Lead Mission-Critical Airport Operations and Public Safety

Avports is seeking an experienced General Manager / ARFF Chief to lead airport operations, security, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) functions at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV). This is a full-time, temporary leadership position serving as the senior on-site operational authority for Avports.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced airport operations and public safety professional who can lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and exceptional service.

________________________________________

The Opportunity

In this temporary leadership role, you will oversee daily airside, terminal, and landside operations; direct ARFF and emergency response activities; manage regulatory compliance; and lead staff responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable airport operations.

You will collaborate with airport leadership, tenants, public safety partners, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.

________________________________________

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as General Manager / Chief of Public Safety and the senior on-site operational authority for Avports

• Oversee airside, landside, terminal, ARFF, wildlife, security, and public safety activities across all shifts

• Lead emergency response and irregular operations with incident command responsibility

• Maintain compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, the Airport Certification Manual, the Airport Security Program, and other applicable requirements

• Direct the Airport Operations Center, daily inspections, patrols, reporting, and corrective actions

• Lead FAA and TSA inspections, audits, exercises, and operational readiness efforts within Avports’ scope

• Develop and maintain operating procedures, emergency response protocols, training programs, and mutual aid plans

• Plan, assign, schedule, coach, and supervise departmental personnel and shift operations

• Coordinate with airport leadership, tenants, contractors, agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve operational issues

• Support budgeting, procurement, equipment readiness, inventory management, resource allocation, and cost control

• Maintain accurate safety, security, training, incident, and operational documentation

________________________________________

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or technical training preferred

• At least eight years of relevant experience in airport operations, security services, or ARFF, including at least five years in a leadership role, preferred

• Demonstrated experience managing emergency response, airport operations, and regulatory compliance in a commercial service airport environment

• Strong leadership, incident command, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving capabilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part 1542, airport security operations, and ARFF requirements

• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team and maintain operational continuity in a 24/7 environment

• Proficiency in report writing, documentation, and standard business and operational software

________________________________________

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required

• Illinois Firearm Owner Identification Card required

• Must meet FAR Part 139 ARFF training requirements within the introductory period

• Current CPR and AED certification required within the introductory period

• Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I certifications required within one year of hire

• Must obtain AAAE Airport Certified Employee – Airfield Operations within eighteen months of hire

• Must pass TSA background screening and maintain eligibility for airport access credentials

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

________________________________________

Work Environment

This full-time, temporary position is fully on-site and operates within an active 24/7 airport environment.

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor airport environments, including terminals, maintenance shops, ramps, runways, and aircraft service areas.

• The position may involve exposure to varying or extreme weather conditions, fire and smoke, high noise levels, jet blast, moving aircraft and vehicles, heavy equipment, and hazardous chemical or fuel spills.

• The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, sustained alertness, and the ability to lift, carry, drag, or move heavy objects and equipment.

• Job-related pre-employment physical and respiratory protection evaluations and the use of required personal protective equipment may apply.

• Must be available to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and mandatory overtime as operationally required.

• Domestic travel, including occasional overnight stays, may be required.

________________________________________

Why Join Avports

• Lead mission-critical operations at a commercial service airport

• Make a direct impact on safety, regulatory readiness, and operational performance

• Work with an experienced airport management company with a strong aviation legacy

• Guide a multidisciplinary team in a highly visible leadership role

________________________________________

Compensation & Benefits

Avports offers a competitive compensation package and benefits, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development opportunities

________________________________________

Apply Today

If you are an experienced airport operations and public safety leader who can guide teams through complex, safety-critical operations, we encourage you to apply for this full-time temporary opportunity.

________________________________________

Avports is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.