Manager, Airport Operations

**Job Number:**4214
**Job Type:**Full-Time
**Vacancy Reason:**Backfill
**Location:**520 Airport Rd - Airport - Terminal Building
**Job Category:**Transportation
**Number of Positions:**1
**Department:**Airport Operations
**Division:**Planning, Development and Legislative Services
**Hours of Work:**35
**Union:**Management/Management Support
**Grade:**Management/Management Support Grade 08
Salary Range:$114,860.20 - $143,579.80 annually
Posting Date: Thursday March 26, 2026

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Manages airport operations, maintenance, and security, including groundside, airside, and terminal operations, to ensure the consistent flow of aircrafts, passengers and employees through the airport and that operations are in compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises operations and airport emergency services supervisors, and indirectly supervises additional unionized and non-unionized staff. Administers contracts with contractors.
• Works in partnership with corporate Facilities & Fleet Management (FFM) to oversee operations and maintenance of airport grounds, facilities, and equipment. Communicates with FFM regarding urgent/priority tasks and provides input on timing to avoid conflicts with airport operations. Develops operating procedures, short term and annual work plans, including for winter operations. Ensures airside physical conditions/manoeuvring surfaces and airfield lighting systems are safe and suitable for flight operations.
• Manages operations Section implementation of legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures, including staff, tenants, airlines, and agencies located at the Airport to ensure compliance.
• Manages the operations team’s compliance with the corporate safety management system program, including documentation and reporting of incidents and hazards.
• Leads meetings/provides leadership to “day of” operations teams to ensure situational awareness. Monitors the flow of aircraft operations and airside maintenance and construction work impacting operations.
• Develops site security plans for compliance with Transport Canada regulations. Manages inspections of airport-operated buildings and facilities, including unauthorized personnel in restricted areas, and that security measures around facility perimeter are maintained.
• Manages operating procedures, regulatory documents, program records, performance and quality standards, maintenance standards, and operations manuals (e.g., airport foreign object control plan, wildlife management, airside access and vehicle control, winter operations, fire plans).
• Manages communications flow and coordination with airport and NAV Canada staff regarding impacts to airside operations and to maintain airport-wide situational awareness (e.g., weather, incidents).
• Has contact with government agencies, commercial airlines, and other aviation organizations to resolve day to day operational issues.
• Manages emergency response program for fire and rescue. With General Manager, manages emergency plans, procedures, and preparedness, with input from Police, Ambulance, Fire, and Air Traffic Control. Directs operations during emergency situations.
• Provides guidance and instruction to tenants regarding movement within the aerodrome, ensuring compliance with regulations and lease terms/conditions. Chairs operational committees.
• Participates in strategic planning related to the design and development of capital projects.
• Manages operating budgets. Administers service agreements for security and janitorial services. Has signing authority and holds a P-card. Recommends resource requirements and participates in budget planning. Manages the care/custody and security of an inventory of parts, tools, and equipment.
• Works with other airport staff to ensure there is no conflict with events on site. Liaises with neighbours, tenants, and the public to maintain public relations.
• Backs up the General Manager as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulation Standards, Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, airport certification and operations requirements and procedures, grounds and asphalt maintenance processes, security planning, the Manual for Aerodrome Standards & Recommended Practices (TP312E) and other related legislation (including health and safety), normally acquired through a diploma/degree in a related field, plus progressively responsible related experience in the aviation industry and airport/aviation operations.
• Must have or be pursuing and achieve accreditation with the International Association of Airport Executives (completed within 3 years of hire).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, and legislation/regulations (e.g., Transport Canada, NAV Canada, Canadian Aviation Regulations Standards, Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, health and safety, emergency response).
• Ability to assume the role of on-scene controller during an emergency response.
• Must be certified in Incident Management Systems program (post-hire).
• Knowledge of airport quality assurance programs, including auditing processes.
• Analytical, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to organize/coordinate work; ensure regulatory compliance; develop short and long term operational plans; and provide recommendations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of airside operational processes and procedures.
• Leadership, communication, and human relations skills to supervise, train, develop, motivate, and support staff; provide guidance, instruction, and information to contractors and tenants; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret aviation weather terminology, leases, contracts, blueprints, and electrical drawings. Ability to write letters, technical reports, operating procedures, manuals, orders, and plans.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office.
• Must have/maintain a firearms possession acquisition license (PAL) or attain within probationary period.
• Must have a valid Restricted Radio Telephone Operators Certificate (Class "Aeronautical") and valid Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP) or obtain within ten days of employment.
• Must provide a Secret Level Security Clearance from Transport Canada within 6 months of hire and/or as a condition of employment and a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) to meet federal security requirements within probationary period and/or as a condition of employment.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region, other parts of Canada and to the USA as required for training, conferences, and seminars.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and to promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
• persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please contact talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca, or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400.

**Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process:**Region of Waterloo may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency during the recruitment process. However, applications will also be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. AI does not make final hiring decisions.

Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).