Airport operations manager

The Lynchburg Regional Airport is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Airport Operations Manager to join our team of aviation professionals. The ideal candidate will bring energy, professionalism, and a keen analytical mindset, with a strong interest or background in Airport Operations, Emergency Management, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), or a closely related field.

Why Join LYH?

This is more than just a supervisory role — it's an opportunity to be a leader in airport management. You’ll be working at the intersection of safety, operations, and emergency response, with opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and upward mobility. We invest in our people through continuing education, certification support, and leadership development programs. Whether your background is rooted in ARFF, Airport Operations, or Emergency Management, this role offers a unique chance to expand your skill set and make a measurable impact on the airport’s mission and the City of Lynchburg.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Deputy Airport Director, the Airport Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations and ensuring safe and efficient airport operations. The Airport Operations Manager is responsible for inspecting runways, taxiways, safety areas, and perimeter areas inspections; manages wildlife hazard activities, and related duties; reports discrepancies and unsafe conditions via work orders and use of the NOTAM system, responds to aircraft incident/accidents and other emergency situations that occur on airport property; coordinates construction activities, monitors, updates and implement compliance manuals, emergency plans, standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and coordinates applicable training to airport staff in accordance with the Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and local, state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Lynchburg Regional Airport to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations pertaining to airport operations.
• Conducts inspections of airfield pavements, navigation aids, safety areas, airspace above and near the Airport, landside roadways, public parking, and airport facilities.
• Assists in maintaining detailed organizational records involving all FAR Part 139 records, which include; checklists, updates to compliance documents, manuals, and plans, along with preparing various operational reports.
• Coordinates communications to airport tenants, stakeholders, and staff involving construction projects and other special activities.
• Attends construction meetings, issues NOTAMs, provides construction escorts, administers and monitors construction safety training.
• Issues, monitors, and follows through with safety corrective actions; assists in the coordination of emergency tabletop exercises and full-scale triennial drills; assists in the coordination of after-exercise debriefing sessions in accordance with the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
• Monitors and analyzes operational metrics, incidents, and trends to support data-driven decision-making.
• Coordinates with airlines, tenants, air traffic control, maintenance, and public safety to ensure seamless operational continuity.
• Ensures compliance with the airport’s Safety Management System (SMS) and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identifies, coordinates, and administers department-specific compliance training for airport personnel; documents and maintains accurate training records.
• Assists in the planning and coordination of airport emergency planning, tabletop exercises, and full-scale drills in accordance with the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP).
• Prepares and maintains the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan, Airport Security Manual, Airport Snow and Ice Control Plan, and related documents.
• Assists in airport snow removal operations.
• Supports all applicable requirements under all Safety Management Systems (SMS), including tasks, safety committees, and safety working groups.
• Reviews incident reports, wildlife hazard events, logs, and procedures for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Supports the Airport's Wildlife Hazard Management Program.
• Enforces and initiates corrective actions on all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations as well as airport rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.
• Acts as a liaison between airport administration and the FAA, TSA, NTSB, ATCT, and airport tenants by reporting and disseminating information regarding construction, emergencies, and other incidents affecting aircraft movement and airfield conditions.
• Coordinates special events and projects, including airport tours and VIP arrivals.
• Coordinates aircraft parking and gate assignments for diversions, emergencies, and normal operations among tenants and other airport users.
• Oversees janitorial staff and scheduling.
• Performs other duties as required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May be assigned to regularly oversee the work of employees and contractors.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Airport Management, Aviation Safety, Emergency Management, or a related field. Three years of relevant experience and one year of any supervisory role or lead in any capacity. Thorough understanding of commercial service airport operations; one (1) year of experience in Aviation; Part 139 airport preferred. Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and prioritize workload effectively. Completion of FEMA ICS courses (ICS-100, 200, 700, 800) Working knowledge of FAA regulations (Part 139), ARFF protocols, and airport safety procedures. Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to think critically, remain calm under pressure, and make sound decisions in dynamic environments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and airport operations software (e.g., NOTAM Manager, Part 139 Inspection and work order solutions, weather, flight tracking software, or similar platforms). Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to obtain an airport movement area certification.

Preferred but not required:

• Private Pilot’s License with an Instrument Rating.
• ACE-Operations, Certified Member (C.M.) certifications.

Additional Requirements

Must maintain an acceptable driving record according to City criteria. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. Must obtain NIMS/ICS-300 & 400 certifications within one (1) year of hire. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position. Must obtain a 40-hour ARFF training certification within six (6) months of hire. Operates specialized firefighting equipment.