Airport Operations Specialist*

Job Description:

Airport Operations Specialist*

Description

The Job

Join Our Team and Help Shape the Future of County Aviation!

San Bernardino County’s Department of Airports is seeking a qualified and motivated Airport Operations Specialist* to play a vital role in the day-to-day operations, planning, and development of our County airport facilities. This is a unique opportunity for aviation professionals who thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about public service and airport management.

Under general direction, the Airport Operations Specialist is responsible for facilitating and coordinating operational functions, capital improvement projects, and long-range planning efforts across County-operated airports. This position promotes the efficient and safe use of airport facilities, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, and supports the overall development and promotion of County airports.

This classification is distinguished from Airport Manager I in that it does not have supervisory responsibilities but provides critical operational support and coordination. The role reports directly to the Apple Valley Airport Manager and works closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Airports, Airport Managers, Administrative Supervisor, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and various county, state, and federal agencies.

*Official Title: Staff Analyst II

For additional details, please refer to the Staff Analyst II job description.

KEY DUTIES

• Interprets and enforces federal, state, and county rules and regulations governing aviation and the use of airport facilities and services, and ensures safety and security at county airport facilities.
• Prepares and maintains necessary records, reports, and correspondence. Ensures the implementation of inspection, maintenance, and operational reporting procedures for meeting mandated report submission requirements.
• Participates in and supervises the coordination required for Airport Master Plans and the Capital Improvement Program, monitoring related project components. Additionally, participates in the preparation and updating of the various airports’ Airport Layout Plans.
• Recommends facility projects that can be funded through federal or state agencies; coordinates the annual preparation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program.
• Monitor construction projects to ensure conformance with plans and specifications in coordination with the County’s Project and Facilities Management Department.
• Plans and coordinates repairs resulting from unanticipated impacts at various airports. Assists in analyzing expenditures and justifying claims for reimbursement related to Risk Management insurance claims.
• Performs contract management for airport services, monitoring contract compliance and assisting with RFPs as needed.
• Conducts inspections with appropriate regulatory agencies, County regulatory departments, and independently to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and legal guidelines.
• Promote airport activities and present information to various boards and commissions, as well as public interest groups, regarding airport operations, activities, and projects.
• Responds to emergencies at an airport as required. Prepares required investigative reports for aircraft accidents and emergencies.
• Develops and implements safety training programs for airport staff, airport businesses, and tenants.
• Analyzes, recommends, and executes policies and procedures to effect cost reductions and increase efficiency.
• Provides relief in the absence of Airport Managers or Maintenance Supervisors to oversee daily operations and maintenance duties.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

San Bernardino County is the largest county in the continental United States at approximately 20,000 square miles. The County owns six (6) general aviation airports, which are located throughout the County and operated by the Department of Airports. The largest of these airports is the Chino Airport (CNO), which is located in the western area of the County and serves as a reliever airport to Ontario International Airport (ONT) and is home to a large number of World War II era aircraft. The Apple Valley Airport (APV) is located in the high desert and is home to a significant number of sport aircraft. Barstow/Daggett Airport (DAG) is ideally located to provide support to the Fort Irwin National Training Center and is home to a significant military helicopter support facility. The Baker Airport (o02) is located adjacent to Interstate 15 and is utilized by public safety agencies. The Twentynine Palms Airport (TNP) is located in close proximity to the Twentynine Palms Air Ground Combat Center, and the Needles Airport (EED) is located adjacent to the Colorado River and provides service to the eastern portion of the County. For more information, visit https://airports.sbcounty.gov/ .

This position offers excellent benefits for the employee and their dependents!

3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases in February 2026*
Bi-annual step increases of 2.5% up to Step 14

Health Benefits Paid Time Off Retirement

• Medical and Dental: family coverage
• Vision: employee coverage
• Premium subsidies to offset health costs
• Flexible spending account (FSA) pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses

• Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
• 11 days accruable sick leave
• 15 paid holidays
• Perfect attendance leave
• Flexible work schedules (in some departments)

• Generous Pension
• Retirement reciprocity may be available
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Retirement Medical Trust Fund

DCAP Account - County Paid Life Insurance - AD&D Insurance 529 Savings Plan -Short & Long Term Disability - Wellness Program - Commuter Services - Employee Discounts - Annual Tuition Reimbursement
For additional details review the Benefit Summary for Administrative Services Unit Learn how you can increase your base pay with the Modified Benefit Option (MBO) for Administrative Services Unit (MBO)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Employment Process: Applicants must successfully pass the pre-employment process, which may include fingerprinting, credit check, and/or medical exam, prior to appointment.

Certification: American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member (CM) certification is required within six months of the start date.

Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

*Salary increases contingent upon Property Related Revenue and/or statewide Realignment Sales Tax Collections performance.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: 60 semester units (90 quarter) in Airport Management, Business, or Public Administration, or a related field.

-AND-

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience at a general aviation airport in one or more of the following areas: finance, administration, planning, construction, environmental compliance, operations, maintenance, communications, or community relations.

Education Substitution: Possession of an AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) certification in Airfield Operations, Safety Management Systems (SMS), or Planning and Environmental may substitute for up to 12 semester units (18 quarter) of the required education.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Certified Member certification from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAE).
  
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable airport safety guidelines, including Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139.
  
• Understanding of the unique operating environment of a general aviation airport.
  
• An understanding of airport planning and environmental analysis, along with strong writing, research, and critical thinking abilities, and experience in project management/administration
  

Selection Process

Application Procedure : To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Friday, August 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in your Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be sure to include in your application and Supplemental Questionnaire any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you meet the minimum requirements, as it will be used to competitively evaluate your qualifications ; resumes will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation process. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, may be referred for interview.

All communications regarding the remainder of the selection process will be via email . Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk, and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.

If you need technical assistance, follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for allemployees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation:
If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitmentfiling deadline.

Veterans' Preference:
Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees mayreceive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request thesepoints, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Information (Download PDF) .

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process .

Administrative Services Unit

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits, please click here .

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

Closing Date/Time: 8/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$70,844.80 - $97,344.00 Annually