Effective June 27, 2025-4% increase scheduled. County of Orange offers a comprehensive, balanced and competitive benefits package including Retirement, Health and Wellness, Educational Reimbursement.
Preferred Education:
High School
Internal Number: 8157MA-0125-280 (O)
Airport Safety Manager (SMS) oversees a comprehensive safety program at John Wayne Airport. This includes implementing, educating, and promoting safety policies, safety risk management. Position proactively evaluates, improves, and leads interdepartmental and external personnel in operational safety programs for ongoing safety improvement for everyone visiting and working at the airport. Core duties include: -Planning, developing, promoting, and administering all Airport SMS program components, using thorough knowledge of airport operations, FAA Regulation and Advisory Circulars, and best practices -Preparing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting safety data -Organizing and leading regularly scheduled safety-focused meetings with multi-disciplined teams to include Airport, County, air carrier, tenant, and contracted personnel -Overseeing programs to ensure personnel, vehicle, and aircraft safety -Manage personnel in accomplishing: -safety inspections and assessments -contractor and tenant compliance safety obligations and regulations -Coordinating with CEO Risk representatives re: workplace accidents and improvements -Review and manage health and safety plans of contracted vendors
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES Five (5) years of professional airport operational experience in an area of assignment that includes the knowledge and application of Federal and State regulations related to airport safety including but not limited to FAA, CalOSHA, or OSHA regulations. Experience must demonstrate two (2) years of supervisory experience.
A Bachelor’s degree in airport management, aviation, civil engineering, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. A Master’s degree in airport management, aviation, civil engineering, or related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies: Professional and Technical
Assisting or leading the development, implementation, and maintenance of an aviation SMS program
Utilizing project or program management tools and techniques to plan, organize, allocate resources, track progress to ensure milestone and final deadlines are met
Current knowledge of Federal and local legislation, policies, regulations, and issues that pertain to the technical and service aspects of the assignment and current knowledge of the complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the professional scope of work
Establish Airport-wide training programs delivering health and safety initiatives to include employee, tenant and contractor safety training
Intermediate to advanced use of Microsoft Office Suite software to include Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams
Leadership and Management
Develop and lead Airport Safety Committees involving staff, tenants, and air traffic personnel
Building effective working relationships inside and outside the organization
Preparing goals and solutions using a data-driven, business-oriented approach consistent with the Airport's mission, vision, and values
Represent the department in coordinating airport emergency and disaster management plans with federal agencies, local law enforcement departments, and emergency relief organizations
Be well-informed of existing and new legislation to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements
Supervision
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and coaching
Tailor development suggestions (e.g., training, designing and developing tools and best practices for use by Federal, State, and local jurisdictions, learning opportunities, and key experiences) to fit individual, team, and organizational needs
Provide resources and support to ensure key strategies and results are achieved
Address organizational needs to address employee, contractor, and tenant safety concerns
Effective Communication
Analyzing SMS data to determine trends and statistics, then presenting the information clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively, both orally and in writing
Collaborating with multidisciplined and cross-functional teams to integrate safety practices into daily work activities and tasks
Organize and participate in Safety Risk Management panels and participate in working groups related to airfield and ramp safety
Communicate effectively with all organizational levels
Listen actively and build consensus among diverse groups to meet business objectives
Problem Solving and Analysis
Analyzing SMS data to determine trends and statistics then presenting the information clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively, both orally and in writing
Gather, analyze, and apply information skillfully
Exhibit innovation and creativity to identify and resolve problems as they occur
Oversee and participate in the assessment of safety hazards to analyze and document findings to mitigate identified risks
Develop and recommend new and modified safety policies and establish program goals to address operational needs within the airport
Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.7 million annual passengers. We strive to provide a superior guest experience to ensure travel is convenient and stress-free. The County of Orange owns and operates the airport and the service area includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.
As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.