Airport and Commerce Park Director – Full-Time - $86,598 (DOQ)

A highly professional position responsible for providing administrative and professional assistance to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) necessary to manage the Okeechobee County Airport and Commerce Park. Work is done under the general direction of the County Administrator.

Responsibilities:  

1. Responsible for providing a safe and well-maintained facility to serve the current and future commercial, corporate business, governmental and general aviation needs of Okeechobee County in compliance with all Federal, State and local policies, rules and regulations.
2. Responsible to assure all Airport equipment, including but not limited to Airfield Runway and Taxiway lighting, Security System, Fencing, Weather Observations System, Beacon are properly maintained in compliance with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and FDOT- Aviation (Florida Department of Transportation) specifications.
3. Coordination of all licensing inspections for compliance with FAA and FDOT regulations.
4. Locating, retaining or expanding new and existing business/industry in order to strengthen tax base and broaden the diversity of the economy of Okeechobee County, including but not limited to aviation and non-aviation businesses, maintaining desirable landlord/tenant relationships with Commerce Park/Airport tenants and FBO.
5. Contact prospects by telephone, mail or personal visits, and determines how relocation to Okeechobee County fits into their future plans. Develop and maintain an Airport/Commerce Park Marketing program.
6. Schedules and coordinates Commerce prospect community visits, utilizing all available resources to show the community in its best and complete light.
7. Identifies and applies for appropriate State, Federal public/private funding for Airport/Commerce Park maintenance and expansion projects; coordinates with BOCC to develop and implement airport 5-year work plan.  Coordinates Airport Master Plan for scheduling and funding of development projects through the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration and FDOT- Aviation (Florida Department of Transportation) JACIP (Joint Airport Capital Improvement Program).
8. Managing an office, to include operation of a personal computer, basic bookkeeping, clerical duties and other office functions as required.  Excellent communication and organizational skills required.
9. Compiling statistical and factual growth data to be used for computations and reports.
10. Confers with governmental officials to effect changes in local policies or ordinances, enforces regulations and executes operating policies applicable to the Okeechobee County Commerce park and general aviation airport.
11. Represents Okeechobee County BOCC at the regional, state and national level (business and/or governmental activities) to assure recognition of the benefits to business and industry available in Okeechobee County.
12. Responsible for the preparation and monitoring of an annual operating budget.  Maintains and oversees leases, independent contractor agreements, grant compliance, reimbursements and accounts receivable/payable with the County Finance Department.
13. Availability for airport emergency situations on an on-call, as needed basis.
14. Prepares and delivers performance evaluations, counseling/disciplinary actions; receives and processes employee complaints and grievances; recommends retaining, discharging and promoting staff.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform all other duties that are related to the essential job functions.)

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Marketing, Public Relations, related field or equivalent. 

• A minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in a supervisory or administrative position, experience with FAA, FDOT-Aviation, Florida state/local government and general aviation preferred.

•  Proficiency in computer usage, including word processing, spreadsheet and data base management systems.

   (A comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.)

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Valid Florida Driver’s license and good driving record.

• Airport management professional certification preferred.

BOCC Employment Application