Job Title: Airport Operations and Maintenance Supervisor
Department: Airport
Reports to: Transportation Director
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Salary Grade: 18A
2026 Wage: $31.72 per hour
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for managing the operations and maintenance of the municipal airport.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs airfield inspections to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Monitors access, security, and operations of the Airport Operations Area to ensure compliance with the Airport Security Plan.
Monitors weather conditions: plans, coordinates, and dispatches teams to remove snow and ice.
Supervises the Wildlife Hazard Management Program to ensure the proper mitigation of wildlife hazards.
Issues Notices to Airmen to keep pilots/flight crews abreast of current conditions.
Organizes, prepares for, and participates in the annual periodic certification/safety inspection.
Organizes, conducts, and participates in all required training to include city employees, contractors, and others as needed.
Supervises the maintenance and operability of navigational aids, including airfield lighting systems, lighted signage, rotating beacon, and lighted windsocks.
Maintains communication with pilots while on movement areas.
Builds and maintains healthy relationships with airport tenants, users, and the general public.
Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing emergency planning exercises.
Plans, coordinates, and participates in concrete and asphalt surface repairs.
Obtains materials, plans, coordinates, and participates in the rejuvenation of surface painted position markings.
Supervises building and ground maintenance.
Monitors, operates, and repairs building climate controls, lighting, security, and generator systems.
Operates heavy and light equipment.
Supervises and participates in the maintenance of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Restores and fabricates metal structures.
Available for on-call and weekend duties.
Responsible for security and oversight of the facilities to include monitoring and observation of trespassing, theft, or other criminal activity and reporting it at the time of observation.
Performs related duties.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of FAA rules and regulations.
Knowledge of TSA security rules and regulations.
Knowledge of airline industry standards.
Knowledge of asphalt and cement construction and maintenance principles.
Knowledge of electrical and HVAC maintenance principles.
Knowledge of plumbing repair and maintenance principles.
Knowledge of budget management principles.
Knowledge of vehicle and heavy equipment operation, repair, and maintenance principles.
Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
Skill in management and supervision.
Skill in the operation of a variety of tools and equipment.
Skills in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Transportation Director assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The Transportation Director spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include FAA and TSA regulations, other state and federal regulations, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of varied management, technical, and supervisory duties. The variety of systems to be maintained contributes to the complexity of the position.
The purpose of this position is to direct municipal airport operations and maintenance functions. Success in this position contributes to the safety and efficiency of airport operations.
CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers and other city employees, contractors, leases, equipment manufacturers, TSA and FAA officials, and members of the general public.
Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence people; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching. The employee frequently lifts medium and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
The work is typically performed in an office, shop, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This position has direct supervision over Airport Operations and Maintenance Specialists.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from high school or possession of GED certificate and five (5) years of responsible grounds, equipment maintenance/repair or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years’ experience or service.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated within six (6) months of employment.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain appropriate Chemical Applicator's License within one year of employment.
RESIDENCY
All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City Manager.
APPLY TO: City of Aberdeen or SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation
Human Resources 420 S Roosevelt St.
123 S Lincoln St Aberdeen, SD 57401
Aberdeen, SD 57401
OPENING DATE: January 21, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
