Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $50,300.00 - $65,400.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Flexible
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
vision coverage
Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
competitive pay
PERS retirement plan
flexible schedule
Remote work option
employee wellness program
Employee assistance program
Health clinic
Job Description
The City of Salem, located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, is the second largest city in the state and serves as the state capital with a population of over 180,000 residents. Known for its blend of vibrant new neighborhoods and historic preservation, Salem offers an exceptional quality of life with proximity to both the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean beaches. The city provides comprehensive municipal services through eight primary departments, including Public Works, Police, Fire, and Community Planning and Development, employing approximately 1,350 dedicated staff. Salem values diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming work environment and encourages diverse applicants to join the community essential for delivering excellent public service.
The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field after U.S. Senator Charles McNary, is a key facility operated by the City of Salem under its Public Works Department. Strategically positioned just two miles southeast of downtown Salem and near major highways Interstate 5 and State Highway 22, the airport covers 751 acres with an additional 70 acres of industrial land nearby. Featuring two runways (one primary runway of 5,811 feet by 150 feet and a secondary runway of 5,145 feet by 100 feet), the airport supports a wide range of aviation activities from commercial passenger services to military and general aviation. Facilities include a passenger terminal, an on-site museum, an airfield-view restaurant, a full-service fixed base operator, 130 aircraft hangars, and several aviation-related businesses. The airport also hosts an Oregon Army National Guard aviation facility and is guided in policy matters by a seven-member Airport Advisory Committee.
Positioned for substantial growth, the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is re-establishing commercial air service and expanding opportunities for corporate and general aviation. The City of Salem is seeking an energetic and experienced Airport Manager to lead this vital transportation hub into its next chapter of development. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a vision for the airport’s future, enhance its operational capacity, and contribute to local economic development through aviation.
As Airport Manager, you will oversee a professional team of 7.5 staff members managing a Part 139 certified airport capable of supporting commercial passenger service, corporate aviation, military operations, and general aviation. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with FAA and TSA regulations related to safety, operations, and security; overseeing airport facility maintenance; preparing and managing the airport’s annual budget and financial resources; and directing capital improvement projects such as runway upgrades and terminal enhancements supported by FAA grant applications. You will also manage leases for aircraft hangars and airport businesses and work with consultants on planning and development strategies.
The Airport Manager acts as a key liaison with the Airport Advisory Commission, City Council, and community stakeholders, delivering presentations and reports that drive informed decision-making. A critical part of the role involves developing a strategic business plan and branding initiatives to market the airport and attract new businesses and air service providers, helping the airport become a significant economic engine in the region.
This full-time position offers a competitive salary with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid vacation and sick leave, enrollment in the City’s pension system including a City-paid PERS pick-up, and options for flexible scheduling and remote work. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, with some flexibility and occasional requirements beyond these hours.
Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in aviation business, management, aerospace engineering, or a related field, with preferable advanced education and a minimum of seven years of professional managerial experience in an airport or related environment. Knowledge of FAA and TSA operations, regulatory compliance, leasing management, budgeting, and community engagement is essential. Experience as an airport manager and pilot background are considered strong assets.
Joining the City of Salem as Airport Manager means contributing to a progressive public agency committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace while steering Salem-Willamette Valley Airport towards dynamic growth and enhanced service. If you have a passion for aviation and leadership, this opportunity provides a platform to make a lasting impact on the airport and the community it serves.
The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field after U.S. Senator Charles McNary, is a key facility operated by the City of Salem under its Public Works Department. Strategically positioned just two miles southeast of downtown Salem and near major highways Interstate 5 and State Highway 22, the airport covers 751 acres with an additional 70 acres of industrial land nearby. Featuring two runways (one primary runway of 5,811 feet by 150 feet and a secondary runway of 5,145 feet by 100 feet), the airport supports a wide range of aviation activities from commercial passenger services to military and general aviation. Facilities include a passenger terminal, an on-site museum, an airfield-view restaurant, a full-service fixed base operator, 130 aircraft hangars, and several aviation-related businesses. The airport also hosts an Oregon Army National Guard aviation facility and is guided in policy matters by a seven-member Airport Advisory Committee.
Positioned for substantial growth, the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is re-establishing commercial air service and expanding opportunities for corporate and general aviation. The City of Salem is seeking an energetic and experienced Airport Manager to lead this vital transportation hub into its next chapter of development. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a vision for the airport’s future, enhance its operational capacity, and contribute to local economic development through aviation.
As Airport Manager, you will oversee a professional team of 7.5 staff members managing a Part 139 certified airport capable of supporting commercial passenger service, corporate aviation, military operations, and general aviation. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with FAA and TSA regulations related to safety, operations, and security; overseeing airport facility maintenance; preparing and managing the airport’s annual budget and financial resources; and directing capital improvement projects such as runway upgrades and terminal enhancements supported by FAA grant applications. You will also manage leases for aircraft hangars and airport businesses and work with consultants on planning and development strategies.
The Airport Manager acts as a key liaison with the Airport Advisory Commission, City Council, and community stakeholders, delivering presentations and reports that drive informed decision-making. A critical part of the role involves developing a strategic business plan and branding initiatives to market the airport and attract new businesses and air service providers, helping the airport become a significant economic engine in the region.
This full-time position offers a competitive salary with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid vacation and sick leave, enrollment in the City’s pension system including a City-paid PERS pick-up, and options for flexible scheduling and remote work. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, with some flexibility and occasional requirements beyond these hours.
Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in aviation business, management, aerospace engineering, or a related field, with preferable advanced education and a minimum of seven years of professional managerial experience in an airport or related environment. Knowledge of FAA and TSA operations, regulatory compliance, leasing management, budgeting, and community engagement is essential. Experience as an airport manager and pilot background are considered strong assets.
Joining the City of Salem as Airport Manager means contributing to a progressive public agency committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace while steering Salem-Willamette Valley Airport towards dynamic growth and enhanced service. If you have a passion for aviation and leadership, this opportunity provides a platform to make a lasting impact on the airport and the community it serves.
Job Requirements
- Must pass the pre-employment background check
- Must have or obtain an Oregon Driver license with a driving record meeting City standards
- Must be able to obtain highest-level TSA security access badge
- Bachelor's degree from accredited institution in relevant field or associate's degree with relevant certificate
- Seven years supervisory managerial experience including one year airport management or equivalent
- Must provide detailed information of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in application
- Master's degree preferred and may substitute for three years managerial experience
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Business, Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration or related field
- Seven years of progressively responsible professional managerial experience including at least one year as an airport manager
- Knowledge of FAA and TSA regulations and operational requirements
- Experience managing multiple work units with supervisory staff
- Ability to develop and manage budgets and capital improvement programs
- Skill in writing reports, making presentations, and working with advisory and community bodies
- Strong communication skills including radio communication procedures
- Preferred qualifications include pilot experience and leadership experience at airports with commercial passenger service
Job Duties
- Lead a team of 7.5 airport staff including hiring, evaluation, coaching, disciplinary, and training duties
- Ensure compliance with FAA safety, operational, and reporting requirements
- Ensure airfield and terminal meet TSA security requirements including maintaining updated Airport Security Plan
- Oversee maintenance of airport facilities, surfaces, lighting, drainage, fences, parking, and landscaping
- Prepare and manage the annual airport budget, track revenues and expenditures, plan capital purchases, and develop revenue sources
- Manage ground and facility leases for aircraft hangars and airport businesses, assist in development of leasable properties
- Coordinate with consultants to update plans, conduct studies, develop capital construction and maintenance projects including FAA grant applications and agreements
- Staff the seven-member Airport Advisory Commission, write City Council staff reports, make presentations, and work closely with community stakeholders
- Develop a vision and brand for the airport including updating the Strategic Business Plan and promoting economic development
- Communicate via two-way radio with air traffic control tower and operational vehicles using proper procedures
- Inspect terminal facilities, airfield surfaces, leased aircraft hangars for compliance with FAA regulations and lease requirements
- Work with commercial air carrier operations including ticketing, gate, ground handling, and baggage handling operations
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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