Job Details
Airport Business and Administration Manager (County Classification - Administrative Manager)
2025-11-04 County of San Luis Obispo, CA San Luis Obispo,CA
Description:
Who You Are
You are a strategic, organized, and collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of finance, policy, and operations. You combine analytical skill with strong communication and leadership abilities - bringing both structure and creativity to problem-solving. You value process efficiency, accountability, and teamwork and understand how sound administration supports public service and operational success.
You bring:
Education and Experience:
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field. In addition, two years as an Administrative Officer or other progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Licenses and Certificates:Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver's license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at
Supplemental Information
Full Position Description for Administrative Manager
Definition:
Under direction, assumes responsibility for the administrative operations, including financial and budgetary, human resources, information systems, and other activities of a designated department or division; organizes and manages office and business activities to ensure effective and efficient operations; supervises, trains, and evaluates the performance of assigned professional, paraprofessional, technical, or clerical staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Levels in the administrative classification family are generally based on the nature of work performed, size and complexity of the organization and budget, type and number of functions and programs overseen, and scope and classifications of staff supervised.
The Administrative Manager is responsible for managing the administrative and fiscal functions of a department or large division. Incumbents typically oversee multiple core administrative functions in a small to medium-sized department, a medium-sized function with varied fiscal and administrative responsibilities, a routine medium-sized budget, or a smaller but more complex budget. Incumbents typically supervise a mix of professional, paraprofessional, technical, and clerical staff.
The Administrative Manager is distinguished from the Administrative Officer in that the latter oversees administrative functions of more limited size or complexity and may supervise paraprofessional or clerical staff.
The Administrative Manager is further distinguished from the Principal Administrative Manager in that the latter is typically allocated to departments or divisions of greater size, scope, and complexity, exercises broader administrative responsibilities, and has a wider span of control.
Typical Tasks and Representative Duties:
(Not in order of importance)
Knowledge of:
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-###-#### for assistance or e-mail ...@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)###-####.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) ###-####.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01
Describe your experience managing public-sector budgets, financial planning, or enterprise fund operations. How does your experience make you a strong fit for this role?
02
How have you led or supported cross-functional teams in a fast-paced or regulated environment?
03
Select the option below which best represents your highest level of education.
04
Select the option below which best represents your years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions.
05
Select the option below which best represents your years of experience working in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Required Question
Salary : $93,246.40 - $118,976.00 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Hourly
Job Number: 1025PM-008795-01
Department: Airports
Division: Airport SLO
Opening Date: 10/23/2025
Closing Date: 11/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
About the Position
About the Role
The Department of Airports is seeking a strategic and solutions-oriented professional to serve as the Airport Business & Administration Manager (Administrative Manager).
Please Note - This is a new classification for the County. Classification, salary range, and funding for this position is subject to approval by the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. Anticipated Board approval date is November 4, 2025.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of External Affairs and Administration, this position provides senior-level leadership over the Airport's fiscal, administrative, and business functions - ensuring sound financial management, organizational efficiency, and long-term sustainability for San Luis Obispo County's airport system.
The Airport Business & Administration Manager is responsible for overseeing strategic budgeting, capital funding strategies, procurement policy, and cross-departmental coordination. This position serves as a key advisor to Airport leadership on fiscal policy, regulatory compliance, and process improvement - bridging financial management, administration, and operational strategy to support the Airport's mission and strategic goals.
This role collaborates closely with the Project Manager, Property Manager, and Sustainability Manager to align financial planning, capital development, and administrative initiatives. The position represents the Airports Department in high-level discussions with County departments, funding agencies, and partner organizations, supporting the growth and performance of a dynamic enterprise operation.
This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
What You'll Do
- Lead and manage fiscal and administrative operations for the Airport Department, including budgeting, finance, procurement, and policy development.
- Develop and oversee the department's annual operating and capital budgets; prepare forecasts, long-range funding models, and financial analyses to support sustainable planning.
- Coordinate closely with the Project Manager to align financial planning, project timelines, and capital funding strategies for major airport improvements.
- Collaborate with the Property Manager and Sustainability Manager to integrate fiscal, environmental, and business priorities across programs.
- Oversee administrative functions such as contracts, records management, and internal policy development to ensure organizational consistency and compliance.
- Serve as primary liaison with County administrative departments, the FAA, granting agencies, and external partners on financial and administrative matters.
- Supervise and mentor accounting and administrative staff; promote professional development, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Implement and refine internal controls and business processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance across the organization.
- Advise Airport leadership on financial risk, regulatory compliance, and resource allocation decisions affecting both operational and capital priorities.
- Prepare and present reports to County leadership, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders on financial performance, budget status, and administrative initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative, service-driven culture that supports both departmental performance and community trust.
Who You Are
You are a strategic, organized, and collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of finance, policy, and operations. You combine analytical skill with strong communication and leadership abilities - bringing both structure and creativity to problem-solving. You value process efficiency, accountability, and teamwork and understand how sound administration supports public service and operational success.
You bring:
- Proven experience in governmental budgeting, finance, and enterprise fund management.
- Strong understanding of administrative operations, including contracts, procurement, and personnel coordination.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage staff, leadership, and external partners.
- A commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and transparent public service.
- Knowledge of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), or other aviation funding programs.
- Experience in capital project financial planning, enterprise fund operations, or federal grant compliance.
- Familiarity with airport or transportation industry environments, particularly related to business administration and regulatory programs.
