Website City and County of San Francisco
Job Overview: Airside Compliance Manager III (SFO)
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is seeking an Airside Compliance Manager III (Classification 0931) to lead the high-stakes coordination of all construction, maintenance, and enhancement projects within the Air Operations Area (AOA). Reporting to the Safety and Compliance Director, this role is the primary gatekeeper ensuring that the physical evolution of the airport—from runway repairs to terminal aprons—never compromises federal safety standards.
SFO features some of the most complex, non-standard runway geometries in the world. You will be responsible for integrating these physical complexities with the operational needs of airlines, the safety mandates of the FAA, and the long-term financial goals of the City and County of San Francisco.
Key Responsibilities & Strategic Oversight
Regulatory & Safety Leadership
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FAR Part 139 Expert: Ensure all planned and unplanned work across runways, taxiways (movement areas), and ramps (non-movement areas) strictly adheres to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139.
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Construction Safety: Enforce FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370-2F regarding operational safety during construction. You will initiate, evaluate, and review Construction Safety Phasing Plans (CSPP) to align builder activities with airport compliance.
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SMS Integration: Align all projects with the airport’s Safety Management System (SMS), utilizing risk-based decision-making to identify and mitigate potential hazards before they impact flight operations.
Strategic Planning & Infrastructure
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5-Year Roadmap: Partner with Engineering and Finance to develop and implement a 5-Year Strategic Runway and Taxiway Infrastructure Improvement Plan.
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Pavement Management: Engage with the Pavement Management Group to prioritize near-term repairs for taxi lanes, aprons, and runways.
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Standard Development: Create operational standards for non-movement areas, including gate layouts, vehicle service roads, and wing-tip clearance requirements.
Stakeholder Coordination & Mitigation
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Operational Liaison: Act as the primary interface between construction crews, airlines, ground handling tenants, and the FAA to maximize safety and efficiency.
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Impact Mitigation: Develop strategies to minimize the operational and revenue impacts of construction on airline tenants, coordinating resource availability (such as airfield escorts) to prevent project delays.
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Executive Briefing: Produce high-level briefing documents for the Airport Director, the Mayor’s Office, and the FAA Airport District Office (ADO).
Essential Functions
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Design Solutions: Partner with Engineering and the FAA to maintain and enhance SFO’s complex, non-standard airfield geometry.
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Process Standardization: Create technology-driven process standards that link different departments (Engineering, Operations, Finance) engaged in airside work.
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Synergy Identification: Provide insights on project timing and scope to reduce the frequency of airfield closures, minimizing both disruption and cost.
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Supervision: Lead and supervise staff responsible for airfield compliance and project monitoring.
Qualifications & Requirements
Professional Profile
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Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of FAA Advisory Circulars and FAR Part 139 certification requirements.
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Experience: Proven track record in airport operations, airside construction management, or aviation safety compliance.
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Analytical Skills: Ability to evaluate complex engineering plans and translate them into operational safety constraints.
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Communication: Exceptional ability to negotiate between conflicting interests (e.g., a construction timeline vs. an airline’s peak flight schedule).
The Organization & Culture As a combined city-county—the only one of its kind in California—the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) is a massive, multi-faceted employer with over 35,000 employees across 60+ departments. Its culture is defined by public service, progressive policy, and a deep commitment to racial equity. In 2026, the organization is guided by a five-year strategic plan (2022–2026) focusing on “Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.” The internal vibe is mission-driven and professional, often described as the “People’s Palace” workforce. Employees are expected to “work with purpose,” prioritizing the needs of diverse urban communities while navigating the complexities of a highly unionized and regulated government environment.
The Locations While departments are spread throughout the city, the “anchor” is the Civic Center district.
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San Francisco City Hall: Located at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, this Beaux-Arts landmark houses the Mayor’s Office and the Board of Supervisors.
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Departmental Hubs: * Health (DPH): Centered around 1380 Howard St and the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
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Human Resources (DHR): Based at 1 South Van Ness Avenue.
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Public Works & Planning: Often found in the modern permit center at 49 South Van Ness.
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The Environment: Working for the City means being embedded in the fabric of San Francisco, from the historic corridors of City Hall to field sites at the Port, SFO Airport, and local recreation centers.
Workplace & Career Highlights (2026)
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2026 Hybrid Work Policy: CCSF utilizes a Telecommuting Program Policy that balances flexibility with service. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid schedule (typically 2–3 days on-site), though this is “position-eligible.” The 2026 trend is shifting toward “intentional collaboration,” where in-office days are used for team meetings and project milestones rather than just desk work.
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2026 Salary Landscape: San Francisco remains one of the highest-paying public sectors in the U.S. to offset the local cost of living.
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Average Annual Salary: Approximately $105,518, with a typical range between $92,571 and $120,534.
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Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2026, the local minimum wage is adjusted (state minimum is $16.90/hour, but SF’s local rate is typically higher).
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Exempt Threshold: To remain exempt from overtime in 2026, employees must earn a minimum of $70,304 annually.
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Enhanced 2026 Benefits: Managed by the San Francisco Health Service System (SFHSS), 2026 brings several upgrades:
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Life Insurance: Increased “Guaranteed Issue” for voluntary life insurance up to $200,000 (no medical exam required during open enrollment).
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Healthcare FSA: Employees can set aside up to $3,300 pre-tax, with a carryover limit of $660 into 2027.
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Commuter Benefits: Massive subsidies for MUNI and BART, reflecting the city’s “Transit First” policy.
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“SF My Hub”: All employees use this centralized portal for real-time benefits enrollment, payroll tracking, and accessing the “Performance Plan”—a 2026 initiative to standardize merit-based growth and feedback.
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Union Strength: Most CCSF roles are represented by unions (like SEIU 1021 or IFPTE Local 21), ensuring robust job security, defined-benefit pensions, and clear grievance procedures.
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To apply for this job please visit www.sf.gov.