Aviation Operations Officer

Description

About the Role

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Aviation Operations, Strategy & Finance, this position leads several divisions that are responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of essential aeronautical, technical, and operations support, regulatory compliance, and aviation safety for the Port Authority's system of five airports (JFK, LGA, EWR, SWF and TEB). These divisions include: Aeronautical and Technical Services (ATS), which includes Airspace Modernization and Emerging Aviation Technologies; Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF); Wildlife Hazard Management; and Airport Safety and Certification, including Safety Management Systems (SMS). This position is responsible for developing the department's agenda and implementing short and long-term strategies to meet the department's needs in all of these business areas.

• Lead and oversee the establishment of goal-driven management plans to meet Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139 requirements. Effectively manage the performance and output of a team of technical experts to meet the needs of stakeholders.
• Serve as the chief safety officer for the Aviation Department; develop and implement safety policies, programs, and Safety Management Systems (SMS) for all airports.
• Lead and oversee all aspects of the Aviation Department's responsibility for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting.
• Serve as the lead contact with senior Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials on airport certification and regulatory compliance matters.
• Determine priorities by assessing airport needs in the areas described above, as well as future industry trends, and develop plans and execution methodologies for executive review to achieve corresponding objectives.
• Lead communication and collaboration with airport facility, FAA, airlines and ground service providers to gain buy-in on the department's operations, regulatory and safety priorities.
• Oversee the agency's wildlife hazard management function at the airports and ensure effective implementation of airport wildlife hazard management plans.
• Oversee the Airport Rules and Regulations program, including providing updates/changes.
• Devise technology-based solutions to solve issues confronting Port Authority Airports, e.g., reducing delays at Port Authority Airports through technology, establishing a multi-airport policy for managing aeronautical obstructions, improving Port Authority design of airfield improvement projects consistent with FAA standards, coordinating implementation of emerging aviation technologies (e.g., Advanced Air Mobility electric vertical takeoff and landing ("eVTOL") aircraft, autonomous aircraft tugs (e.g., "Taxibot") and snow removal vehicles).
• Assist airports in developing Airport Operations Center (AOC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) technology and concepts of operations, support development of airport emergency plans, and serve as department liaison to the agency's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the agency EOC.
• Represent the organization at industry meetings on areas of expertise and work to influence national policy in a manner aligned with Port Authority experience and airport needs.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least 10 years of relevant aviation, regulatory, and/or operational experience with at least five (5) years in a people management capacity.
• Demonstrated experience managing functions in compliance with Federal and State regulations, such as those related to airline operations, airfield operations, or FAA air traffic procedures.
• Able to pass a criminal history records check, as mandated by 49 CFR Party 1542, to meet all requirements necessary to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) credential.
• May be required to respond to airport emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and must be able and willing to work in an emergency environment for extended periods of time.
• If not already a AAAE Certified Member (C.M.), must successfully complete AAAE's Certified Member program within nine (9) months of assuming this position.

• Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, with the ability to manage, develop, and motivate staff.
• Knowledge of the Airport Certification and Safety standards and the ability to enforce regulatory standards.
• Ability to develop methods of meeting regulations given cost and resource constraints.
• Understanding of both the government and commercial side of the business and the ability to exert influence on senior leadership in the industry.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiations, contract administration and management.
• Knowledge of safety principles with demonstrated experience in taking appropriate action to mitigate unsafe conditions.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills working with internal and external staff, and outside agencies.
• Industry background and certification in one or more of the following fields: pilot's license, Air Traffic Control license, CFR Part 139 certification, American Association of Airport Executive (AAAE) Certification in Operations and Security, Membership and participation in AAAE, certification as an AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) or Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) strongly preferred. Engineering degree and Six Sigma training also beneficial.