Airport Operations Officer/Senior Airport Operations Officer

Job Description:

Airport Operations Officer/Senior Airport Operations Officer

Description

Description

THE DEPARTMENT
The County of Ventura Department of Airports includes the Camarillo Airport (CMA) and the Oxnard Airport (OXR).

CMA, the former Oxnard Air Force Base, was established in the early 1942 for coastal defense. A variety of military aircraft operated here until 1969 when the base was deactivated. After a surplus process, CMA officially opened as a General Aviation airport in 1976. It occupies approximately 650 acres of land and is owned and operated by the County of Ventura in partnership with the City of Camarillo through a Joint Powers Authority (JPA).

Today CMA is the proud home of over 600 general aviation aircraft and there are between 150,000 and 200,000 take offs and landings per year. The airport community includes several aviation businesses providing flight instruction (fixed wing and helicopter), aircraft maintenance, charter, and storage. CMA is home to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the Ventura County 99's, and an Ultralight Airpark. There is also an Airport Business Park that includes several County agencies, and a variety of businesses.

CMA provides nearly $200 million in positive economic benefit to the local community and supports over 1,000 jobs. The Federal Aviation Administration recently categorized CMA as a National Asset. It certainly is a jewel to our local community and the County of Ventura.

The Oxnard Airport was established in 1934 and covers 230 acres. OXR is located on the coastal edge of the 200-square mile Oxnard Plain, a mile and a half from the coastline on the southwest corporate limits of the City of Oxnard. The airport is classified as a non-hub commercial service airport and is home to one full service fixed base operator providing services such as aircraft charters, aircraft maintenance, and pilot supplies. The airport also hosts several car rental agencies, and a shuttle van services to Los Angeles International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration recently categorized OXR as a Region Asset.

THE POSITION
Airport Operations Officers and Senior Airport Operations Officer may be assigned to both Camarillo and Oxnard airports in rotating shifts depending on business needs. Under supervision, they patrol the airports; monitor operations; provide security, safety, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) and emergency assistance when needed; greet, assist, and provide information to the public in the performance of routine duties and special assignments; assure compliance with airport rules, regulations, and ordinances and perform related work as required.

The ideal candidate will have considerable experience in airport operations leading to a solid understanding of Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations including knowledge of FAR Part 107 (small unmanned aircraft systems). A degree in airport/aviation administration/management and intermediate level skills in MS Word, Excel, and database tools are desirable.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE ANNUAL SALARIES:
Airport Operations Officer: $59,202.00 - $75,603.11
Senior Airport Operations Officer: $69,966.00 - $89,341.20

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

The Airport Operations Officer and Senior Airport Operations Officer are represented by the Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Association - Patrol Unit (VCPPOA - PTRL) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis beginning the week of February 02, 2026.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee and ensure continuity of airport operations at Camarillo and Oxnard Airports including safe operation of air carriers aircraft, public safety, security, communications and public services;
• Monitor airport operations and provide guidance and direction to ensure compliance with safety and security requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA);
• Conduct airfield and facility inspections including Spill Prevention Control and Counter-measure (SPCC) and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); verify compliance with FAA's Part 139 Standards and on airport markings, lighting, aircraft navigation systems, and weather station systems;
• Respond to questions and inquiries from the public, law enforcement, oversight agencies in a clear, calm, and thorough manner; promote good public relations for the Airport and the County of Ventura;
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws, as well as rules and regulations related to the operation of airports including County of Ventura and Airport ordinances; issue citations and notice of violations;
• Complete accurate and thorough reports on work performed each shift (DAR) and submit to airport managers via use of MS Word, Excel and other database tools;
• Interface with airport tenants and the public; liaison with federal, state and local agencies; monitor construction activities and special events;
• Respond with ARFF apparatus to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life and property;
• Administer transient and landing fees programs;
• Dissipate wildlife activity at both airports;
• Coordinate with the air traffic control tower in order to escort personnel and equipment onto the airport movement areas and within the airport's restricted areas;
• Respond to incidents, accidents, inquiries, problems, complaints or unusual situations involving airlines, passengers, law enforcement, and tenants; coordinate public safety response to emergencies including Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services during emergency situations;
• Issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs);
• Perform administrative and other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

For the position of Airport Operations Officer

An example of a qualifying education/experience is a minimum of six (6) months' experience working at a general aviation, military, or commercial service airport performing airport operations duties and/or aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) duties.

The following may be substituted for the requisite experience:
A) One (1) year experience working at an airport aviation business that provides services such as aircraft maintenance, fueling of aircraft, aircraft charter, or flight training;
OR
B) Completion of an airport internship;
OR
C) One (1) year of college-level course work (30 units) in airport/aviation administration (or equivalent).

