This is highly responsible executive level work assisting in the planning and direction of the complex and diversified operations and activities of the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in planning, directing and coordinating extensive and complex airport system operations at Miami International Airport and at geographically dispersed general aviation airports. Responsibilities include directing, through subordinate levels of executives and managers, the management of terminal and landside operations, aviation engineering and facilities development, business and financial activities, airside operations, safety and security activities, and a variety of other administrative and operational support functions. The incumbent exercises extensive independent judgment and professional managerial knowledge in providing assistance in the direction of daily operations of a large and complex airport system. Supervision is exercised through subordinate levels of executives, managers and supervisors over a large staff of professional, operational, technical, administrative and clerical employees at Miami International Airport and at auxiliary airport facilites. General direction is received from the Department Director who holds the incumbent responsible for effective assistance in the professional management of departmental operations.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Assists in planning, directing and coordinating, through subordinate executives, managers and supervisors, a complex airport system including terminal facilities management, landside facilities management, administrative services, management information systems, finance and business management functions, properties management, marketing and trade development, route development, facilities planning and engineering, contract administration, environmental engineering, facilities maintenance, airside operations, and operations of general aviation airports.

Assists in the formulation of department policy, programs, objectives and direction; coordinates aviation policy with the Mayor's Office, Board of County Commissioners and other County departments as required.

Maintains thorough knowledge of current aviation regulations and assists in ensuring compliance with all required Federal Aviation Administration, state and County standards, policies and programs in the management, operation and development of the County's airport system.

Directs the effective promotion of the airport system to achieve first class national and international air service and to meet the needs of the County.

Assists in the negotiation of multi-million dollar agreements and contracts for the department.

Encourages the maximum use of airport facilities to provide a range of high quality aviation-related services for the communities served by the airport system, and to generate revenues adequate to operate and develop the airport system as a self-sustaining financial enterprise.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with senior management of airlines, concessionaires, airport tenants and users, and federal, state and local agencies; exercises responsibility for departmental activities in the absence of the Department Director.

Meets with governmental, business, professional, civic and community groups to discuss, interpret and explain departmental policies, programs and objectives; represents the department at national and international industry associations.

Meets with executive, supervisory and administrative employees to discuss and resolve budgetary issues, airport system operating and maintenance problems, airport engineering and development activities, legislative proposals and new regulations, and other subjects.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; reviews performance reports prepared by subordinates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Extensive knowledge of the organization, interrelationships and operations of the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department.

Extensive knowledge of the mission, goals and objectives of the department in providing the highest level of safety, convenience and efficiency in all aspects of airport system operations and services.

Extensive knowledge of the principles of general management, business and public administration, and aviation management.

Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of local, state and federal regulations pertaining to airport system safety, operations, development and maintenance.

Thorough knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Ability to apply advanced professional knowledge of the principles of management, business, aviation and public administration in providing effective assistance in directing, supervising and coordinating a large and complex airport system.

Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate, through various levels of executives, managers and supervisors, the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to delegate the authority to subordinates necessary to complete responsibilities in varied departmental activities.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, to groups and individuals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior airline officials, senior County management, elected officials, and officials of other local, state and federal organizations.

Ability to effectively coordinate and operate all departmental functions in the absence of the Department Director.

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