Airport Operations and Maintenance Supervisor

Application Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:00 am
 Tentative Interview Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026

The City of Paso Robles is seeking a motivated and experienced aviation professional to help oversee the day-to-day operations, maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance at Paso Robles Municipal Airport. This position supervises staff, coordinates inspections and contractor activities, and ensures compliance with FAA, state, and local regulations while providing excellent service to tenants, pilots, and the public.

This role is essential to maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable airport operations through coordination of maintenance activities, emergency response efforts, and capital improvement projects. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and solutions-orientated leader with strong knowledge of airport operations, a commitment to safety, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

This is a unique opportunity to play an active role in the continued growth and long-term vision of Paso Robles Municipal Airport, including evolving aviation and potential spaceport initiatives, while supporting high standards of service and operational excellence for the community.

Typical Duties:

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.

• Plans, assigns, supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates assigned staff; provides ongoing coaching, addresses performance issues, and promotes a high standard of accountability, safety, and customer service.
• Works in conjunction with the Airport Manager to oversee daily airport operations and maintenance activities to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
• Monitors and evaluates staff work for accuracy, quality, and adherence to established standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develops work schedules, prioritizes assignments, and allocates staffing resources based on operational needs, workload demands, and emergency response requirements.
• Assists the Airport Manager in developing and implementing division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; evaluates operations and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensures compliance with FAA airport and spaceport regulations, including FAR/AIM, and implements requirements of the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, and related programs.
• Conducts and oversees routine and special inspections of airfield facilities, including runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting systems, signage, fencing, security gates, hangars, and safety areas; ensures deficiencies are promptly corrected.
• Maintains accurate records and logs of inspections, maintenance activities, incidents, and corrective actions.
• Coordinates and oversees airfield maintenance activities, including pavement repairs, lighting systems, vegetation control, and foreign object debris (FOD) removal.
• Administers and monitors contracts; coordinates and inspects work performed by contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure compliance with specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepares or assists in the development of specifications for services, materials, and supplies; reviews purchase orders, invoices, and related documentation.
• Develops, implements, and administers preventative maintenance programs for airport facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Coordinates airport operations and emergency response activities with internal departments, public safety agencies, tenants, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), and regulatory agencies.
• Responds to and coordinates incidents and emergencies, including aircraft incidents, fuel spills, wildlife hazards, and hazardous materials events; supports emergency and post-incident recovery operations.
• Monitors airfield and aircraft operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations; identifies unsafe conditions or activities and initiates corrective action.
• Communicates via UNICOM and issues Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) as required.
• Supports airport security by monitoring airfield access, enforcing rules and regulations, and ensuring compliance with applicable security requirements for both the airport and potential future spaceport.
• Coordinates and monitors construction and capital improvement projects to ensure compliance with approved safety plans, phasing, and operational requirements.
• Works collaboratively with other City departments, contractors, and regulatory agencies to establish and maintain effective operational and maintenance procedures.
• Maintains effective working relationships with tenants, pilots, contractors, and the public; addresses inquiries, complaints, and operational concerns with professionalism and responsiveness.
• Enforces airport rules, regulations, minimum standards, and lease provisions.
• Performs operational duties as needed, including operating radio communications, aircraft towing, and general airfield and facility maintenance.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of airport operational and emergency plans in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Conducts research and prepares reports on regulatory changes, operational issues, and industry trends impacting airport operations.
• Promotes and maintains a culture of safety, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
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Employment Standards & Special Requirements:

Knowledge of:
 

