Posting Details
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Aviation Division leads statewide efforts to strengthen, modernize, and promote New Mexico's aviation system. Through strategic investment, planning, and collaboration, the Division supports 54 public- use airports that connect communities, drive economic growth, and expand educational and workforce opportunities. From infrastructure development and airport improvement grants to aviation education initiatives and outreach programs, the Division works to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation network for New Mexico's future.
As a valued new employee to NMDOT, you may be eligible to received three (3) days of administrative leave upon your start date. This is applicable to external hires not within the State of New Mexico Government.
Why does the job exist?
The Senior Program Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for multiple statewide programs that support aviation safety, community engagement, and emerging transportation technologies.
This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating program activities to ensure alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and the mission of the agency.
How does it get done?
The primary responsibilities of this position will include:
- 5010 Airport Inspection Program: Oversees the statewide 5010 inspection program, ensuring that all
airport inspections are completed according to federal and state standards. Follows up with each
airport's designated Project Manager (PM) to review findings, identify required repairs or corrections,
and track progress toward resolution. Maintains detailed records, facilitates communication between
airports and internal teams, and ensures issues are addressed in a timely and compliant manner.
- Community Outreach and Events: Develops, coordinates, and executes community outreach activities
to strengthen relationships with local communities, aviation stakeholders, and partner organizations.
Plans and manages public events, workshops, informational sessions, and engagement initiatives that
promote awareness, transparency, and support for agency programs.
- Educational Outreach and Events: Leads educational outreach efforts, including aviation safety education,
youth engagement, STEM initiatives, and public facing instructional events. Collaborates with schools,
community organizations, and industry partners to deliver accurate and accessible educational content.
Oversees event logistics, curriculum preparation, resource development, and outcome evaluation.
- Emerging Technology Program: Participates in statewide and national meetings, boards, research efforts,
and working groups related to emerging transportation technologies. Evaluates opportunities for innovation
in fields such as advanced air mobility, unmanned systems, alternative energies, and other evolving
technologies. Works closely with internal Project Managers on infrastructure planning, feasibility studies,
policy development, and implementation strategies to prepare the state for future advancements.
- Pilot Safety Education (Safe Skies New Mexico): Develops, expands, and delivers pilot focused safety
outreach through programs such as Safe Skies New Mexico. Coordinates training sessions, seminars,
and educational events covering safe operations, weather awareness, communications, and risk mitigation.
Works with partner organizations, FAA representatives, and local airports to promote consistent statewide
pilot safety messaging.
- Emergency Action Planning for Airports: Assists airports in developing, updating, and improving Emergency
Action Plans (EAPs). Supports planning efforts for incident response, communication protocols, and
coordination with emergency services. Helps airports ensure plans meet state and federal expectations and
that staff understand their roles during emergencies.
- Operational Training Programs: Leads or coordinates statewide training for airport personnel on topics such
as fuel handling, aircraft movement areas, operational safety, and airport self-inspection techniques. Helps
develop training materials, organizes hands on workshops, and ensures training reflects current best
practices and regulatory guidance.
- Aviation Safety Coordination: Serves as a safety resource to aviation stakeholders by monitoring trends,
sharing best practices, and participating in aviation safety committees or working groups. Collaborates with
internal and external partners to support a statewide culture of proactive risk management and continuous
safety improvement.
- Additional Duties: Performs related duties consistent with program objectives, including report preparation,
stakeholder collaboration, policy development, grant support, data review, and participation in internal
leadership discussions. May assist with legislative inquiries, strategic planning, or special projects as
assigned.
Who are the customers?
54 airport sponsors throughout the state, NM pilot community, students and educators, community partners, and local and national AAM/UAS stakeholders, as well as the New Mexico Municipal League, New Mexico Airport Manager's Association, consultants, and FAA partners.
Ideal Candidate
54 airport sponsors throughout the state, NM pilot community, students and educators, community partners, and local and national AAM/UAS stakeholders, as well as the New Mexico Municipal League, New Mexico Airport Manager's Association, consultants, and FAA partners.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional level experience with a tactical impact directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
The position operates in a dynamic, collaborative work environment that requires both in¿office coordination and extensive field engagement across the state. Approximately 50% of work is performed in the office, involving program planning, documentation, communication with stakeholders, and coordination with internal teams. The remaining 50% consists of statewide travel to airports, partner organizations, community events, training sessions, and meetings related to inspections, safety initiatives, outreach, and emerging technology development.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Jane Lucero (505) 365-3891 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
