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Manager of Engineering & Construction

Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
Full-time
On-site
Reno, Nevada, United States
$120.60 - $150.70 USD yearly
Aviation Management

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is seeking a candidate with experience in engineering and construction management to serve as the Manager of Engineering & Construction. Experience in an airport environment is preferred but not a requirement. The RTAA offers a positive, professional work environment that values teamwork, honesty, respect, recognition, integrity, innovation, versatility, and excellence. If this sounds like an environment in which you would THRIVE, the RTAA is a wonderful place to make a career! A fully completed official online RTAA Employment Application must be received by November 30th, 2025. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately.

Under general direction the Chief of Planning & Infrastructure (Chief), manages the engineering & construction department to administer engineering and construction activities for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). This includes negotiating, managing, and executing airport construction project contracts and professional service contracts in compliance with State, local and federal laws, applicable rules and regulations, RTAA policies, and funding budgetary authority.

The Manager of Engineering and Construction exists to manage the two distinct program areas of engineering and construction. Responsibilities include coordination with the Chief, program planning, design, construction, budgeting, contract procurement, fiscal administration, construction management, quality assurance, and the direct supervision of personnel within assigned program areas. The nature of the position requires the ability to lead, motivate, develop, and manage a team of professional and technical personnel; sound independent judgment and discretion in determining optimal strategies for resource allocation to meet organizational and departmental goals and objectives; the ability to analyze problems and consequences, identify alternatives, and implement timely and effective solutions; the ability to effectively communicate technical and procedural requirements; and the ability to establish, maintain and foster effective working relationships. This position also requires significant coordination and communication with other departments within the organization (such as operations, finance, purchasing, commercial business development, etc.) and with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regional office.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

  • Direct, manage, and coordinate the work plan for RTAA engineering and construction services and activities, including, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant process.
  • Monitor and evaluate engineering and construction programs for grant eligible projects under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant process, and ensure they are properly executed by conducting design, review, and project control procedures.
  • Review and evaluate work methods and procedures, work programs, policy recommendations, and special reports.
  • Monitor and evaluate engineering and construction projects to ensure that projects are economical, well documented and meet applicable regulations, codes, and standards.
  • Ensure that project schedules are maintained.
  • Execute cost tracking procedures to ensure that approved budgets are maintained, and potential overrun is noted and corrected expediently. Approve all invoices and change orders processed through Engineering and Construction.
  • Oversee the capital project and grant administration duties.
  • Supervise, plan, coordinate, and assign projects and areas of program responsibility and monitor progress.
  • Plan, coordinate and provide training to staff to ensure that all staff members are properly prepared to carry out assigned functions.
  • Evaluate the performance of staff, providing regular feedback regarding quality and quantity of work performed. Provide employees with the guidance and direction needed to correct deficiencies and work with employees to help improve individual and operational productivity. Maintain a positive and supportive culture and hold employees to RTAA standards and policies.
  • Assist Planning and Environmental Services, MoreRNO and other RTAA departments regarding project estimates, construction feasibility operations, maintenance, and priorities.
  • Coordinate closely with Facilities & Maintenance with project development and design to ensure effective systems and operations are maintained throughout planning and bidding.
  • Develop and administer an annual CIP budget by forecasting funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, supplies, training seminars, planning & programming of project scopes.
  • Monitor and approve expenditures. Prepare and implement budgetary adjustments, as necessary during the fiscal year.
  • Develop and maintain a 5-year RTAA CIP.
  • Recommend selection of appropriate architectural, engineering, construction management, program management, inspection, and testing services in a thoroughly documented manner.
  • Direct the preparation of Professional Services Agreements, for the preparation of plans and technical specifications for construction bid documents; recommend contract awards; and ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions.
  • Negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues relating to engineering and construction issues.
  • Assist in contract development and bidding with Purchasing Department.
  • Represent Engineering and Construction to other departments/divisions, appointed and elected officials (including the Board of Trustees and other airport committees), outside agencies and community groups; interpret and explain engineering and construction programs, projects, policies and activities; serve as the RTAA representative on local, regional and/or national organizations regarding engineering and construction technical issues.
  • Keep informed of new trends and innovations in the field of airport engineering and construction issues by participating in professional group associations, boards, committees, commissions, and related conferences.
  • Screen, interview, and select new employees in accordance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • This position may be deemed to be essential personnel as part of RTAA’s Emergency Response Team and may be required to respond to airport incidents as requested/required.

Please note that the Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Entry Salary: $120,600 - $150,700 annually, with opportunity for additional merit-based increases up to a range maximum of $180,800 annually. Initial salary placement will be based upon experience and qualifications. This is a management at-will position, which is salaried and is exempt from overtime.

Benefits: The RTAA offers a competitive wage and benefit package and provides a high-quality work-life balance. Employee benefits include 100% employer paid contributions to the Nevada PERS retirement program; 100% employer paid health insurance for the employee; paid vacation and sick leave; 14-paid holidays per year; and tuition reimbursement - just to name a few!

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Education: Current registration as a Professional Engineer and/or Architect; OR a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related Engineering discipline; OR, an equivalent combination of directly related experience may be substituted.

Required Experience: Ten (10) years of full-time, progressively responsible, professional experience in engineering, architecture, construction project management, or applicable public works, which includes two (2) years of management and supervisory experience.

OR Seven (7) years of full-time, progressively responsible, professional experience in the management of a program area within the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and documented professional development in supervisory and/or leadership skills.

Preferred Experience: Strong engineering and construction management experience in an airport environment.

Required Licensing: Incumbents must be able to obtain valid Certification of Registration as a Professional Engineer and/or Architect in the State of Nevada within one (1) year of date of hire and as a condition of continuing employment.

Possession of a valid Driver's License; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

HOW TO APPLY:

A fully completed official online RTAA Employment Application must be received by November 30th, 2025. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when enough applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. For more information about this opportunity and to apply, visit: https://renoairport.com

The RTAA Employment Application is the primary screening tool to determine an applicant’s qualifications. A resume may be submitted in addition to, but not in lieu of, completing the RTAA Employment Application. While you may submit a resume, it is supplemental and will not be used to determine whether or not you have met the minimum qualifications. All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your RTAA Employment Application.

Below is a summary of our requirements:

• Provided detailed information to address how you meet and/or exceed minimum qualifications for the position.

• Provided a minimum of five (5) years of employment history.

• Explained any gaps in employment of six (6) months or more within the "Work History" section. To explain gaps, add a new employer, write what was occurring under the "Name of Employer" (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates.

• If you had more than one (1) position with the same employer, separately list each position and the time you were in that position.

The RTAA is an organization that thrives by living our core values and by honoring the dignity of all individuals. With teamwork, respect, versatility and a focus on excellence, we serve our employees and our community with pride and passion. We are a drug-free workplace, and an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a healthy work environment.