Job Details

Airport Director

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.

The Santa Barbara Airport, as the Tri-County region's "Airport of Choice", will be self-sustaining, exceed expectations for safety and quality service, and meet the air transportation and economic development needs of its customers and partners.

The position serves as a member of the airport management team, responsible for execution and management of airport development efforts, including planning, design, construction and activation. Efforts include managing projects and programs necessary to deliver complex development projects related to the Airport Master Plan, facility improvements, tenant improvements, and Airport Improvement Fund (AIP) federally funded projects. Ensures the Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP), Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and State CIP are developed in accordance with established guidelines and requirements.

The position reports to the Assistant Airport Director and coordinates efforts with Airport Facility Maintenance, Properties, and the Operations and Security Divisions to ensure the effective operation, maintenance, development and marketing of the airport to meet the needs of the traveling public.

Responsibilities include ensuring all improvement projects/programs are planned effectively; executed and remain within scope, on schedule and on budget. Includes developing and managing budgets for each project, managing grant funding; developing design and construction contracts of many types, monitoring and managing staff productivity. Oversees the work flow and priority of the Airport Planning staff to meet the airport's needs and obligations. Coordinates airport development efforts with Community Development, Public Works, tenants, commissions, community members, public officials and other stakeholders interested in airport development. Ensures compliance with Inter-City Service Agreements and manages roles and responsibilities of Public Works on airport projects.

Employment Standards

The ideal candidate will be able to:

• Efficiently plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff and consultants responsible for providing planning, engineering, and construction services.
• Negotiate consultant contract terms and fees; approve contractor and consultant pay requests.
• Utilize tracking systems for project budgets and staffing resources, regularly monitor and consider adjustment to maximize staff effectiveness and ensure project success.
• Oversee and participate in the technical aspects of planning, engineering and construction of projects including the preparation of plans, specifications, cost and quality estimates, and bid documents for airport development projects.
• Represent the City and Airport in public settings including hearings, meetings before airport commission, council or other public agencies, both in person and through a variety of mediums.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports and other written materials and make effective oral presentations.
• Work effectively with various airport departments to ensure the fiscal strength of the airport and to ensure the development of projects while minimizing the impact to the airports operation.

Education and experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field; and at least six years of progressively responsible experience delivering complex public facilities in a airport/transportation/government environment; a relevant Master's degree is also preferred. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or other relevant professional certification is desired.

Selection Process

Applicants must submit a completed City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that qualify you for this position. Applications, supplemental questionnaires, and acknowledgement forms will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the exam process. Applications and supplemental questionnaires may be rejected if incomplete. Applicants must also successfully complete an aviation clearance for unescorted access to airfield and terminal areas. The selection process may consist of the following: application/questionnaire rating, practical/written exercise, oral board exam, departmental interview.

Additional Information

City application and responses to supplemental questionnaire must be submitted to Human Resources by 5:30 P.M. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.

Benefits

The following benefits may vary and are subject to change:

• Cell Phone Allowance of $50 per month will be provided to those applicable employees who do not have a City issued cell phone.
• Deferred Compensation (457) Savings Plan is available.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A City-paid Employee Assistance Program is available for employees and family members.
• Flexwork / Telecommuting is available.
• Health Insurance including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid term life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance (2x annual salary) is provided. Employee-paid supplemental life insurance is available subject to a health application if coverage is not elected during the new hire guarantee issue period.
• Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year.
• Management Leave: 64 hours are provided each July 1st (pro-rated the first year).
• Personal Leave: 32 hours are provided each July 1st (pro-rated the first year).
• Medicare: Employee pays 1.45% of salary towards future Medicare benefits.
• Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
• PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
• PERS Police Safety Formula: "Classic" members: 3% @ 50; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 9% of salary. "New" members: 2.7% @ 57; City contributes 23.38% and employee contributes 14% of salary.
• PERS Fire Safety Formula: "Classic" members: 3% @ 50; City contributes 27.8% and employee contributes 10.5% of salary. "New" members: 2.7% @ 57; City contributes 14.72% and employee contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Short Term Disability Insurance: Optional employee-paid coverage is available.
• Long-term Disability Insurance: City-paid coverage is provided.
• Sick Leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
• The City is an employer-member of the Coastal Housing Partnership which offers regular employees with home loan assistance and rental reductions.
• Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
• Vacation is accrued at 120 hours / year, increasing with City service.