Salary : $95,924.04 – $116,586.52 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 23/06-0713-O
Department: Transportation & Public Works (TPW)
Opening Date: 06/01/2023
Closing Date: 6/26/2023 12:00 AM Pacific
Position Information
Expand your career in aviation administration with the Sonoma County Airport!
Starting salary up to $55.86/hour ($116,586/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $1,700 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
- May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
The Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SoCoPi) Department leads the way to a safe and sustainable community by planning, building, managing, and maintaining Sonoma County’s investment in quality services and infrastructure. Their Airport Division operates the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS), the only local commercial service airport that offers air service directly into the North Bay region. Supporting up to 21 flights per day, STS has facilities for airline passenger services, cargo, private and corporate flights, recreational aircraft, law enforcement, emergency medical service, search and rescue, firefighting aircraft, and pilot training.
Working with the Airport Manager to oversee STS operations, the Assistant Airport Manager supervises staff and supports the planning, organization, and direction of staff activities associated with the development, maintenance, and management of STS. The position is also responsible for the day-to-day administration of human resource management, operational policy and procedure development and implementation, and airport safety, compliance, and emergency management. Additionally, the Assistant Airport Manager may act as the Airport Manager in his absence.
While the position’s hours are normally Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm PST in an office environment, depending upon operational needs, the Assistant Airport Manager must be willing to work during emergencies, evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and other critical events.
Our ideal candidate for this integral position is a self-driven, team player, with the ability to practice open communication with all stakeholders. They can shift gears quickly, remain calm under stressful situations, and possess:
- Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures governing the aviation industry and commercial air service
- Experience acting as liaison and representative with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), State of California, other County Departments, Mutual Aid Responders, airline management, and airport tenants
- Experience coordinating with FAA regarding Part 139 safety and certification compliance and annual inspections; and TSA regarding Part 1542 security compliance, inspections, and badging program requirements
- Personnel supervision experience, with the ability to connect with staff, provide leadership, and effectively support staff coordination and development
- A thorough understanding of the operational needs, including creating and implementing standard operating procedures; conducting safety audits and ensuring compliance; preparing and implementing preventative maintenance plans; and overseeing and managing compliance and security programs, equipment, assets, and certification manuals
- Experience managing construction projects including development, analysis, and oversight of contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Requests for Quotation (RFQ)
Although not required, the following training and certification are also beneficial: Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE), AAAE Certified Member (CM), Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Operations Diploma, ACI Airport Security Diploma, and/or FEMA Incident Command System (ICS): 100, 200, 300, and 700.
The County of Sonoma is the place to live, grow, and build your career legacy. When you join the County of Sonoma, you’ll have the freedom to explore the beauty of our county – its picturesque coastline, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, award-winning wineries, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities. For additional information about the beauty of our community and the valuable services and support that the County provides our communities, please visit and
This recruitment is being conducted to fill the Assistant Airport Manager position in SoCoPi, formerly the Transportation and Public Works Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field and four years of increasingly responsible experience in airport operations, including at least one year in a management or supervisory capacity.
Additional Qualifications: Incumbents must complete airport security coordination training and obtain certification as an Airport Security Coordinator within three months of hire.
Incumbents in this classification must successfully complete the following trainings within twelve months of hire: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Live Fire, and Emergency First Aide including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).
Within twelve months of hire, incumbents must obtain a FAA Part 107 drone license.
Incumbents are required to maintain these certifications and licensure while in the position.
Possession of a Pilot’s License or certification as an American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in Airfield Operations or as an AAAE Certified Member (CM) is highly desirable.
Special Airport Requirement: Incumbents are required to undergo additional FAA Background, and/or Criminal History Checks as determined by County, State, and Federal Regulations.
License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: principles and techniques of airport management and administration; principles of techniques of effective supervision and training; principles and techniques of fiscal management and budgetary control; methods, policies, and procedures related to efficient airport operation; principles of Airport Wildlife Hazard Management; federal, state, regional, and local regulations pertaining to airport ground operations; aircraft servicing, safety precautions, fire control, first aid, and rescue techniques.
Ability to: Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of others; effectively manage the day-to-day operation of an airport; analyze situations using good judgment and take effective action; react quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency or stressful situations; develop and provide effective training; analyze airport operating procedures and policies; develop and implement revisions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; understand and follow oral and written instructions; use UAVs and other related technology; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others; work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state “See Resume” or “See Application” may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant’s application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: CG
HR Technician: EV
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County paid premium contribution.
Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources’ Risk Management-Benefits Office at or
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
- Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
- California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
- CalJobs
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- Craigslist
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- Google Jobs
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- La Voz
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- Minority Organization or Group
- Municipal Management Association of Northern California
- Press Democrat
- sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
- Sonoma County Human Resources Office
- Sonoma County Job Line
- Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives
- Start Here!
- Veterans Services Office
- Women’s Organization or Group
- Workplace Diversity
- ZipRecruiter
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
Depending upon operational needs, I am willing to work during emergencies, evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and other critical events.
- Yes
- No
03
I acknowledge and agree to undergo additional FAA Background, and/or Criminal History Checks as determined by Federal, State, and County regulations.
- Yes
- No
04
I possess or will obtain certification as an Airport Security Coordinator within three months of hire.
- Yes
- No
05
I have completed or will complete the following trainings within twelve months of hire: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Live Fire, and Emergency First Aide including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).
- Yes
- No
06
I currently possess or within twelve months of hire will obtain a FAA Part 107 drone license.
- Yes
- No
07
Although not required, the following training and certification are also beneficial. Please check all that apply.
- AAAE ACE
- AAAE CM
- ACI Airport Operations Diploma
- ACI Airport Security Diploma
- FEMA ICS 100
- FEMA ICS 200
- FEMA ICS 300
- FEMA ICS 700
08
For this question and all subsequent questions please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe your training, education, and four or more years of experience in airport operations that meet or exceed the position’s minimum qualifications. For each position you mention, include your job title(s), employer’s name, dates of employment (mm/yy – mm/yy), and a description of your primary responsibilities.
09
Please describe your experience supervising staff. Include details regarding the number of staff and type of positions you supported, and the scope of duties you performed (i.e., hiring, training, performance management, discipline, etc.).
10
Please describe your experience in working with the FAA, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and Advisory Circulars, and TSA. Highlight any experience you have with FAR part 139 compliance and Transportation Security Regulations 1542.
Required Question