Head of Hangar Operations -Part 91 (Waukegan, IL)

Jet Aviation•Waukegan, IL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Hangar Operations serves as the onsite owner representative responsible for the safe, efficient, compliant, and professional operation of this Part 91 private aviation hangar facility, of which the Principal and his Aviation Department are tenants. This role has primary accountability for hangar operations, aircraft fueling and fuel farm operations, tenant and sub-tenant coordination, and general facility, building, and grounds maintenance. The Head of Hangar Operations is responsible for facility readiness, safety, compliance, and service standards for all authorized users of the hangar and acts as the primary onsite authority for day-to-day operational decision-making. Flight operations, crew management, dispatch, aircraft maintenance decision-making, and airworthiness remain the responsibility of the applicable aircraft operators and tenants. This role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate independently while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and service.

Requirements

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in aviation facility operations, FBO operations, line service, fuel farm management, or a related aviation environment.
Demonstrated responsibility for safety, compliance, or operational oversight in an aviation setting.
Knowledge of aircraft ground handling procedures and fixed-system fueling operations.
Familiarity with fuel quality control standards, documentation, and inspection requirements.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands-on maintenance tasks.
Valid driver’s license required.
Strong ownership mentality with sound judgment and comfort operating as the sole onsite facility authority.
Meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to safety and compliance.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high performance standards.
Professional demeanor, discretion, and clear communication when interacting with flight crews, tenants, vendors, airport authorities, and Principal representatives.
Physically capable of working in a hangar and ramp environment, including lifting required equipment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for all hangar operations, aircraft ground movements, and tenant access.
Ensure hangar readiness for arrivals, departures, maintenance events, and tenant operations.
Coordinate hangar cleanliness (using approved vendors), organization, and proper storage of equipment.
Continuously monitor ramp and hangar safety conditions and proactively address hazards.
Coordinate access, scheduling, and operational needs for based aircraft, visiting aircraft, and approved sub-tenants.
Enforce facility operating standards consistently across all tenants and users.
Manage day-to-day fuel farm operations including inventory tracking, fuel ordering, reconciliation, and documentation.
Sell fuel to based aircraft and approved sub-tenants in accordance with established pricing, policies, and documentation requirements.
Conduct routine fuel quality control procedures, including fuel sampling, testing, and recordkeeping.
Maintain continuous ownership of fuel quality, inventory accuracy, and inspection readiness.
Ensure compliance with applicable FAA, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, and local regulatory requirements.
Coordinate maintenance, inspection, and calibration of fueling systems and equipment.
Maintain accurate fuel logs, quality control records, billing support documentation, and inspection records.
Oversee day-to-day maintenance of the hangar, office spaces, ramp areas, and surrounding grounds.
Perform minor repairs and coordinate third-party vendors for specialized maintenance and repairs.
Monitor and oversee building systems including lighting, HVAC, fire suppression, security, and access controls.
Coordinate snow removal, ramp condition monitoring, and seasonal maintenance activities.
Act as the onsite decision-maker for routine operational matters, escalating material risks, safety concerns, or capital issues to leadership as appropriate.
Manage relationships with sub-tenants, vendors, contractors, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies.
Enforce safety policies related to fueling, aircraft movement, and facility operations for all hangar users.
Maintain written SOPs, checklists, and emergency response procedures specific to hangar and fuel operations.
Coordinate and support inspections, audits, and compliance reviews related to fire safety, environmental standards, and fuel operations.
Support emergency response procedures, spill response, incident reporting, and post-incident documentation.
Must be available for on-call situations outside regular working hours to respond to operational issues, safety concerns, weather events, or irregular flight activity.
Flexible schedule required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate.