BLV - General Manager/ARFF Chief

Avports BIM Ltd.Mascoutah, IL
Onsite

About The Position

Avports is seeking a General Manager / ARFF Chief to lead all aspects of airport operations, terminal safety, security, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) at BLV. This is a hands-on leadership role serving as the senior on-site authority responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations in accordance with FAA Part 139, TSA regulations, and operational standards. You will lead high-performing teams, manage emergency response and regulatory programs, and ensure the airport operates with a strong focus on safety, customer service, and business continuity.

Requirements

  • Minimum combination of at least eight (8) years of airport operations, firefighting experience, ARFF and/or security services
  • Seeking at least 5 years in a leadership role, ideally at a Part 139 commercial service airport of similar size and complexity or equivalent
  • Proven experience managing emergency response, airport operations, and regulatory compliance programs
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments
  • Excellent communication skills across verbal, written, and radio channels
  • FAR Part 139 ARFF compliance
  • Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I
  • CPR/AED certification
  • Valid driver’s license and CDL
  • Firearms Owner’s Identification FOID (Illinois)
  • Ability to obtain AAAE ACE (Airfield Operations)
  • TSA background check eligibility

Nice To Haves

  • Calm, decisive leader in emergency and high-risk situations
  • Strong situational awareness in a dynamic airfield environment
  • Committed to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused operations
  • Skilled at leading teams in a 24/7 aviation environment
  • Driven to improve operations while maintaining strict regulatory compliance
  • Strong teambuilding skills

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Avports’ on-site senior leader
  • Oversee and direct airside, landslide, and terminal operations and security
  • Ensure operational readiness, staffing, and performance across all functions
  • Direct ARFF and emergency response activities with full incident command
  • Ensure compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA 49 CFR Part1542and airport rules and regulations
  • Support the compliance of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and Airport Security Plan
  • Lead inspections, audits, drills, and regulatory reporting
  • Oversee safety programs including FOD, wildlife, and AOA operations
  • Lead, coach, and develop operations and public safety teams
  • Manage staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service
  • Promote and motivate a team member environment
  • Ensure effective procedures are in place kept up to date
  • Ensure effective training is in place
  • Oversee Airport Operations Center and daily inspections
  • Inspect and report compliance of airfield systems, lighting, and navigation aids
  • Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement
  • Partner with airport sponsor, FAA, TSA, law enforcement, airlines, and tenants
  • Coordinate multi-agency response and mutual aid planning
  • Represent Avports with professionalism within the airport community

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance options
  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Plan options
  • Supplemental Insurance Plan options
  • 401(k) Profit-Sharing Retirement Plan
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Paid Company Holidays
  • Professional development resources
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