Manager, Airfield Services - Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. (Southport, MB)

Southport is looking to grow its dedicated team with the addition of Manager, Airfield Services is responsible for the maintenance, safety, and operational readiness of all airside roads, runways, taxiways, grounds, and the operation, maintenance, inspection, and certification of navigational aid equipment and related systems at Southport Airport.

Reporting to the Director, Site Services, the Manager directs all airfield equipment operations and maintenance including Snow and Ice Control (SNIC), turf care, and seasonal programs, and ensures the fleet is dependable and ready for year-round demands. They lead a team of one Lead Hand, one Navigational lead, five Airfield Maintenance Technicians (AMT), one Airfield electrician, one Nav Aids tech, and two Real Seal-certified Heavy Duty (HD) Mechanics, providing clear direction, performance support, and coordination with internal teams and contractors to maintain uninterrupted airfield operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Airside Pavements Maintenance:

Oversee the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all airside pavements, including asphalt, line painting, pothole repairs, and general surface upkeep.
Monitor and manage airport signage and airside drainage systems to ensure safe and compliant operations.

Operations & Maintenance Navigational Aids:

Oversee daily operation, preventative maintenance, and calibration of all navigational aids, lighting systems, and airfield electronic equipment.
Oversee preventive maintenance on all airfield communications, radar, navigational and landing aids.
Ensure reliable performance of systems such as ILS, NDB, VOR, PAPI, runway/taxiway lighting, and approach lighting systems.
Schedule and conduct regular inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements

Regulatory Compliance & Certification:

Maintain compliance with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) standards for navigational aid systems.
Liaison with NAV CANADA on behalf of Southport
Document regular testing, flight checks, and certifications to maintain operational approval.
Ensure all maintenance logs, service records, and compliance reports are accurate and up to date.

Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management:

Ensure all airside and grounds activities comply with relevant federal, provincial, and municipal safety and environmental regulations.
Conduct routine inspections to identify hazards, deficiencies, and maintenance needs across pavements, grounds, and equipment.
Maintain accurate records, logs, inspection reports, and compliance documentation.
Lead the setup, optimization, and continuous improvement of systems and processes, including troubleshooting and IT coordination.
Support risk mitigation activities and ensure alignment with Southport's Safety Management System (SMS).
Responsible for the Groundskeeping portion of Southport's SMS program, including management of the Wildlife Management program, ensuring proactive risk reduction and regulatory compliance.

Seasonal Operations:

Plan, lead, and supervise all snow and ice control (SNIC) activities to maintain safe and accessible runways, taxiways, aprons, and airside routes.
Ensure summer and SNIC operations meet contract and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate pre-event planning for major snowfalls, including resource allocation, equipment readiness, contractor coordination, and proactive communication.
Manage seasonal cleanup activities (spring/fall), including leaf removal, surface preparation, and die/pack marking.
Coordinate winter maintenance operations with Flight Dispatch, including staffing, training, scheduling mechanics/technicians, and managing materials and chemicals.
Maintain inventories of snow and ice control materials and ensure all equipment is functional and serviced.
Conduct seasonal evaluations of all movement-area paint markings.

Team Leadership & Coordination:

Lead, schedule, and supervise HD Mechanics, AMTs to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work practices.
Ensure a positive serviceability rate on all equipment.
Complete required operational reports, documentation, and regulatory records.
Provide training, coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members.
Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to support specialized work and timely project completion.
Represent Southport in stakeholder discussions and maintain open communication with internal and external partners.
Deliver performance-based reporting aligned with contract and operational requirements.
Ensure staff comply with all safety protocols.

Budget & Resource Management:

Assist in preparing and managing annual budgets for roads and grounds maintenance, and recommend capital improvements.
Monitor expenditures to ensure cost-effective use of materials, labour, and contracted services.
Participate in equipment procurement, including research, vendor engagement, and recommendations.
Maintain inventories of equipment, tools, and supplies to ensure operational readiness.
Stay current with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and airport maintenance standards.

Position Requirements:

Diploma, certification, or equivalent experience in Airfield Maintenance, Civil Works, Horticulture, or a related field (required).
Training in heavy equipment operation, snow removal, or turf management (preferred).
Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) or membership with IAAE (asset).
Minimum 5+ years of experience in infrastructure, airfield, municipal, or industrial maintenance environments.
Minimum 3+ years experience leading teams, scheduling staff, and managing operational or contract performance.
Experience with airfield snow and ice control programs (asset).
Experience collaborating with vendors, contractors, and external partners.
Experience maintaining or coordinating repairs for heavy equipment such as plows, loaders, mowers, sweepers, and graders.

Join the Southport Team

Competitive Salary.
Extensive benefits package including Employee Assistance Program, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Extended Health, Vision, and Dental Coverage.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan Matching Program.
Vacation, Wellness, and Medical Days.
Complimentary RecPlex or Southport Golf Club Membership

We'll set you up for success by providing in-depth training with your team and mentors, working in partnership with our leadership team.

You'll enjoy special events, celebrations, and unique perks, specific to your role and work environment, that reinforce our commitment to creating a wonderful employee experience.

Our unique rewards and recognition programs are designed to celebrate you, your contributions and promote your success.

Contact Information

Southport Aerospace Centre Inc.
Attention: Human Resources
30 Centennaire Drive
Southport, MB R0H 1N1

Email: hr@southport.ca
Phone: 204.428.6072

This job posting will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please visit: https://southport.ca/join-our-team

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