Executive Director
Port of Orcas
Eastsound (Orcas Island), Washington
Salary: $90,000 - $140,000
Located in the northwest corner of Washington State, surrounded by the vast waters of the Salish Sea, San Juan County is home to roughly 18,600 residents and the famous San Juan Islands. The county is just a scenic ferry ride away from the Washington State mainland. The area enjoys roughly 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, is one of the best places in the world to see orca whales and is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island, known by locals as “the gem of the San Juans,” is a mix of arts and culture, lush forests, driftwood-strewn beaches, pristine lakes, distant views of Mount Baker, and endless outdoor recreation possibilities. The Islands are served by the Washington State Ferry system and receive visitors year-round from all over the world. In addition to the ferry system, residents move about in personal boats and planes.
The Port of Orcas is a public port district, governed by an elected five-member Board of Commissioners which provides oversight of the Port, and delegate Port operational authority to the hired Executive Director. The Port of Orcas operates Orcas Island Airport, a day use park, and maintains wetlands within Port property. Operations conducted at the airport include general aviation, commercial passenger and freight, tourism, and emergency air medical services. The airport sees close to 30,000 take-offs and landings each year. The Port functions on an annual budget between $1.1 million and $3.5 million, with a 2024 operating budget of $655,000, and a capital improvement budget between $500,000 and $3 million. The Port functions with a total of 1.5 FTEs, the Executive Director, and a Finance Manager and a Facilities Manager that both report to the Executive Director.
Working under the direction of the Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director is responsible for managing the safe, effective, and prudent operation of the airport, which has all the benefits and detriments of being a short walk to the village of Eastsound, making it a popular destination for Northwest pilots and contributing to the economy.
The Port is eager to find an Executive Director that (1) has experience managing two to three employees; (2) has experience and/or education in airport management and airport operations, including a proven work history of airport operations, such as experience in dealing with outside agencies, and regulatory management; (3) has strong knowledge of FAA compliance and regulations, along with a familiarity of working with the FAA; (4) possesses a solid budget and financial background; (5) and is someone who is a "self-starter" and ready to “run the show" for the Port. The selected candidate must live on or be willing to relocate to Orcas Island and be able to work a standard Monday through Friday 40-hour week to perform the necessary desk duties and be readily available for airport urgencies. A pilot’s license and strong interest in aviation is a bonus. Any combination of education or experience that displays the necessary knowledge to perform the duties of this position may be considered.
Benefits include paid holidays, medical, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan, and paid sick leave and vacation.
For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The Port of Orcas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First review of applications: May 5, 2024 (open until filled).
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