Photo credit: Brittany App
Application Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:00 am
Tentative Interview Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The City of Paso Robles is seeking a motivated and experienced aviation professional to help oversee the day-to-day operations, maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance at Paso Robles Municipal Airport. This position supervises staff, coordinates inspections and contractor activities, and ensures compliance with FAA, state, and local regulations while providing excellent service to tenants, pilots, and the public.
This role is essential to maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable airport operations through coordination of maintenance activities, emergency response efforts, and capital improvement projects. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and solutions-orientated leader with strong knowledge of airport operations, a commitment to safety, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
This is a unique opportunity to play an active role in the continued growth and long-term vision of Paso Robles Municipal Airport, including evolving aviation and potential spaceport initiatives, while supporting high standards of service and operational excellence for the community.
About Paso Robles
Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.
The Organization
The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 312.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.
The Department
The Public Works Department plays a vital role in maintaining Paso Robles’ infrastructure and quality of life, overseeing essential services including transportation systems, stormwater infrastructure, City facilities, fleet services, and the Paso Robles Municipal Airport. Through in-house operations and maintenance, the department delivers responsive, reliable, and cost-effective services that support residents, businesses, and visitors every day.
A key component of the department is airport operations. Owned and operated by the City of Paso Robles, the airport is guided by City Council policy direction with technical input from the Airport Commission. With significant potential for future growth, the airport is positioned to remain a critical transportation and economic asset for the region for years to come.
Knowledge of:
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Supervisory principles and practices, including employee motivation, performance evaluation, training, coaching, and conflict resolution.
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Work planning, scheduling, and resource allocation in a multi-functional airport operations and maintenance environment.
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Principles of customer service, public relations, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including tenants, pilots, contractors, regulatory agencies, and City staff.
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Applicable safety practices, risk management principles, and occupational hazards associated with airport operations and maintenance.
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Basic budgeting, purchasing, and contract administration principles.
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Airport operations, including airfield geometry, runway and taxiway systems, markings, lighting, signage, and aircraft movement and non-movement areas.
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidance applicable to airport and spaceport operations, including Advisory Circulars, and related compliance requirements for general aviation and certificated airports.
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Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing airport operations, including transportation security requirements, hazardous materials handling, and fire and life safety codes.
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Airport safety programs and plans, including the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP), and airport security programs.
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Airfield inspection procedures, condition reporting requirements, and corrective action practices.
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Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) concepts and coordination in emergency response situations.
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Aircraft ground handling procedures.
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Radio communication procedures, including UNICOM operations and issuance of Notices to Air Men (NOTAMs).
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Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in airport and facility maintenance, including pavement, electrical systems, lighting, plumbing, and general building trades.
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Preventative maintenance principles and asset management practices for airport facilities and infrastructure.
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Airport construction practices, including the ability to interpret Airport Layout Plans (ALPs), Construction Safety and Phasing Plans (CSPPs), and related technical documents.
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Airfield systems, including lighting, navigational aids, weather observation systems, and backup power systems.
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Principles of project coordination and workflow management for multiple concurrent operational and capital projects.
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Safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including fuels and chemicals used in airport operations.
Ability to:
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Effectively supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff; assign and prioritize work; provide constructive feedback; and appropriately address performance issues.
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Develop and adjust work schedules, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources to efficiently meet changing operational demands and emergency situations.
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Accurately interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and airport policies.
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Thoroughly conduct and oversee airfield and facility inspections; identify deficiencies and implement timely and effective corrective actions.
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Analyze operational data, maintain accurate records, and prepare clear, concise reports and documentation.
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Evaluate programs, workflows, and service delivery methods; recommend and implement improvements.
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Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, tenants, contractors, and the public.
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Provide high-level customer service and resolve complex or sensitive issues with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
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Remain calm and make sound decisions in high-pressure, emergency, or rapidly changing situations.
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Coordinate and collaborate effectively with other departments, public safety agencies, contractors, and airport users.
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Monitor and enforce airport rules, regulations, lease provisions, and safety standards.
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Safely operate and oversee the use of vehicles, heavy equipment, and specialized tools used in airport maintenance and operations.
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Perform and assist with a variety of operational duties, including radio communications, aircraft towing, and general airfield maintenance.
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Read and accurately interpret technical documents, plans, specifications, and regulatory guidance materials.
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Proactively identify maintenance and infrastructure needs; develop and implement preventative maintenance programs and schedules.
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Oversee and participate in maintenance and repair of airport facilities and systems, including electrical, lighting, plumbing, and structural components.
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Use and implement technology and software systems to support operations, recordkeeping, communication, and reporting.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
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Promote and maintain a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires frequent internal and external contact to carry out organizational programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.
Analytical Skills and Complexity
Exercises considerable analytical ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources. Requires interpretation and application of guidelines, policies, and procedures to determine appropriate actions.
Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
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Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
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Four years of increasingly responsible work experience, including at least two years in aviation.
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Aviation experience must be in airfield operations, airfield maintenance, or a related field.
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The remaining experience (up to two years) must be in general maintenance, construction, or a related field.
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General maintenance or construction experience is not required if the candidate has four years of qualifying aviation experience.
The following certifications may substitute for up to one year of the required experience. No more than one year of experience may be substituted, regardless of the number of certifications held.
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American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE)
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American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member (C.M.)
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American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)
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Other industry or military airfield certification programs may be considered
Experience performing duties associated with FAA requirements for general aviation airports, FAA Part 420 spaceports, or military airfield operations is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record.
Must complete the following American Association of Airport Executives programs within three years of appointment:
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Basic Airport Safety and Operations School (ASOS)
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Airport Certified Employee – Airfield Lighting Maintenance
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Airport Certified Employee – Airfield Operations
The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the Job Descriptions page of the City’s website.
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application and cover letter describing how your skills and experience translate to the requirements of the position by Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 am.
This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, background, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, a 12-month probationary period will be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at [email protected].
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
