Salary : $116,134.51 - $174,201.77 Annually
Location : Colorado Air and Space Port , 5200 Front Range Pkwy., Watkins, CO
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 07629
Department: Colorado Air & Space Port
Division: CASP Operations
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 4:30 PM Mountain
Position classification: Hybrid -- Job duties and expectations allow for onsite and remote work scheduled every week. Employees in this classification are regularly scheduled onsite one (1) to four (4) days per week based on the County needs and as determined by Department Director. Hybrid classified roles can be onsite more than the set minimum based on employee preference.
What Success Looks Like In This Job Under the general direction of the Colorado Air and Space Port Director, the Deputy Airport Director supports and assists with management of the Colorado Air and Space Port's administration, operation and capital project management. In addition, this position works closely with the Director on planning and development initiatives, project management, and strategic activities. This role has an emphasis on CASP's CIP activities, airport/spaceport development and planning activities and will directly supervise and lead the Operations/Maintenance group.
Provides oversight and input of airport/spaceport planning studies including master plans, airfield and terminal planning, airport/spaceport layout plans, construction management, emergency management, security oversight, obstruction analysis, facility requirements, capital improvement programs, land use compatibility, demand/capacity analysis, alternatives analysis, forecasting, noise and environmental evaluations, terminal area plans, sustainability evaluations, and other airport planning tasks and projects as needed for the Airport. The Deputy Director ensures CASP's federal compliance for FAA grant funded projects.
Provides leadership, input and oversight of CASP's Operations and Maintenance including the leadership of that division. This involves performance management, continuous development and improvement of that team.
The Deputy Director will develop and manage CASP's departmental team building program for the department and leadership team.
In collaboration with the CASP Director and the Business Operations Manager, provides guidance and assistance in regards to CASP's overall marketing and business development strategy. This can include outreach efforts, event strategy, partnering with the Communications Department to develop new marketing materials, etc...
The Deputy Director acts as the main Point-of-contact (POC) and coordinator all external community and educational partnerships.
Examples of Duties for Success Leadership & People Management- Assists the Director in the oversight and support of day-to-day administration and operation of the Air and Space Port. This includes leadership and direct supervision of the Operations/ Maintenance Department.
- Performs "Acting Director" duties as identified by the CASP Director
- Builds and maintains a positive work environment that fosters trust and accountability. Provides leadership, development and coaching to all airport team members.
- Works closely with CASP's Director on airport-planning initiatives and activities, business planning and strategy development and plays a critical role in communicating and implementing Airport-wide strategies so that all employees, tenants, and stakeholders understand the Airport's and County's goals and initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
Strategic Planning & Department Initiatives- Oversee professional services agreements, administer construction agreements, and review consultant deliverables.
- Works in conjunction with the CASP Director and the Airport's engineer on record, to support and oversee short and long-term airport-planning activities and initiatives addressing airport development, infrastructure, and land use needs. Specific focus includes preparation of, or support and oversight of; master plans, airfield planning, airport layout plans, obstruction analysis, facility requirements, capital improvement programs, demand/capacity analysis, alternatives analysis, forecasting, noise and environmental evaluations, terminal area plans, sustainability evaluations, and other airport planning tasks and projects as needed for the Air and Space Port.
- In conjunction with the CASP Director and the leadership team, plays a critical role in developing and implementing Airport-wide strategies, goals, and initiatives for all users and stakeholders. Participate as a key member of the department's Leadership Team to chart the future course of the airport and develop strategic responses to the increasing demand for services.
Operational & Financial Management:- In close collaboration with CASP's Director, the Deputy Director Monitor's, maintains and updates CASP's guiding documents such as minimum standards, rules & regulations and CASP rates & charges.
- The Deputy Director, with the support of the operations and maintenance team and our engineering consultant on record, manages all airfield improvement projects.
- In close coordination with the CASP Director, holds a thorough understanding, knowledge and situational awareness of finance and budget activities to include management of CASP's annual budget development process, constant monthly review of CASP's finance and budget status, identification of anomalies and maintains a close working relationship with the Budget and Finance Department.
Compliance, Project & Capital Program Management:- Coordinates with Business Operations Manager on administration and coordination of FAA and CDOT grant financial processes such as drawdowns, amendments, change orders and close outs.
- Collaborates with CASP leadership team and the County's Development Department on business development prospects to ensure operational compatibility and land usage.
- Works in close collaboration with the CASP Director, manages and coordinates CASP's Capital Improvement Program. These duties include coordination with Adams County, Engineer of record, CDOT and FAA regarding CASP projects, grant application submissions, ensures alignment between CASP CIP, County CIP, County Finance/Budget Department, CDOT Capital planning system and FAA.
Qualifications for Success To be successful, our ideal candidate should have the following knowledge, skills and abilities KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES- Strategic thinker and effective collaborator with internal and external CASP stakeholders including other county departments and across all organizational levels.
- Proven ability to deliver and present information and presentation materials to our department team, senior county leadership and elected officials.
- Knowledge of aviation issues, topics and trends related to airport management, operations and planning.
- Ability to lead and communicate effectively with airport team, airport stakeholders, governmental agencies, and other county departments.
- Ability to analyze, integrate and interpret data from various sources, and implement programs.
- Ability to make objective judgments, exercise authority when appropriate, resolve conflicts, and maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive information.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business written material and to solve situations as they arise. Ability to write clear, concise reports, correspondence, and procedure materials.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various groups; managers, employees, customers, tenants, Federal, State, and Local authorities, and the general public.
- Holds an understanding of airport budgeting and finance.
- Knowledge of airport management, operations, maintenance and administration.
- Ability to lead, coach and collaborate with team members
More Qualifications for Success Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Years of experience may substitute for a degree, on a year to year basis. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be as follows:
Education: - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation Planning, Aviation or Airport Management, Civil/Transportation Engineering, Aviation Science or Technology, or a related field.
Experience and Qualifications: - A minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in an aviation management position related to airport planning, airport operations or airport administration, including broad based knowledge and experience in aviation planning services.
- Minimum of three years' experience managing and supervising a team of employees with demonstrated leadership success.
License and Certificate- Must be able to obtain, possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license upon hiring and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
- Certified Member (C.M.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives Preferred
- Must pass a criminal background check
Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.
Benefits You Expect:
- AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
- Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
- Generous Vacation/Sick leave
- Long-Term Disability
- Retirement Plan
- Short-Term Disability
Plus some you might not expect:
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Fitness Center
- Employee Health Clinics
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Recreation Center Discounts
- Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs
- Wellness programs
- Lactation friendly certified workplace
01
Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.
- Yes, I understand and agree
- Yes, I understand but disagree.
02
Please indicate the minimum combination of education and experience that qualifies you for this position.
- 7 years' of progressively responsible experience in an aviation management position related to airport planning, airport operations or airport administration, including broad based knowledge and experience in aviation planning services and high school diploma/GED/equivalent education.
- 5 years' of progressively responsible experience in an aviation management position related to airport planning, airport operations or airport administration, including broad based knowledge and experience in aviation planning services and Associate's degree.
- 3 years' progressively responsible experience in an aviation management position related to airport planning, airport operations or airport administration, including broad based knowledge and experience in aviation planning services and a Bachelor's degree or higher in Aviation Planning, Aviation or Airport Management, Civil/Transportation Engineering, Aviation Science or Technology, or a related field.
03
Do you possess at least three years' experience managing and supervising a team of employees?
04
Are you able to obtain, possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license?*Out of state applicants must obtain a Colorado driver's license upon hire.
05
Are you a Certified Member (C.M.) designation from the American Association of
