POSITION IDENTIFICATION
Position Title: Airport Operations Specialist (AOS) - Duty Manager (DM)
Department: Operations
Reports To: Manager, Airport Operations
Classification Level: Level 6 (Non-Management Wage Grid) – Permanent / Full Time
Salary Range: $94,936 to $106,850 per annum (based on skills, abilities, experience, qualifications, and subject to annual management review).
Benefits: Medical services plan coverage, extended medical benefits, RRSP matching (up to 5%), access to Employee & Family Assistance Program, and opportunities for professional development.
Closing Date: Friday March 13, 2026
Last Updated: February 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
The Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) is a not-for-profit airport authority, created in 1990, to manage the Nanaimo Airport (YCD). The NAC owns the 224-hectare airport campus located in Cassidy, British Columbia approximately a 15-minute drive south of Nanaimo.
Reporting to the Manager, Airport Operations, the Airport Operations Specialist (AOS) – Duty Manager (DM) is a multi-disciplined role responsible for working closely with co-workers, supervisors, and managers to effectively maintain, preserve, and respond to items typically associated with the management of:
· Assets (Bldgs, Equipt & Infrastructure)
· Business & Finance
· Customer Service
· Digital & IT
· Emergencies
· Environment
· Governance, Leadership & Stewardship
· Human Resources
· Operations
· Projects
· Risk & Quality Assurance
· Regulatory, Compliance & Reporting
· Safety
· Security
· Stakeholder & Relationship
· Strategic Planning & Development
The AOS-DM is primarily responsible for providing leadership, mentorship, instruction, guidance, and direction to staff. In collaboration with other managers and supervisors they are responsible for devising and implementing efficient and effective operating procedures, and ensuring operational and emergency response readiness.
The AOS-DM shall utilize all available technologies, including Safety Management Systems (SMS) related software, asset management software, and handheld devices to ensure all necessary entries are made timely and efficiently.
The AOS-DM works with the Manager, Airport Operations and other supervisors to implement action plans to accomplish stated goals and objectives, supervise contracted services, and provide or coordinate airside escorts as required while adhering to and promoting safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
The AOS-DM maintains a commitment to professional results that are cost-effective and customer service focused, and ensures the multitasking workforce meets safety, security, and regulatory requirements. This position is responsible for ensuring adherence to Transport Canada aviation and security regulations and all other applicable federal and provincial legislation and regulations, in addition to NAC by-laws, policies, programs, systems, and procedures.
The AOS-DM is responsible for implementing and delivering training to staff and other campus workers of YCD. This list includes but is not limited to:
· Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF)
· Emergency Response Plans
· Safety Management System
· Winter Operations
· Wildlife Management
· Equipment Operations
· Environmental Management
· Security Management
· Runway Condition Reporting
· Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP)
· Restricted Radio Operators Certificate
· Airside Safety Programs
TRAINING/ORIENTATION
Working in an airport environment is unique and challenging and requires knowledge and adherence to both Provincial and Federal rules and regulations. At the Nanaimo Airport, there are extensive training programs in place to ensure adherence of safety requirements and regulations, and to ensure our employees are confident in their abilities to be successful in their roles. The following are some examples of training provided both internally and externally.
· Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting
· Runway Surface Condition Reporting
· Restricted Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate
· Restricted Aeronautical Radio Operators Accredited Examiner
· Airside Vehicle Operations Permit (AVOP)
· Airport Wildlife Management Training
· Canadian Airports Accessibility Training
· Incident Command System (ICS)
· Safety Management System
· Airport Security Training
· Human & Organizational Factors
· Forklift Certification
· Medical First Responder
· Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
The following are some examples that may be offered as additional training:
· Small Water Operators Certificate
· Small Wastewater Operators Certificate
· Heavy Machinery Operators Certificate
· Firearms possession and acquisition license
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ABILITIES
· Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) certified Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF).
· Fire Fighting or First Responder experience.
· Previous airport work experience.
· Certificate or Diploma Aviation Management.
· Accreditation by the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE).
· Previous manager or supervisor experience.
· Previous experience in developing and delivering training programs and presentations.
· Certification(s) in adult learning.
· Outstanding customer service with the ability to diffuse situations.
· Leadership ability managing, coaching and developing people.
· Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
· Strong decision-making, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
· Able to multi-task, manage, delegate, and meet deadlines.
· Strong analytical and planning skills to assess training needs and develop training programs.
· Strong work ethic with a high level of initiative and enthusiasm.
· A strong focus on health and safety.
· A team player, capable of working both collaboratively and independently.
· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Winter maintenance experienced, snow and ice removal with equipment.
· Previous experience operating light and heavy equipment.
· Valid Class 3 driver’s licence.
· Firearms possession and acquisition license.
· Comfortable with computers and learning new applications.
· Capable of using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
· Must be able pass an RCMP records check.
· Must agree to work according to the Modified Work Agreement.
· Must possess a valid passport.
· Must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s licence with air brakes endorsement.
· Must have a valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C equivalent or higher.
· Willing and physically able to complete training in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.
· Able to obtain an Airside Vehicle Operator Permit.
· Able to obtain a Restricted Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate.
· Ability to meet Transport Canada security clearance requirements.
WORK SCHEDULE
The AOS‑DM position follows a 4‑on, 4‑off schedule of 11.5‑hour day and afternoon shifts, including weekends and holidays once all regulatory and internal training is complete. During the initial training period, the schedule may vary to meet training and operational needs.
Shift rotations may also change at management’s discretion to meet organizational requirements and provide vacation and sick‑day coverage. Successful applicants will be required to sign a Modified Work Agreement.
Due to the nature of airport operations, an AOS‑DM may be required to be onsite during airport operating hours, and as the airport grows, permanent 24/7 shift coverage may be required.
While on shift, the AOS‑DM is on call 24 hours a day and must be able to respond to the airport within 45 minutes of receiving a call. You must remain within cell‑phone coverage, answer calls when contacted, and abstain from alcohol or intoxicants that would impair your ability to respond. One additional hour of pay is provided for being on call outside regular shift hours.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
· Works in restricted areas, close to active runways and aircraft maneuvering areas.
· Indoor/outdoor work, capable of bending, walking, lifting, pushing, and carrying weights over 25 kgs.
· This position may require you to be on your feet for much of the working day.
· No opportunity to work from home.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for this opportunity, please email your cover letter, resume, and ICBC drivers abstract in pdf format with the subject line of “Airport Operations Specialist – Duty Manager” plus your name to: [email protected].
Please include three work-related references (letters of reference preferred). Applications will be accepted until midnight on Friday March 13, 2026.
While we value all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted.
Nanaimo Airport is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Pay: $94,936.00-$106,850.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