• Supervisory principles and practices, including employee motivation, performance evaluation, training, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Work planning, scheduling, and resource allocation in a multi-functional airport operations and maintenance environment.
• Principles of customer service, public relations, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including tenants, pilots, contractors, regulatory agencies, and City staff.
• Applicable safety practices, risk management principles, and occupational hazards associated with airport operations and maintenance.
• Basic budgeting, purchasing, and contract administration principles.
• Airport operations, including airfield geometry, runway and taxiway systems, markings, lighting, signage, and aircraft movement and non-movement areas.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidance applicable to airport and spaceport operations, including Advisory Circulars, and related compliance requirements for general aviation and certificated airports.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing airport operations, including transportation security requirements, hazardous materials handling, and fire and life safety codes.
• Airport safety programs and plans, including the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP), and airport security programs.
• Airfield inspection procedures, condition reporting requirements, and corrective action practices.
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) concepts and coordination in emergency response situations.
• Aircraft ground handling procedures.
• Radio communication procedures, including UNICOM operations and issuance of Notices to Air Men (NOTAMs).
• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in airport and facility maintenance, including pavement, electrical systems, lighting, plumbing, and general building trades.
• Preventative maintenance principles and asset management practices for airport facilities and infrastructure.
• Airport construction practices, including the ability to interpret Airport Layout Plans (ALPs), Construction Safety and Phasing Plans (CSPPs), and related technical documents.
• Airfield systems, including lighting, navigational aids, weather observation systems, and backup power systems.
• Principles of project coordination and workflow management for multiple concurrent operational and capital projects.
• Safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including fuels and chemicals used in airport operations.

Ability to:
 

• Effectively supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff; assign and prioritize work; provide constructive feedback; and appropriately address performance issues.
• Develop and adjust work schedules, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources to efficiently meet changing operational demands and emergency situations.
• Accurately interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and airport policies.
• Thoroughly conduct and oversee airfield and facility inspections; identify deficiencies and implement timely and effective corrective actions.
• Analyze operational data, maintain accurate records, and prepare clear, concise reports and documentation.
• Evaluate programs, workflows, and service delivery methods; recommend and implement improvements.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, tenants, contractors, and the public.
• Provide high-level customer service and resolve complex or sensitive issues with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure, emergency, or rapidly changing situations.
• Coordinate and collaborate effectively with other departments, public safety agencies, contractors, and airport users.
• Monitor and enforce airport rules, regulations, lease provisions, and safety standards.
• Safely operate and oversee the use of vehicles, heavy equipment, and specialized tools used in airport maintenance and operations.
• Perform and assist with a variety of operational duties, including radio communications, aircraft towing, and general airfield maintenance.
• Read and accurately interpret technical documents, plans, specifications, and regulatory guidance materials.
• Proactively identify maintenance and infrastructure needs; develop and implement preventative maintenance programs and schedules.
• Oversee and participate in maintenance and repair of airport facilities and systems, including electrical, lighting, plumbing, and structural components.
• Use and implement technology and software systems to support operations, recordkeeping, communication, and reporting.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Promote and maintain a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires frequent internal and external contact to carry out organizational programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.

Analytical Skills and Complexity
Exercises considerable analytical ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources. Requires interpretation and application of guidelines, policies, and procedures to determine appropriate actions.

Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 

• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
  • Four years of increasingly responsible work experience, including at least two years in aviation.
    • Aviation experience must be in airfield operations, airfield maintenance, or a related field.
    • The remaining experience (up to two years) must be in general maintenance, construction, or a related field. 
    • General maintenance or construction experience is not required if the candidate has four years of qualifying aviation experience.

The following certifications may substitute for up to one year of the required experience. No more than one year of experience may be substituted, regardless of the number of certifications held.
 

• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE) 
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member (C.M.) 
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)
• Other industry or military airfield certification programs may be considered

Experience performing duties associated with FAA requirements for general aviation airports, FAA Part 420 spaceports, or military airfield operations is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications
Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record. 

Must complete the following American Association of Airport Executives programs within three years of appointment:

• Basic Airport Safety and Operations School (ASOS) 
• Airport Certified Employee – Airfield Lighting Maintenance
• Airport Certified Employee – Airfield Operations

The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the Job Descriptions page of the City’s website.