Airport Operations Officer (Landside) The Long Beach Airport Department is seeking an Airport Operations Officer (Landside). This position is an at-will unclassified position that reports directly to the Operations and Facilities Bureau Manager. This position is responsible for coordinating strategic initiatives to improve stakeholder experience and operational efficiency as well as integrating future technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility and multi-modal opportunities. The Airport Operations Officer (Landside) will coordinate key activities across multiple stakeholders to ensure consistent direction and accountability from project conceptual design through completion. They are responsible for the maintenance and operations of all airport common-use equipment, as well as the management of applicable non-revenue contracts and cybersecurity support. The Airport Operations Officer (Landside) will assist the Operations and Facilities Bureau Manager with Air Service Development and interfaces routinely with the airlines, fixed base operators, the general aviation community, and other key Airport tenants regarding operations, efficiency and problem resolution. This position may be tasked to assist other Airport Divisions as requested including, but not limited to: Airport Airside Operations, Engineering, Facilities Maintenance and Security. The Airport Operations Officer (Landside) manages the Landside Operations Division in the Airport Department and reports directly to the Operations and Facilities Bureau Manager, who in turn reports to the Airport Director. Within the Division are 13 employees -4 Airport Operations Specialist III, 5 Airport Operations Assistant I, and 3 Airport Operations Interns and 1 Business Systems Specialist (Cybersecurity) employees. Work is in a public-facing, fast-paced environment, where you must be able to demonstrate flexibility and react quickly to change, as decisions can have severe consequences. Must be able to establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and tenants with the intent of enhancing airport customer experience and operational efficiency. Projects completed have direct impact on airport operations and the public. Planning involves direct coordination across the Airport's operational divisions to ensure consistent designs and objectives. Exercises strong analytical and decision-making skills as decisions have trickle down effects to overall Airport operations. Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures and practices for Landside Operations management. Involved with reviewing facility design plans, providing input to the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan, and Airport Security Plan. The Airport Operations Officer (Landside) is responsible for coordination with airline stakeholders, management of common-use resources, technology and infrastructure, compliance with federal regulatory requirements. This position will also provide input to the integration of future aircraft technologies, operational capabilities, and modalities, including advanced air mobility vehicles, blended-wing aircraft designs and multimodal transportation opportunities. Additionally, focuses on airside business development, flight slot management, airline communication regarding aviation demand, and network planning and optimization within the constraints of regulations. This is in addition to the daily requirement of ensuring smooth vehicular, aircraft and passenger flow, ensuring common-use equipment is in working order, and managing non-revenue contracts. This position represents the Airport with community stakeholders and elected officials, including attendance in public meetings, and serves as the direct liaison with airline local staff, including Airline Station and General Managers. Key contacts include internal Airport staff, Airline management and staff, General Aviation personnel, Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and a variety of other Airport partners. Handles problems or issues related to common-use equipment and supports activities related to, but not limited to, to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Local Noise Compatibility Ordinance, escort operations, lost and found operations, and inspections. Responsibilities include oversight of Ticketing and Screening Building operations, to include monitoring, stocking and servicing of kiosks and monitoring passenger flow and congestion. The position also manages support and troubleshooting of the automated Flight and Baggage Information Display systems and Baggage Handling System.
Specific duties include:
Oversees the daily operations and functions of the Airport's Landside Division, directing assets that involve direct passenger interaction, from the ticketing building to security screening, to the landside operations experience, and baggage claim; Responds to calls and inquiries, working with airlines and other airport tenants to resolve issues and enhance operations; Determines the allocation of resources necessary to fulfill division goals and objectives; Represents the Airport at meetings relative to landside operations; Acts as the Airport Operations Liaison, attending meetings on behalf of the Operations and Facilities Manager; Collaborates with fellow Airport Divisions Officers and staff on larger Airport-related projects; Works with Airport tenants on all matters related to Landside Operations; Recommends annual and long-term plans, programs and budget related to the Landside Division; Maintains relationships with airport tenants and ensures effective communication; Performs other management functions as required.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation Management, Engineering, Operations Research, or a closely related field.
Experience:
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible direct operational airport, aviation or airline experience is required, with at least three (3) in a supervisory role. A combination of education/experience can be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
Additional Requirements:
Valid Class C Motor Vehicle Operator License. (Required to obtain a California Class C Motor Vehicle operator license within 6 months if out of state).Ability to pass a Transportation Security Administration/Federal Aviation Administration (TSA/FAA) mandated 10-year employment history and background check which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), and maintain security clearance as required by law.
Desirable Qualifications:
Certification as an American Association of Airport Executives Certified Member or Accredited Airport Executive.
Pilot Certification.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Ability to research, compile, analyze and interpret data.
Ability to prepare and present written and oral reports.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.
Ability to act in an advisory capacity to others.
This recruitment will close on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm. To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate may be required to go through a background check and a physical examination before appointment. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered.
The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is respected and included. We strive to reflect the diversity of our community at all levels of the organization, promote fair and equitable employment practices, advance equity, and inclusion through our work with staff and community partners, and promote transparency by publishing workforce demographic information, including diversity and pay data by race and gender.
