Assistant Manager, Aeronautical Services, LGA at The Port Authority of NY & NJ – Flushing, New York

About the Role

The Assistant Manager of Aeronautical Services plays a key role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of airside operations at LaGuardia Airport. This position supports the Airport Operations Department by helping to manage FAA Part 139 compliance, coordinate construction activities, and lead a team of airfield supervisor professionals. Operating within the Aeronautical Services Unit, the role also serves as a key liaison between internal departments, airline partners, and regulatory agencies. It presents a unique opportunity to contribute to complex infrastructure and modernization initiatives while helping ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft at a world-class airport. This role is well-suited for aviation professionals who bring strong regulatory knowledge, operational insight, and leadership experience, and who thrive in a collaborative, high-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in maintaining compliance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations for airport certification contained in 14 CFR Part 139.
• Oversee compliance with 14 CFR Part 139, ensuring discrepancies are tracked and resolved.

•Coordinating and monitoring training requirements and compliance for Airport Operations and other PA staff as mandated by Federal and State regulations.

•Supporting Airport Operations, Wildlife, Maintenance, Engineering, and other units in maintaining compliant, safe, and efficient airport operations.

•Serving as the Acting Manager, Aeronautical Services when the Manager is unavailable.

•Assisting in planning and coordinating airport construction activities impacting airside operations.

•Working collaboratively with Port Authority staff, including Aviation Planning, Aviation Technical Services, Project Management, and Engineering to plan, develop and implement airside delay reduction enhancements.

•Contributing to the review and modification of airside construction staging plans. Ensuring airport community awareness of aeronautical construction activities as well as the associated runway/taxiway closures.

•Assisting in the development and enforcement of construction safety and phasing plans.

•Contribute to the development and implementation of airfield safety management systems (SMS) manual and operational policies.

•Assisting in implementing productivity/progress improvements that increase revenues, process efficiency, enhance customer service, and/or reduce costs.

•Developing, implementing, and maintaining regularly scheduled and as-needed communication channels with airport stakeholders such as airlines (including Chief Pilots), terminal operators, tenants, FAA Air Traffic, FAA Technical Services and other stakeholders.

•Representing Airport Operations on Safety and FOD Committees, FAA Customer Forums, Wildlife Task Forces and other groups

•Preparing and monitoring the Airport Services Unit budget.

•Identifying problems and instituting new methodologies for general and contract management when necessary.

•Supervising and administering a diverse union/non-union workforce, including but not limited to: Scheduling, absence control, discipline, development, motivation and problem resolution, labor relation issues, training requirements, human resource matters, and monitoring the units’ performance measures.

•Handling multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities to oversee the functional performance of Operations staff and Supervisory staff.

•Planning for future operational programs and projects in conjunction with appropriate staffing levels

• Performing various administrative activities associated with the management of a large staff.

•Working special events, EOC activations, snow events, airport tours, responding to emergencies, construction projects and/or weather-related events, outside of normal working hours.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited college or university) in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, Aeronautics, Business Administration, Transportation, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in airport operations.
• Experience leading and managing teams within a diverse and inclusive workforce, including responsibility for performance management, team development, and fostering a collaborative culture across varied backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience in managing programs for airport compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and Advisory Circulars, particularly those related to the operation of airports including Part 139.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA Part 139, airfield safety procedures, regulatory compliance, Air Traffic Control, airline operations, and aircraft policies procedures and practices.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal history records check, as mandated by 49 CFR 1542 and meet all necessary requirements to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Card credential with Airfield Movement Area Driving and Escort Privileges.

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Member (C.M.) or Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in Airport Operations
• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency management response and preparedness, knowledge of TSA regulations, security directives and emergency amendments.
• Familiarity and experience with complex airport construction projects.
• Experience managing relationships with airport stakeholders, including airlines, Chief Pilots, FAA Air Traffic, and FAA Technical Services.
• Ability to manage a diverse workforce, including unionized staff.
• Ability to interact with all levels of airport management staff and Port Authority Departments (ARFF, PAPD, CMD, CAD, PM, Engineering, TSO, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience providing supervision and leadership to staff.
• Demonstrated ability to compile, analyze and interpret data related to operational performance measures, utilizing Microsoft Office, Power BI and SAP.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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