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.
Please submit application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brainerdmn?
Salary: $79,913.60 - $83,574.40 Annually Location: Brainerd, MN Job Type: Full Time Opening Date: 05/06/2026 Closing Date: 5/27/2026 4:30 PM Central
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.
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.
Benefits include:
Holidays – 10 calendar holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
Vacation – Begin earning at a rate of 2 weeks per year.
Sick Leave – Earned at a rate of 8 hours per month.
Health Insurance – Affordable plans through Blue Cross blue Shield and includes HAS employer contributions.
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.
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%.