Freelance Airport Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $79,913.60 - $83,574.40 Annually
Location : Airport, 16384 Airport Rd Ste 5, Brainerd, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20260630
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 4:30 PM Central
General Definition of Work
Under the general direction of the Airport Manager, the Operations Manager plans, directs, and inspects the overall Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Operations, and Maintenance functions of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport to assure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations including Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139 and associated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations.
Essential Functions

• Plan, develop, and supervise activities of the ARFF/Operations staff in the general operations and maintenance, repair and/or replacement of landside, terminal, and airside infrastructure.
• Plan and develop work/staff schedules including evaluating and monitoring project progress and costs, prioritizing, assigning, scheduling, and monitoring status of work orders; prepares estimates, approves purchases, and tracks budgeted expenditures.
• Performs personnel administrative functions (e.g., interviewing, selecting, evaluating, supervising, training) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel, and achieving objectives within budget.
• Supervises training of ARFF/Operations personnel on appropriate procedures, use of materials and equipment, including training staff on FAA, OSHA, and other safety and hazardous materials regulations.
• Inspects Airport facilities to determine maintenance and repair needs.
• Manages emergency on-call needs.
• Manage construction contracts for new facilities and major alterations and/or modernization of existing facilities, ensuring that the work is performed in accordance with specifications, timelines, and budget.
• Provides ARFF/Operations support as required to perform installation, repairs and other operations and maintenance duties.
• Complies with federal, state and local laws and regulations, Airport policies and procedures; follows all safety precautions and standards; communicates with staff, airport tenants, airline passengers, aeronautical users, contractors, and other operations and maintenance personnel.
• Responds to and resolves problems within scope of authority; refers more complex problems or those beyond scope of authority to supervisor; and informs supervisor on regular basis of problems and concerns.
• Maintains current knowledge in the field of airport safety, security, operations, and maintenance.
• Performs ARFF coverage, if necessary, in emergencies and because of vacations, sickness, or other absences of ARFF/Operations staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of or ability to learn, follow, and enforce Airport policies and procedures
• Knowledge of management practices and principles
• Knowledge of general maintenance principles, practices and techniques
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to assigned work
• Skill in applying general maintenance principles, practices and techniques
• Skill in utilizing computer programs, databases and Microsoft Suite
• Ability to supervise the work of others and lead a team
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion, with close attention to detail while contributing to team environment
• Ability to relate to a diverse population in a professional and helpful manner
• Ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations
• Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate actions to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes
• Ability to utilize memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and management skills

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aviation management, airport operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1-3 years progressively responsible experience in airport operations and maintenance, or equivalent, Part 139 experience highly preferred.
• One year of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Emergency Medical Technician or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certification, or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Class A Driver's License.

Other Requirements and Supplemental Information
Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate. Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting only occasionally, walking and standing are required regularly, may be required to kneel, crouch/squat, crawl, climb, stoop, turn/twist, balance, reach, or handle.
Compensation
Compensation is governed by the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Commission and the Airport's Employee Policy Manual.
Holidays
The 10 calendar holidays that are observed are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following, and Christmas Day. Employees also received two additional "floating" holidays of their choice.
Vacation
Vacation is earned at the rate of 6.66 hours per month (2 weeks per year) for the first 5 years of employment. After the first five years, monthly accrual rate is increased annually per the Employee Policy Manual. Maximum vacation balance is 240 hours. Vacation is accrued, but generally not available for use, for the first six months of employment.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 8 hours per month with a maximum sick balance of 960 hours. Payout of 100% of sick leave balance allowed as severance if immediately eligible to draw PERA pension or due to a written doctor-verified disability.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance - Blue Cross Blue Shield is our current health insurance provider. Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire. We currently offer four High Deductible Health Insurance plans (HDHP):

• Plan 1 is a $3,300 single/$6,600 family deductible policy. The employee pays 5% of the single premium with the 2025 monthly cost being $74.25 per month. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $501.40 per month.
• Plan 2 is a $1,650 single/$3,300 family deductible policy. The employee pays 5% of the single premium with the 2025 monthly cost being $82.85 per month. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $559.80 per month.
• Plan 3 is a $6,300 single/$12,600 family deductible policy. The employee pays 3% of the single premium with the 2025 monthly cost being $37.56 per month. The employee pays 15% of the family premium or $317.25 per month.
• Plan 4 is a $8,300 single/$16,600 family deductible policy. The employer pays 100% of the single premium. The employee pays 10% of the family premium or $194.70 per month.

NOTE: For all four of the above HDHP, the employee also receives an additional annual employer HSA contribution based on which plan and coverage level is elected (amount will be prorated and deposited in monthly increments) into the employee's Health Savings Account.
Dental/Optical Insurance
Dental and optical insurance benefits are available.
Life Insurance
A $100,000 life insurance and long-term disability insurance policy is 100% provided by the employer after the successful completion of the fist six months of employment. Said policies take effect the first of the month following the initial six months of employment.
Retirement Plan
Retirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). The 2025 EMPLOYEE contribution rate is 6.5%. The 2025 EMPLOYER contribution rate is 7.5%.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in aviation, management, airport operations, or related field?

• Yes
• No

02
If you answered "Yes" for question #1, please provide your degree and school you obtained it at. If you answered "No", please put N/A.
03
Do you have 1-3 years of experience in airport operations and maintenance?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered "Yes" for question #3, please provide in detail your experience and with which Airport you obtained this experience at. If you answered "No", please put N/A.
05
Do you have one or more years of supervising experience?

• Yes
• No

06
Please select the option that best describes your valid EMT certification status:

• I currently possess a valid EMT certificate
• I do not possess a valid EMT certificate, but will obtain it within one year of employment
• I do not possess a valid EMT certificate and will not obtain it within one year of employment

07
Please select the option that best describes your current Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certification:

• I possess a current Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certification
• I do not possess a current Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certificate, but will obtain it within one year of employment
• I do not possess a current Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certificate and will not obtain it within one year of employment

08
Do you possess a Class A Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

09
Please indicate your years of experience in operating and maintaining vehicles and light/heavy equipment.

• No Experience
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 3+ years

10
Do you have experience in operating heavy equipment?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you possess a valid First Responder Certificate?

• Yes
• No

12
If you answered "No" for #11, are you able to achieve one in the first three months of employment?

• Yes
• No

13
Do you have experience in building and grounds maintenance?

• No Experience
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• More than 3 years

14
Do you have experience in operating and maintaining commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems?

• Yes
• No

15
If you answered "Yes" for question #14 please provide where your experience was obtained as well as length of experience. If answered "No", please put N/A.
16
Do you have experience working in a public service environment?

• Yes
• No

17
If you answered "Yes" for question #16, please explain your experience. If you answered "No", please put N/A.
18
Why are you interested in working for the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport?
Required Question