AIRPORT OPERATIONS OFFICER (LANDSIDE)

Job Description

DESCRIPTION

Appointment to this position is expected to be at or below the midpoint $155,567.283 of the salary range, however, the final amount will be carefully determined based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, qualifications, and an evaluation of internal equity within the organization.

The Long Beach Airport Department currently has one (1) opening available for an Airport Operations Officer (Landside) in the Terminal Operations Division.

THE COMMUNITY

Ideally located on the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, adjacent to Orange County, the City of Long Beach, California (population 470,000) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven smaller communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach is home to an abundance of cultural and recreational options. The Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, plus a wide variety of other attractions (two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses), serve to draw 6.5 million visitors a year. The City is also home to California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. Cal State Long Beach is the second largest university in the state and was recently ranked the No. 3 best-value public college in the nation. Covering approximately 50 square miles, Long Beach is supported by a wide mix of industries with education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services comprising the highest representation. Known for its livable and desirable neighborhoods, Long Beach was named by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People two years in a row. While it offers all the amenities of a large metropolis, many say Long Beach offers the added benefit of having maintained a strong sense of community and cohesiveness despite its growth. A superb climate, quality schools, a vibrant downtown, and a wide variety of neighborhoods help make Long Beach one of the most livable communities in the country.

CITY GOVERNMENT

Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members elected by district. The City Manager, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, oversees the daily operations of 15 departments and a proposed FY26 citywide annual budget of $3.7B. The City employs over 6,000 full-time and part-time staff; dedicated to providing exceptional public services with the vast majority being represented by eleven employee associations.

• City Departments
  
• Proposed FY26 Budget
  
• 2030 Strategic Vision
  
• Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan
  

The City of Long Beach fosters an environment where every employee is celebrated for their individuality and unique talents they bring to their role. Reflecting the diversity of the community within the workforce is a key priority embraced at every level of the organization-from management to policy creation. City Leadership actively promotes equity and inclusion by partnering with staff and community stakeholders to advance fairness in all initiatives. Transparency remains a cornerstone of these efforts with demographic data, including workforce diversity and pay equity by race and gender, shared publicly to ensure accountability and progress.

THE DEPARTMENT
Recognized as America's Coolest Airport, LGB offers a unique blend of convenience, efficiency, and a relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from larger, busier airports. Passengers appreciate shorter lines, quicker security checks, and easy access to gates, making travel less stressful and more enioyable. Central to the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, with an unparalleled passenger experience, LGB provides leisure travelers with the perfect gateway to Southern California's attractions while providing valuable time savings to business travelers. In a recent ranking by The Washington Post, LGB was recognized as the second-best airport in the United States, based on factors such as accessibility, ease of navigation, architectural appeal, amenities, and unique features.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is classified as a small hub airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems and serves approximately four million passengers annually. Owned and operated by the City of Long Beach, LGB was established in 1923 and is one of the oldest municipal airports in the United States. Known as the Coolest Airport in America, LGB is a friendly alternative to other Southern California airports, offering preferred flight schedules, great airlines and destinations and overall accessibility.

The Airport is committed to delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience in an intelligent. ecofriendly, safe, and efficient manner while being respectful of our employees and the community that we serve. We also strive to be a major driver in the economic vitality of Long Beach. Through Organizational Excellence, we seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented staff in an organization structured for success.

Long Beach Airport has a rich history of contributions to our nation's leadership in aviation. Earl Daugherty opened one of the nation's first flight schools in Long Beach in 1919. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart flew from Long Beach. Once home to McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), many commercial aircraft including the DC-8, DC-9/MD-80, DC-10/MD-11, and military aircraft such as the C-17 were manufactured in Long Beach. Approximately 180 businesses reside on Airport property and are responsible for roughly 18,000 jobs. Some of these include AAA. Aero Business Center, Atlantic Aviation, Long Beach Marriott Hotel, DeVry Institute of Technology, DHL, Epson America, SCAN Health Plan, Signature @ Aeroplex, Skylinks Golf Course, and United Parcel Service.

Companies located near the Airport, such as JetZero and Ampaire are revolutionizing the aerospace industry and leading the way forward with sustainable aircraft designs. The future of space travel is being shaped by local companies including Relativity Space, Rocket Labs, VAST and others. Along with our partners, LGB is a key contributor to the economic vitality of the region.

The Airport recently completed Phase II of the Terminal Area Improvements Project along with significant roadway improvements. Major elements of Phase II included a new Ticketing Facility, Baggage Claim Facility, and renovations to the Historic Terminal. In April 2026, the Airport broke ground on a Passenger Concourse Enhancement project, which will refresh these existing facilities, in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.

The Airport Department is governed by the City Council; the Airport Director is appointed by the City Manager and is responsible for overall airport activities. The Director is supported by a Deputy Director, Manager of Airport Operations and Facilities and Manager of Finance and Administration. The Airport Department employs approximately 125 staff and has an annual operating budget of approximately $28 million.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

THE POSITION

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 Iimited to, to the American's 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 lnformation 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.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

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.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

This recruitment will close on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm. T o 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. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact (562) 570-7126.

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.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act .

The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision. Find out more about the Unclassified Applicant Appeal Process by visiting the Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov) .

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 570-7126.

In support of the City’s Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

Retirement:California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% or 2.7% (depending on hire date) @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA, subject to the compensation limitations set by PERS. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security.

Health and Dental Insurance:The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected.

Life Insurance:City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.

Disability Insurance:City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Management Physical:Annual City-paid physical examination.

Vacation:Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service.

Executive Leave:Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year.

Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits.

Holidays:Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.

Transportation Allowance:Monthly allowance is allocated by classifications below;

• Department Head $650.00
• Deputy Director/Manager/Director (Harbor/Utilities) $550.00
• Division Officer/Superintendent/ Chief of Staff / Administrator / Principal DCA $450.00
• Assistant to Executive / Executive Assistant / Executive Secretary/ Executive Support Staff $300.00

Deferred Compensation Plan:Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation).

• Classic CalPERS Members: The City will contribute a maximum of up to two percent (2%) of base salary* for all qualified Classic CalPERS members.
• Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) CalPERS Members: Effective the second full pay period following City Council adoption, the City contribution will increase from two percent (2%) to three percent (3%) of base salary* for all qualified PEPRA CalPERS members.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA):Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule:Available (subject to City Manager approval).

Paid Parental Leave: The City provides one hundred and sixty (160) hours of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of salary, for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, regardless of the gender, marital status or sexual orientation of the parent.

Closing Date/Time: 10/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific