How to hire an airfield manager

How to hire an airfield manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step airfield manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an airfield manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new airfield manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the airfield manager you need to hire. Certain airfield manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An airfield manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, airfield managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of airfield managers.

   Type of Airfield Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Airfield Manager		$12-51
   Transportation Director	Transportation Directors are responsible for managing an organization's transportation operations. They are involved in supervising transportation projects, monitoring performance, research workflow processes, conduct strategic meetings with stakeholders, administer the budgeting process, and ensures programs comply with state and federal regulations... Show more	$14-41
   Transportation Officer	A Transportation Officer is an expert in all transport affairs. Serving in this role, your duties will include ensuring the provision of transportation to inmates for medical appointments and emergency response... Show more	$13-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Airfield Operations
   • Air Traffic Control
   • Federal Aviation Administration
   • Airfield Management
   • Emergency Operations
   • Aircraft Operations
   • USAF
   • Aircraft Maintenance
   • International Airspace
   • Base Operations
   • Training Programs
   • Airfield Safety
   • Flight Line
   • NOTAMs

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage a Lear 24-D and perform co-pilot duties.
   • Manage operations associate facilities, flight training equipment, and all associate logistics.
   • Issue NOTAMS, maps, charts, weather, and advisories.
   • Maintain airfield NOTAMS, input flight plans, airport layout, and aircraft characteristics
   • Ensure all AFM vehicles and equipment are inspected daily and coordinate with airfield sweeper operator personnel.
   • Employ extensive experience in aviation and maintenance in consulting with the AFM to resolve the immediate problems.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your airfield manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An airfield manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, airfield managers' average salary in utah is 50% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level airfield managers 75% less than senior-level airfield managers.
   • Certifications. An airfield manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an airfield manager's salary.

   Average airfield manager salary

   $54,684yearly

   $26.29 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level airfield manager salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing an airfield manager job description

   A job description for an airfield manager role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an airfield manager job description:

   Airfield manager job description example

   + Vectrus is seeking a professional with experience as an Assistant Airfield Manager to support an Airfield Management Services contract at Maxwell AFB, AL. The successful candidate will provide input, guidance, and solutions concerning airfield facilities, air operations, and airfield construction projects at Maxwell AFB AL.
   Responsibilities
   
   + Supervise and perform airfield management functions and activities, in the absence of the AFM
   
   + Coordinate with aircrews, air traffic control, and various base agencies that provide for safe operation of aircraft in the airfield environment and through national and international airspace.
   
   + Procure, maintain and produce information on safe operation of aircraft through the national and international airspace system. Information includes flight plans, flight information publications, aeronautical charts and maps, Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), local airfield and navigational aid status, and weather information.
   
   + Direct, assist and provide aircrews with information and services to accomplish operational activities relating to airfield management and flight planning.
   
   + Coordinate with base agencies to meet aircrew requirements for billeting, messing, refueling, transportation, and transient aircraft maintenance.
   
   + Inspect airfields.
   
   + Plan and coordinate airfield construction.
   
   + Ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
   
   + Perform mobile airfield management functions and activities for worldwide deployment of aircraft.
   
   + Perform and supervise airfield management activities.
   
   + Coordinate with all agencies such as air traffic control, civil engineers, and command post to ensure support of airfield management activities.
   
   + Ensuring safe ground vehicle operations and pedestrian control on MAFB airfields. Personnel required to drive on the airfield must be knowledgeable of and comply with the procedures outlined in AFI 13-213, Airfield Driving and the locally developed Airfield Driving Instruction (ADI)
   
   + And other duties, activities, and/or tasks as assigned by company leadership.
   
   Qualifications
   
   + Prior (or Retired) Air Force
   
   + At least 7 years of experience in Airfield Management (AFM)
   
   + Completed 7 Skill Level (Craftsman) Training in AFM from
   
   the Air Force (either while Active Duty or civilian employed)
   
   + Obtained an SEI 368 in AFM
   
   + Possess an Airfield Manager PCG
   
   + Completed the Advanced Airfield Management Course
   
   We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and supports the contributions of each individual. This commitment along with our common Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation and expand our success in the global marketplace. Vectrus is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find airfield managers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your airfield manager job on Zippia to find and recruit airfield manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit airfield managers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new airfield manager

   Once you've selected the best airfield manager candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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