HELENA REGIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT DIRECTOR - POSITION DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
Under general administrative and policy direction of the Helena Regional Airport Authority
Commissioners, the Airport Director administers and manages all of the staff, facilities,
equipment, and appurtenances of the Helena Regional Airport.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Planning Facilities Development. Development of facilities includes, but is not
limited to, construction and improvement of the equipment, structures, and physical
plant of the Airport.
2. Airport Infrastructure Projects. Assist in and oversee the development and
coordination of plans and specifications for all Federal Aviation Administration Airport
Improvement Program work items, Airport Authority-funded projects and tenant
projects that involve Airport infrastructure. Assure compliance with federal, state
and local rules and regulations.
3. Long-Range Planning for Airport Development. Long-range planning includes
anticipation of local and state economic trends and industry changes. Such planning
includes an updated report to the Authority at least every twelve months and more
often if circumstances dictate.
4. Financial Planning and Budget Preparation. The Director oversees the
preparation of the annual budget and all appropriate support documentation in
compliance with Authority guidance.
5. Budget Management. The Director provides the Commissioners with a monthly
review of income and expenditures. The review includes the highlighting of income
and expenditure accounts which are inconsistent with good budget discipline. A past
due accounts report is also provided. Consistently delinquent accounts are identified
and appropriate action taken to insure all receivables are collected in a timely manner.
A mid-year budget report is provided in January of each fiscal year that includes
recommendations for any adjustments that are needed for the balance of the budget
cycle.
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6. Committee and Authority Meetings. The Director prepares agendas for all Work
Session and Authority meetings as well as for any special meetings. Such agendas and
supporting materials are distributed to the Commissioners as early as possible. The
Director attends all meetings.
7. Director Recommendations. The Director provides recommendations on issues
requiring decisions by the Authority which involve multiple options. The Director
prepares the recommendations for the Authority’s review prior to the meetings in
order to enhance the Commissioners’ decision making process at the meetings.
8. Relationship with City and County. The Director works to maintain a close working
relationship with the City of Helena and Lewis & Clark County. The Director meets
with City and County officials annually to keep them apprised of the Authority’s
activities. Such meetings may include inspection visits of new construction projects at
the Airport, Director briefings on initiatives and projects, and City and County
commission meetings where Airport items are to be discussed.
9. Liaison with Government Agencies. The Director strives to work closely with all
local, state, and federal governmental agencies. Of particular importance, the Director
maintains a close liaison with the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration officials.
10. Community Relations. The Director provides the news media and public with
appropriate news releases pertaining to the Airport. Community relations are
perceived as an opportunity, and activities are planned to reach the broadest possible
audience.
11. Professional Services. The Director is responsible for the administration of
professional services, including but not limited to legal, engineering, and financial
services. The Director prepares appropriate recommendations for the Commission
regarding the utilization of such services as well as policies to govern all services.
12. Airport Tenants and Concessionaires. The Director maintains a close liaison
between the Airport tenants/concessionaires and the Airport Commissioners. As part
of the Director’s monthly report, special problems are brought to the attention of the
Commission. In addition, trends in commercial aviation, general aviation, military
aviation, or other pertinent groups are brought to the attention of the Authority.
Lease agreement criteria are uniformly applied to all tenants and concessionaires.
13. Management of Staff. The Director employs/discharges, schedules, assigns, and
supervises the work of the staff in carrying out the duties of the Airport administration,
maintenance, and public safety departments, as well as general operations.
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14. Airport Policies and Operations Manuals. The Director insures that all Airport
policies and procedures are kept current and makes recommendations for updating the
policies as changes are needed. The Director conducts at least an annual review of all
operations manuals and insures the appropriateness of current procedures.
15. Professional Meetings. The Director is responsible for the selection of professional
meetings and conferences to be attended by Airport personnel. All attendees submit
a written report to the Director identifying what was learned at meetings attended and
how the information might be applied to the Helena Regional Airport.
LICENSE
The successful candidate must possess or obtain a valid Montana State driver’s license and
pass a rigorous TSA background check and screening.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices involved in aviation and airport
administration and related business management. Familiarity with Federal Aviation
Administration (“FAA”) and Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) rules and
regulations, together with a general understanding of airport system operational activities
and requirements. General knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and policies
that affect airports. General knowledge of federal, state and local regulations as they
apply to business activities. Experience managing a building lease inventory and ability
to work with potential non-aeronautical business clients is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with HRAA
employees, Authority Commissioners, Airport tenants, news media, FAA, Montana
Aeronautics Division, local government representatives, community leaders and
aviation-related organizations. Ability to analyze and solve problems, make decisions,
schedule, plan and set goals for the implementation of planning and development activities
at the Helena Regional Airport.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A degree in Business, Public Administration, Planning, Engineering, Aviation Management
or a related field of study is preferred. Minimum of five years’ experience at an airport or
a business (preferably aviation-related) and at least three years of management and
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supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which
provides the following preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:
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Advanced knowledge of planning and development principles and practices, as they
relate to the operation and administration of an airport.
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Understanding of keys to providing, encouraging, and maintaining excellent
customer service.
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Advanced computer applications ability and skills.
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Thorough knowledge of research methods and techniques used in airport planning
and development as well as non-aeronautical land/facility development.
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Thorough knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations as they pertain to airport
administration, operations, planning, and development.
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Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees
and the general public.
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Ability to develop financial justifications for operational spending and capital
investments.
COMPETENCIES
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communication skills
planning and organizational skills
negotiation skills
problem analysis
decision-making
judgment
customer service orientation
adaptability
integrity
initiative
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