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Airport Manager

City of Salem, Salem, OR, United States


Overview

The City of Salem is hiring an Airport Manager for Salem-Willamette Valley Airport
Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field, is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem, Oregon. The airport is owned by the City of Salem and is part of the Salem Public Works Department. The airport encompasses 751 acres with nearby 70 acres of industrial land. It has two runways, a passenger terminal building, an on-site museum, airfield-view restaurant, full-service fixed base operator, 130 aircraft hangars, and several on-airport businesses. The airport includes an Oregon Army National Guard Aviation facility. A seven-member Airport Advisory Committee advises City Council and airport staff on airport rules and policies. The airport has a 7.5 total staff and a FY26 annual operating budget of $3.6 million.

Make an impact

Make an impact:

The airport is poised for significant growth including re-establishing commercial air service, enhancing corporate aviation opportunities, expanding aviation-related businesses, and supporting general aviation facilities and operations. The City of Salem is looking for an energetic, experienced airport manager to develop a vision for the airport and lead it into the future.

What you will do

What you will do:
The Airport Manager will lead an experienced team of 7.5 staff that operates a Part 139 airport capable of operating commercial passenger air service, corporate, military, and general aviation activities. Specifically:

Lead a team of 7.5 airport staff, including hiring, evaluation, coaching, disciplinary, and training duties

Ensure that the airfield meets FAA safety, operational, and reporting requirements

Ensure that the airfield and terminal meet TSA security requirements for commercial passenger air service, including maintaining an updated Airport Security Plan

Ensure that all airport facilities, surfaces, lighting, drainage, fences, parking, and landscaping are properly maintained

Compile an annual airport budget, track revenues and expenditures, plan capital purchases, and develop revenue sources for the airport fund

Manage ground and facility leases for aircraft hangars and airport businesses, including developing leasable properties

Work with consultants to update plans, conduct studies, and develop capital construction and maintenance projects, including maintaining FAA-approved 5-year CIP and completing grant applications, agreements, and documentation

Staff the seven-member Airport Advisory Commission, write City Council staff reports, make presentations to advisory and decision-making bodies, and work with community stakeholders

Develop a vision and brand for Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, including updating its Strategic Business Plan and marketing the airport for economic development

What we offer
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family

Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies

Competitive pay

6% City-paid PERS pick-up (including IAP deferral)

Voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account

Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts

Voluntary long-term care

Employee wellness program

Employee assistance program

Employee health clinic

A flexible schedule may be available; normal hours are Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Occasional work outside normal hours. Remote work option one day per week with manager approval

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive base salary within the listed range based on experience, skills, and education. Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications in your application materials. Equal Pay information is available.

Minimum qualifications
Must pass the pre-employment background check

Must have, or obtain, an Oregon Driver license and driving record that meets City standards

Must be able to obtain highest-level TSA security access badge for an airport

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Business, Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; an associate’s degree with certificate in Aviation Business or Management is acceptable

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional managerial experience, including at least one year as an airport manager; Master’s degree highly preferred and may substitute for three years

Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process; please provide detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)
Experience as a pilot, civilian or military

Experience leading at an airport that operates commercial passenger air service

What you will bring
Knowledge and experience working with the FAA and TSA on operational, regulatory, security, planning, projects, and funding issues

Ability to inspect terminal facilities and airfield surfaces, and perform required safety audits, including issuing and managing leases

Ability to inspect leased aircraft hangars for FAA regulations and lease requirements

Ability to communicate via two-way radio with the air traffic control tower and other operational vehicles, using proper radio procedures and nomenclature

Knowledge of how aircraft and vehicles safely maneuver within the airfield, including terminal ramp and airport perimeter security measures

Knowledge of how aircraft safely taxi, take-off, approach, and land, including navigational aids, lighting, signs, and equipment

Knowledge of emergency plans and ARFF operations and requirements

Knowledge of working with commercial air carrier operations, including ticketing/gate operations and ground handling

Managerial skills including budgeting, contracts, personnel, projects, reports, presentations, and community engagement

About us

The City of Salem is the second largest city in Oregon, located in the Willamette Valley. Salem is the capital city of Oregon with a population over 180,000.

Where to find more information

For position details, search for Manager III in the Class Specifications.

How to apply

The City of Salem is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diverse applicants. To apply, click Apply and complete the application. Please describe how you meet the qualifications.

Eligible candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for six months. You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings through the Job Interest Cards. For more information, visit the City of Salem jobs page.

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