Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $161,961.28 - $196,932.32 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-B7N-A
Department: Airports
Division: Aviation Operations Admin
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92
Description
Under the general direction of the Director of Roads and Airports, to manage Aviation Operations. Aviation Operations is responsible for the operation and administration of County airports.
The Director of County Airports oversees the operation and administration of the Reid Hillview Airport in San Jose and the San Martin Airport in South Santa Clara County. Key responsibilities include managing all aspects of airport operations including supervision and leadership of staff, developing and implementing operating policies and procedures, negotiating and executing contracts, leases, agreements, permits, and ensuring adherence to State and Federal requirements for safe and efficient airport operations. This position is responsible for the development of the Airport Capital Improvement program, Airport Layout Plan changes and master planning.
Typical Tasks

• Formulates and implements airport operating policies and procedures including contracts, leases, agreements, permits and other regulations;
• Interprets and enforces policies and rules;
• Plans for and makes recommendations on current and future facility and service needs;
• Directs the development and maintenance of the annual budget and other operational records and reports;
• Coordinates airport programs with local, state, federal and private agencies and other County departments;
• Responds to citizen complaints and inquires;
• Represents the Department in the community and with other agencies;
• Evaluates and makes recommendations on capital projects;
• Directs and evaluates the work of subordinate personnel;
• Reviews and makes recommendations on legislation affecting airports and aviation activities;
• Performs other related work as required.

Employment Standards
Considerable education, training and experience which will demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and abilities:
Experience Note: A candidate would normally have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in business or public administration or a closely related field and five years of responsible administrative experience, two years of which must have been in airport management and operations.
Accreditation by the American Association of Airport Executives is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration, business management, and budgeting;
• Airport service and facility management and maintenance;
• Federal Aviation Agency rules and regulations pertaining to airport operations;
• Human relation skills.

Ability to:

• Plan and develop current and long term airport programs;
• Prepare, recommend and negotiate contracts, leases, and usage fees;
• Plan, direct, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees;
• Prepare and present effective oral and written reports;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with airport users, the public, governmental agencies and County departments.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in business or public administration or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03
If you responded "yes" to the previous question, please indicate the name of the college or university you graduated from, the level of your degree, and the field of your degree.
04
How many years of administrative work experience do you possess?

• None
• Less than one year
• One year to less than two years
• Two years to less than three years
• Three years to less than four years
• Four years to less than five years
• Five years or more

05
Describe your administrative work experience.Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties.If no experience, type N/A.
06
How many years of work experience do you possess in airport management and operations?

• None
• Less than one year
• One year to less than two years
• Two years or more

07
Describe your experience in airport management and operations.Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties.If no experience, type N/A.
08
Do you possess accreditation by the American Association of Airport Executives?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you possess experience in public administration, business management, and/or budgeting?

• Yes
• No

10
Describe your experience in public administration, business management, and/or budgeting.Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties.If no experience, type N/A.
11
How many years of experience do you possess with Federal Aviation Agency rules and regulations as they pertain to airport operations?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five years or more

12
Describe your experience with Federal Aviation Agency rules and regulations as they pertain to airport operations.Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties.If no experience, type N/A.
13
How many years of experience do you possess planning, directing, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five years or more

14
Describe your experience planning, directing, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees.Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties.If no experience, type N/A.
15
Do you possess experience preparing and making oral and written reports?

• Yes
• No

16
Describe your experience preparing and making oral and written reports.Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties.If no experience, type N/A.
17
How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

18
How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.
Required Question