Education and Experience:
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field. In addition, two years as an Administrative Officer or other progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Licenses and Certificates:Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver's license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at
Supplemental Information
Full Position Description for Administrative Manager
Definition:
Under direction, assumes responsibility for the administrative operations, including financial and budgetary, human resources, information systems, and other activities of a designated department or division; organizes and manages office and business activities to ensure effective and efficient operations; supervises, trains, and evaluates the performance of assigned professional, paraprofessional, technical, or clerical staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Levels in the administrative classification family are generally based on the nature of work performed, size and complexity of the organization and budget, type and number of functions and programs overseen, and scope and classifications of staff supervised.
The Administrative Manager is responsible for managing the administrative and fiscal functions of a department or large division. Incumbents typically oversee multiple core administrative functions in a small to medium-sized department, a medium-sized function with varied fiscal and administrative responsibilities, a routine medium-sized budget, or a smaller but more complex budget. Incumbents typically supervise a mix of professional, paraprofessional, technical, and clerical staff.
The Administrative Manager is distinguished from the Administrative Officer in that the latter oversees administrative functions of more limited size or complexity and may supervise paraprofessional or clerical staff.
The Administrative Manager is further distinguished from the Principal Administrative Manager in that the latter is typically allocated to departments or divisions of greater size, scope, and complexity, exercises broader administrative responsibilities, and has a wider span of control.
Typical Tasks and Representative Duties:
(Not in order of importance)
- Directs and oversees administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources functions of a designated department or division; establishes, implements, and evaluates policies and programs; ensures activities comply with department standards and legal requirements; identifies needs and implements improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Manages office and business activities, flow of information, and communication; develops and evaluates procedures, projects, and objectives; organizes automation and process improvement activities for administrative and functional areas; leads the development and implementation of projects, contracts, goals, services, and activities; ensures proper and timely resolution of issues, conflicts, and discrepancies.
- Prepares and maintains a variety of narrative, financial, and statistical records, reports, and documents; develops and coordinates training.
- Formulates and develops policies, procedures, and programs related to assigned areas; ensures the preparation and revision of policy and procedural manuals.
- Advises departmental leadership on the impact of new or pending legislation, regulations, and Countywide policies; coordinates implementation of changes to ensure organizational compliance.
- Monitors and assesses department programs, services, and operations for financial effectiveness and operational efficiency and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees; recommends appointments, reassignments, and disciplinary actions; assigns and reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and performance standards.
- Collaborates and communicates with the public, departments, businesses, and external agencies to share information, coordinate efforts, and resolve a variety of issues.
- May manage and participate in the development of the annual department budget; reviews and analyzes budgetary and financial data; authorizes expenditures in accordance with established limitations; oversees a large division or department's fiscal operations, including grants, contracts, and accounting activities through coordination with or direct supervision of financial and support staff.
- May manage departmental human resources activities; collaborates with central Human Resources on organizational development, recruitment and retention, leave management, and disciplinary actions; administers disciplinary processes, including drafting and reviewing disciplinary actions on behalf of departmental management in accordance with established procedures and standards.
- May supervise departmental information technology staff or serve as a liaison for automation activities with central Information Technology or external vendors; ensures the effective use of automated systems to support departmental operations; assists in the implementation and maintenance of automated processes; evaluates administrative systems and services for effectiveness and efficiency and recommends improvements.
- May oversee the preparation and dissemination of media or public-facing communications, reports, and other informational materials related to departmental operations, programs, or services.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Modern office practices and procedures
- Principles, practices, and techniques involved in administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources management activities
- Principles and best practices of governmental budget preparation and control, including forecasting, revenue and expenditure analysis, fund accounting, and multi-year financial planning
- Methods and procedures for grant, contract, and procurement administration, including compliance monitoring and financial oversight
- Use of automated systems and data management techniques to support administrative, fiscal, and operational functions
- Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
- Project management and evaluation
- Research, analysis, and statistical evaluation techniques
- Laws and best practices of human resources management
- Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Principles, practices, and procedures of supervision, leadership, mentoring, evaluation, training, team dynamics, and team building
- Perform a variety of professional activities involved in the overall administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources management activities of a designated department or division
- Manage and organize office and business activities and flow of communications and information to ensure effective and efficient activities
- Collect, interpret, and evaluate budgetary, statistical, and accounting data
- Independently prepare, administer, and monitor budgets, including reviewing expenses, projecting revenues, and ensuring compliance with established fiscal policies and procedures
- Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend or implement effective solutions
- Use a variety of software applications and department-specific systems to perform assigned tasks
- Promote an organized, professional, and safety-conscious work environment
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse population of individuals and groups
- Foster effective and positive working relationships with individuals from diverse perspectives by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, effective communication, advisory expertise, mediation, conflict resolution, and consensus building
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-###-#### for assistance or e-mail ...@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)###-####.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) ###-####.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01
Describe your experience managing public-sector budgets, financial planning, or enterprise fund operations. How does your experience make you a strong fit for this role?
02
How have you led or supported cross-functional teams in a fast-paced or regulated environment?
03
Select the option below which best represents your highest level of education.
- Highschool Diploma or equivalent GED
- Some College
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's or higher level degree in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field
- Bachelor's or higher level degree in an unrelated field
04
Select the option below which best represents your years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions.
- Less than 1 year
- 1 - 2 years
- 2 - 3 years
- 3 - 4 years
- 4 - 5 years
- 5 or more years
05
Select the option below which best represents your years of experience working in a lead or supervisory capacity.
- Less than 1 year
- 1 - 2 years
- 2 - 3 years
- 3 - 4 years
- 4 - 5 years
- 5 or more years
Required Question