, address community needs, promote airport benefits, and support general aviation. Engage airport users and community groups in airport planning processes, present new airport programs to various airport and community groups; and represent the Department in matters pertaining to the airports. Compile administrative reports and communications; and direct the preparation of special reports. Conduct interviews, oversee hiring, and assess staff performance; assign, delegate, and coordinate the team’s work. Perform other duties as assigned to support airport management and operations, ensuring that all goals are aligned with operational efficiency and sustainability. Knowledge of: Effective management practices, including performance evaluations and training, work organization, long-term planning, delegation of authority, and accountability. Commercial service and general aviation airport management and operations, including rules, policies, and procedures. Federal aviation regulations and guidance including but not limited to FAR Parts 91, 135, 141, and 139, compliance program, grant assurances, advisory circulars, orders and program guidance letters, as well as state requirements related to land use, environmental, stormwater, and hazardous materials compliance for airports. Federal airport improvement and state capital improvement programs; planning, improving, and constructing new facilities to enhance airport services. Principles and practices of airport enterprise funds, budget preparation, administration, and control. Principles and techniques of supervision, performance evaluations and training. Skill/Ability to: Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with tenants, business operators, community members, consultants, and various private and public agencies contracted in the course of performing assigned duties. Manage comprehensive programs, including at a public airport. Lead teams effectively toward achieving goals. Make presentations to the public, professional organizations, and/or boards. Develop and promote new and additional aeronautical and nonaeronautical revenue sources, including business development, airport leasing, and the implementation of marketing programs to enhance County airport revenues. Recruit, mentor, develop, and assess assigned staff. Interpret accurately and make decisions in accordance with appropriate rules, laws, regulations and policies. Analyze situations and problems accurately, identify alternative solutions, project consequence of proposed actions, and implement effective course of action in support of solution. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain clear and accurate records and reports. Perform essential physical tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, and engaging in activities like climbing, walking, standing, stooping, and crouching for extended periods with or without reasonable accommodations.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Training or equivalent experience in aviation management and at least five years of experience in airport management or in an airport leadership role. Licensure/Certification:
Possession of or ability to obtain credential as a Certified Member (CM) through the American Association of Airport Executives within one (1) year of hire. Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Department of Public Works with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to
https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply . Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.
Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. Tentative Recruitment Timeline Final Filing Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. PST Application Screening:
Monday, August 25, 2025 Civil Service Panel Interview:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 About the County San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. Analyst: Sarah Huynh (08072025) (Airport Manager - D002) #J-18808-Ljbffr