Airport Manager

City of Bentonville

City of Bentonville

Posted on May 2, 2026

Safety/Security Status: Security Sensitive

SUMMARY The Airport Manager performs a variety of professional-level duties. The Bentonville Municipal Airport Manager will oversee, plan, and direct all aspects of the airport business, security, and facilities to ensure the safety and efficiency of day-to-day activities of the airport in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. Works directly, and on behalf of Mayor, with all levels of government, including Federal, State, Regional, County and City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to work well and collaborate with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position.

Responsible for building and maintaining good working relationships with fixed-base operators, airline personnel, government agencies, airport organizations, legislators, and community/airport participants. Using excellent customer service skills establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the public.

Airport Operations Management:

Oversee daily airport operations, including runway inspections, aircraft parking, fueling services, and maintenance of airport facilities.

Ensure compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and state and local laws governing airport operations.

Coordinate and manage snow removal, wildlife hazard management, and emergency response planning.

Emergency Preparedness and Safety:

Develop, implement, and regularly update the airport’s emergency response plan.

Conduct regular safety drills and ensure that all airport personnel are trained in emergency procedures.

Liaise with local fire, police, and emergency medical services to coordinate responses to airport emergencies.

Financial Management and Budgeting:

Prepare and manage the airport's budget, including operating expenses, capital improvements, and revenue forecasts.

Monitor and report on financial performance, ensuring that the airport remains financially viable.

Explore and secure funding opportunities, including federal and state grants, to support airport operations and development.

Capital Improvement Planning:

Plan and manage capital improvement projects, including runway resurfacing, terminal expansion, and infrastructure upgrades.

Coordinate with engineering and construction firms to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Engage with community stakeholders to ensure that airport expansion projects align with local needs and concerns.

Environmental Compliance:

Ensure the airport operates in compliance with environmental regulations, including noise abatement procedures, stormwater management, and waste disposal.

Implement and oversee environmental sustainability initiatives, such as energy efficiency upgrades and wildlife conservation programs.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

Act as a liaison between the airport and the local community, including neighboring residents, businesses, and local government officials.

Organize and participate in community meetings, open houses, and public forums to address concerns and provide updates on airport activities.

Foster positive relationships with the aviation community, including pilots, aviation clubs, and other airports.

Regulatory and Legal Compliance:

Ensure all airport operations are in compliance with FAA regulations, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, and other relevant laws.

Manage the airport’s compliance with state and federal grant assurances and other regulatory agreements.

Maintain accurate records and documentation required by the FAA, TSA, and other regulatory bodies.

Tenant Relations and Lease Management:

Manage relationships with all airport tenants, including hangar occupants, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and commercial entities.

Negotiate, draft, and manage leases, ensuring compliance with all terms and conditions.

Handle tenant disputes and address any issues related to the use of airport property.

Security Management:

Implement and oversee airport security measures in compliance with TSA regulations and local law enforcement guidelines.

Coordinate with law enforcement agencies to address security concerns and incidents.

Conduct regular security assessments and implement necessary improvements.

Aircraft Noise and Land Use Compatibility:

Monitor aircraft noise levels and address noise complaints from the community.

Work with local governments on land use planning around the airport to prevent incompatible development.

Grant and Funding Management:

Identify, apply for, and manage federal and state grants for airport development and operations.

Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting.

Airport Board Meetings:

Prepare the agenda for Airport Advisory Board meetings, ensuring all relevant topics are covered.

Oversee the conduct of Airport Board meetings, providing updates, addressing concerns, and facilitating discussions.

Ensure meeting minutes are accurately recorded and distributed to all board members and relevant stakeholders.

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Oversees the Airport Advisory Board.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE bachelor’s degree in business or related field and at least five years of experience in airport administration required, particularly showing increasing degrees of responsibility and including some experience with many of the following areas: budget preparation, long-range planning, airport maintenance, property management, and administration of general operations, public relations, and capital project administration. FAA pilots rating is highly desirable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and comprehend codes, specifications, legal descriptions, and maps. Ability to deliver effective speeches and presentations to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as quadratic equations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, and sampling theory.

REASONING ABILITY Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to navigate to all areas of the airport property in all types of weather. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description, but which are commensurate with similar levels of responsibility.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.