BLV - General Manager/ARFF Chief (Temporary)

Avports LLC•Mascoutah, IL

17d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
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
Must pass TSA background screening and maintain eligibility for airport access credentials
Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Nice To Haves

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
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

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