Regional Manager Airport Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $91,429.00 - $148,115.00 Annually
Location : 2005 Mainsail Drive, Marco Island, FL
Job Type: Full Time, Regular
Job Number: 10227
Department: Transportation Management Services
Division: Operations & Performance Management
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Pay Grade: 265
Job Summary
Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages.
NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.
Lead the future of Collier County's general aviation airport system. The Executive Manager - Airport Operations provides strategic and hands-on leadership for Marco Island Executive Airport, Immokalee Regional Airport, and Everglades Airpark. This position directs the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and development of the airport system and manages day-to-day general aviation airport and Fixed Base Operation activities. The Executive Manager leads staff; administers budgets, grants, leases, contracts, and capital projects; ensures compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; and advises Airport Authority and County leadership on operational and development priorities. Success in this role requires sound judgment, strong leadership, business acumen, and the ability to build productive relationships with tenants, regulators, consultants, contractors, and community partners.
Essential Functions
• Leads, develops, and evaluates assigned staff; establishes priorities, directs work, addresses employee concerns, and completes counseling, disciplinary, and performance management processes.
• Directs day-to-day airport and Fixed Base Operation activities, including airfield operations, runway and taxiway systems, emergency readiness, safety inspections, fuel quality assurance, and required operational reporting.
• Develops, updates, and implements airport operating policies, procedures, and emergency plans consistent with the direction of the Board of County Commissioners and the Airport Authority.
• Researches and prepares recommendations, agenda materials, policies, rules, regulations, directives, programs, agreements, leases, contracts, and other documents for consideration or approval by the Airport Authority/Board of County Commissioners.
• Administers airport leases and contracts; oversees tenant negotiations; and monitors compliance with lease terms, minimum standards, and leasehold development requirements.
• Develops and administers annual operating budgets; monitors expenditures; and assists the Division Director in identifying capital improvement needs and establishing project priorities.
• Prepares and administers the Five-Year Master Plan, annual work programs, and annual reports; develops and implements airport development, grant funding, and Foreign Trade Zone programs.
• Builds and manages relationships with FAA, FDOT, environmental and wildlife agencies, and other federal, state, and local partners; ensures compliance with applicable aviation safety, environmental, fuel storage, and fueling regulations.
• Coordinates requests for proposals, bid packages, and other solicitations with the Procurement Division for airport goods and services.
• Plans and coordinates airfield construction, development, and other special projects; reviews engineering plans and works with project teams to maintain safe and efficient airport operations during construction.
• Oversees consultants, contractors, and service providers; monitors contract performance, project schedules, progress reports, change orders, purchase orders, work orders, invoices, and payment requests.
• Manages airport projects during design and coordinates with construction project managers during construction; participates in progress meetings and helps resolve scope, schedule, and operational issues.
• Develops and implements marketing and promotional initiatives to enhance airport services and visibility.
• Serves as liaison to regulatory agencies, tenants, community organizations, and other stakeholders; presents and briefs airport matters to civic groups, the Board of County Commissioners, the Division Director, Department Head, and County Manager.
• Maintains accurate airport files, records, reports, and published operational information.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in airport management, business management, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of related professional experience.
• Fingerprinting required.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
• Must obtain and maintain the Certified Member (C.M.) credential through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) - or higher professional designation - within six (6) months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and any endorsement(s) required to operate a County vehicle in accordance with CMA 5805.
Supplemental information

• Salary offers above the minimum of the pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the County's Administrative Office will make the determination as to who will be required to work.
• This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.

Collier County BCC offers a variety of benefits to both regular full and part-time
employees. For information, click here to view the comprehensive benefits package we have to offer when you join our team.
01
APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.

• I understand and agree with the statements above.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02
Have you obtained a bachelor's degree in airport management, business management, or a closely related field, accompanied by at least four (4) years of related experience? Please note that candidates without a degree should have four (4) additional years of pertinent experience.

• Yes, I have a related degree and four (4) years of related experience.
• Yes, I have a total of eight (8) years of related experience, but no degree.
• No, I do not have either requirement.

03
Do you possess or are able to obtain and maintain the Certified Member (C.M.) credential through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) - or higher professional designation - within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes
• No
• Able to Obtain

04
Do you possess and maintain a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

05
Describe your experience managing or overseeing general aviation airport operations, including the size and complexity of the airport system, your level of responsibility, and the functions under your supervision.
06
Provide a specific example of a significant airport operational, safety, or regulatory compliance issue you managed. What was the issue, what actions did you take, which agencies or stakeholders were involved, and what was the outcome?
07
Describe your experience developing and administering airport operating and capital budgets, grant-funded programs, or other airport financial initiatives. Include your role in identifying priorities, monitoring expenditures, and presenting recommendations to executive leadership or a governing board.
08
Provide a specific example of an airport capital improvement, construction, or development project you led or coordinated. Describe your role during planning, design, procurement, and construction; how you maintained safe airport operations; and whether the project was completed within its approved schedule and budget.
09
Describe your leadership approach when managing a multidisciplinary airport team. How do you establish accountability, develop employees, address performance concerns, and maintain effective communication across multiple airport locations?
Required Question