For the position of Senior Airport Operations Officer

An example of a qualifying education/experience is a minimum of two (2) years' experience working at a general aviation, military, or commercial service airport performing airport operations duties and/or aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) duties.

The following may be substituted for the requisite experience:
A) Three (3) years' experience working at an airport aviation business that provides services such as aircraft maintenance, fueling of aircraft, aircraft charter, or flight training, security services, emergency services, or firefighting;
OR
B) Private pilot certificate rating
OR
C) Completion of a four (4) year (Bachelor's) degree in aviation, law enforcement, business, or related field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

For the position of Airport Operations Officer:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a current valid California driver license
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR)
• Must pass the Airfield Driver Training requirements within seven (7) days of hire.

For the position of Senior Airport Operations Officer:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a current valid California driver license
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR)
• Must pass the Airfield Driver Training requirements withing seven (7) days of hire
• Possession of the American Association of Airports Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Certification in Airfield Operations
• Possession of one of the following:
  • AAAE ACE certification in Airport Security
  • AAAE Airport Master Firefighter Certification

Verification of coursework used to qualify for this recruitment is required. Transcripts or grade reports from an accredited college or university which reflect passing grades in the required subject areas must be submitted to County Human Resources within three (3) business days of applying to the recruitment. If they are not, your application will be screened out and you will not be allowed to continue in the process. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If transcripts are from an international university proof of accreditation in the United States must be submitted, also.

You must submit this documentation with your application, a scanned copy as an attachment for an online application. If you submit a hard copy with a paper application, be sure it is a copy; keep your original for future use, as whatever you submit will not be returned to you. To attach a scanned copy to an on-line application, use the Add Attachments(s) link in the Attachments section at the bottom of the page where you can edit the various sections of your application.

NOTE: If the name on this documentation is different from the name on your application, include documents that show the name change.

Within the first six (6) months of employment, the following must be completed/obtained:

• FAA-approved private pilot ground school course;
• Basic First Aid Certificate;
• Part 139 ARFF training;
• Certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) issued by the American Red Cross.

Employees must meet the ARFF training physical requirements. Employees will undergo a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) fit test and employees must be able to wear an SCBA mask in compliance with safety regulations.

Employees may be required to undergo an employment background investigation to comply with Transportation Security Administration Regulations, Part 1542.
Supplemental Information

• May be required to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays at either and/or both the Camarillo Airport and the Oxnard Airport.
• May be required to wear a uniform during working hours, with an annual uniform allowance of $1,050.

DESIRED

• A degree in airport/aviation administration/management.
• Intermediate skills in MS Word, Excel, and database tools.
• Knowledge of FAR Part 107 (small unmanned aircraft systems).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Working knowledge of:

• County ordinances and state and federal codes governing airport operations;
• Security regulations;
• Safety, first aid, and life saving techniques;
• Basic firefighting techniques and law enforcement;
• Specialized equipment and its use.

Working ability to:

• Read and follow written and/or oral instructions;
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing;
• Make decisions quickly and independently in emergency situations;
• Collect and account for facility use fees;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees and the public;
• Perform with maximum exertion in an emergency.

Skilled in:
MS Word, Excel, and database tools with an Intermediate proficiency level.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.

To apply online, please refer to our website www.venturacounty.gov/jobs . A paper application can be obtained by calling (805) 654-5129. Our address is County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.

Note to Applicants: Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above-referenced sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying
All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. This supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in application being removed from further consideration .

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying
All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: A un-proctored, on-line, internet-based written examination will be administered to test applicants' knowledge, skills and abilities in relation to airport terms, airport acronyms, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), airports operations knowledge, general airport knowledge, and safety and security. Applicants must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST

Applicants successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed Term), Intermittent, and Extra Help for this and similar vacancies within the Department of Airports. There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy within the Department of Airports.

NOTE - INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD IN CAMARILLO - Candidates referred to the Department of Airports for selection interviews are expected to interview in person on site in Camarillo, California. Requests for remote interviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An in person on site interview in Camarillo, California may be required for those candidates under consideration following the initial selection interview. Travel expenses are not covered by the County of Ventura.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

For further information regarding this recruitment, please contact Esmeralda Oseguera by email at Esmeralda.Oseguera@venturacounty. gov or by telephone at (805) 477-7268.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Ventura County Professional Peace Officers' Association

(VCPPOA)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: PVP, PVT

Salary:

$59,202.00 - $89,341.20 Annually