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Deputy Director of Airport Operations & Facilities (Director 2)

Location: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, 14700 Terminal Blvd #221, Clearwater, FL 33762

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This leadership role also requires availability to respond to emergencies, severe weather events, operational disruptions, and other critical airport incidents as needed.

Join Our Team

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is one of Florida's fastest-growing airports, serving millions of passengers each year and playing a vital role in the region's economy. We are seeking an experienced aviation leader to serve as our Deputy Director of Airport Operations & Facilities, helping guide the airport through continued growth, modernization, and major infrastructure investments.

This executive leadership position oversees the day-to-day operation, safety, maintenance, and long-term development of the airport while leading multiple divisions and teams that support airport operations and customer service excellence.

What You'll Lead

• Airport Operations and regulatory compliance
• Facilities Maintenance and Asset Management
• Information Technology Services
• Airport Services and Customer Experience
• Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning and execution
• Long-range infrastructure and operational planning

Why Join PIE?

• Play a key leadership role at one of Florida's most dynamic and growing airports.
• Help shape the future of airport operations, facilities, and infrastructure development.
• Lead impactful projects that improve the passenger experience and support regional economic growth.
• Work alongside a dedicated team committed to safety, innovation, and public service.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful community impact.

If you're a strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced aviation environment and is passionate about operational excellence, infrastructure planning, and team development, we encourage you to apply.

• A 10-year criminal history records check will be completed to meet TSA requirements. A plea of guilty or adjudication withheld for a felony are considered convictions per TSA and will disqualify an individual from getting an Airport ID badge.*

What Will You Do?

• Provides executive leadership and direction over all Airport Operations, Facilities, Information Technology, Airport Services, ARFF and related divisions, ensuring full compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA, environmental standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Oversee safe, efficient, and reliable airport operations across airside, landside, terminal, and facilities environments, including operational readiness, inspections, and compliance programs.

• Serves as a key decision maker in planning, prioritizing, and implementing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, coordinating with consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal departments.

• Directs facilities maintenance programs for buildings, airfield infrastructure, utilities, systems, and equipment to ensure high reliability, quality, and regulatory compliance.

• Provides leadership, guidance, and performance management for supervisory and management staff, including establishing goals, developing Personal Development Plans, conducting evaluations, and administering corrective action when necessary.

• Develops, implements, and maintains operational policies, procedures, and standards to promote regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Oversees emergency management planning, incident response coordination, and continuity-of-operations strategies for critical events and operational disruptions.

• Develops and administers divisional operating budgets; monitors expenditures, contract performance, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal accountability and alignment with airport priorities.

• Directs the development, negotiation, and management of contracts and service agreements, establishing performance expectations and evaluating vendor compliance.

• Coordinates operations and facilities activities with airlines, tenants, government agencies, service partners, and County departments to support operational needs and resolve complex issues.

• Leads environmental compliance programs, including wildlife hazard management, pavement and lighting programs, sustainability initiatives, and adherence to environmental regulations.

• Participates in strategic planning efforts related to long-term airport development, infrastructure investment, operational improvements, and organizational priorities.

• Provides oversight of construction activity and its operational impacts, ensuring safety, continuity of service, and coordination between project teams and airport divisions.

• Monitors the operating budgets of the departments that report to the successful candidate and assists in the formulation of those operating budgets.

• Works closely with the Airport Director and Deputy Director for Finance and Administration to ensure that common goals are being met and that operational needs are being handled in a compliant fiscal manner.

• Represents the Airport in meetings, presentations, and communications with regulatory agencies, community groups, airlines, the Board of County Commissioners, and the media on matters related to operations, safety, facilities, and capital programs.

• Prepares reports, recommendations, and presentations for County leadership; responds to public inquiries; seeks external funding opportunities.

• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

What Will You Need?

Experience: Professional experience at a Commercial Service Airport in Operations or Facilities, including a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience.

Degree: Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, Aviation Administration, or a closely related field is required.

Must meet one of the following:

• Nine (9) years of experience as described above; OR

• A Bachelor's degree as described above and at least five (5) years of experience as described above; OR

• A Master's degree as described above and three (3) years of experience as described above; OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Highly Desirable:

Professional Certifications & Credentials

• AAAE Certified Member (CM) designation.
• Possession of, or active progress toward, the AAAE Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation.
• Completion of AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) training in areas such as Operations, Security, or Airfield Lighting Maintenance.
• Private Pilot License (current or expired).

Airport Operations & Emergency Management Experience

• Experience in airport operations leadership at a commercial service airport operating under FAA Part 139.
• Experience with Airport Emergency Planning (AEP) and emergency response coordination.
• Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training, including ICS 100, 200, 300, IS 700, and IS 800.

Capital Projects & Strategic Leadership

• Knowledge of airport capital improvement programs and project delivery methods, including Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and Design-Bid-Build.
• Experience overseeing large-scale infrastructure, operational improvement, or modernization projects.

Communication & Executive Presence

• Experience presenting to governing boards, elected officials, community organizations, industry groups, or executive leadership teams.
• Ability to communicate complex operational, technical, and financial information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience developing and delivering professional presentations using PowerPoint, Keynote, or similar presentation software.

Leadership & Technical Skills

• Demonstrated success building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
• Ability to lead effectively in both collaborative and chain-of-command environments.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with business and operational software applications.

Our Benefits Rank Among The Top In The Area!

• Our benefits rank among the top in the area! Check it out!
• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want to Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands, Working Conditions, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities at the below link.

Director 2