Airport Manager na City of Ankeny Iowa, IA

About the Department

The City of Ankeny is accepting applications for the full-time Airport Manager position at the Ankeny Regional Airport. The position will perform under direction of the City Manager, performing a wide variety of administrative tasks and project management for the oversight of all facilities of the Polk County Aviation Authority (PCAA).

The starting salary is $82,135 - $95,081 annually depending on relevant experience, with an excellent benefit package.

The City of Ankeny offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Vacation and Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Nine (9) Paid Holidays
Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
Wellness Programs and Incentives
Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
Defined Benefits Pension Plan Through IPERS
Deferred Compensation Plan
Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
Longevity Pay

Deadline to apply is Friday, October 31, 2025 by 5:00 pm. Please apply online at www.AnkenyIowa.gov/jobs. Interested candidates must complete an application online and attach a current resume and cover letter. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

Position Duties

• Serves as staff representative to the PCAA Board, organizes and runs the monthly Board meetings, conducts administrative duties, and implements actions as directed by the PCAA Board.
• Advises the City and Polk County on airport operational and capital needs. 
• Coordinates with City staff, PCAA Board Chair, and legal counsel to prepare the monthly PCAA agenda. 
• Acts as the primary contact for all Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) inquiries and administrative matters pertaining to the Ankeny Regional Airport.
• Serves as a liaison between the PCAA and the Fixed Based Operator, ensuring the coordination of all facilities, assets and daily business activities at the airport.
• Generates and issues Notice to Airmen Warnings (NOTAM) to aircraft operators when required.
• Responsible for interpreting and implementing all FAA standards and regulations for general aviation airports, including reporting requirements, maintenance of databases, and grant reporting.
• Works with the City’s Community Development Department to ensure that all construction projects meet building code and zoning standards.
• Coordinates with utility companies and obtains easements necessary for tenants to have access to electricity and utility services.
• Performs daily airport inspections regarding security, animal control, runway debris, snow and ice control, and property access.   
• Oversees and organizes routine maintenance of airport facilities, including runways, taxiways, airfield lighting, pavement markings, windsocks, and buildings.  
• Manages the airfield mowing and snow/ice control operations utilizing airport staff and contractors. 
• Arranges for contractors to perform necessary repairs on hangar buildings, pavements, and electrical and utility facilities to maintain airport operations.  
• Works with legal counsel to negotiate hanger leases, farm leases, land leases, and acquisitions.
• Coordinates with the public, regulatory agencies, and airport tenants regarding policy issues, complaints, and service delivery.
• Works with City staff and legal counsel to develop contracts for snow removal, animal control/removal, and airport engineering services. 
• Oversees and directs the airport engineer and contractors regarding project scope, schedule, budget, and construction management on airport capital improvement projects.
• Authors requests for proposals and ensures that the PCAA complies with all public bidding requirements.
• Generates the annual Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) for Board approval and submittal to the FAA and IDOT.  
• Assists the airport engineer with submitting and monitoring federal and state grants related to the airport. 
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of public administration and project management experience, preferably in an aviation related function, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Knowledge of organization, functions, and problems of municipal, state, and federal government that relate to the operation of an airport; knowledge of aviation, aviation regulations, and regulatory requirements; knowledge of the capital improvement process and project management. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, PCAA Board members, regulators, and deal tactfully with the general public. Must be able to work independently in carrying out position responsibilities. 
• Ability to operate a computer efficiently and accurately.
• Shall be able to obtain and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the State of Iowa.

Other Qualifications

• Works primarily in an office environment with regular work in the field.
• May be required to assist with snow removal duties during off-hour emergencies and weekends.
• Will be required to attend Board meetings regularly, and other meetings periodically, after regular working hours.
• Available to address short-term issues as needed outside of the regular work day.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have normal color vision.
• Must be able to hear a normal conversation.
• Must be able to speak clearly at normal rate of conversation. 
• Must be able to turn both hands, and wrists above the head.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, climb, and walk, lie on a creeper and work overhead.
• Must be able to step up 12 to 18 inches into employer’s equipment.
• Must be able to move up and down ladders and stairs.
• Must be insurable.
• Must keep regular and reliable attendance at work. 

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