Airport Operations Officer

We are seeking an experienced aviation professional to support the safe, compliant and effective operation of Whanganui Airport.

In this crucial role, you will oversee landside and airside operations, ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority legislation, regulations, codes of practice and airport procedural manuals. You will also spend periods working in the UNICOM tower, providing essential aeronautical information to pilots operating in the Whanganui area.

You will coordinate airfield operations, manage contractors working within restricted areas, maintain compliance documentation, manage agreements and contractual obligations, and work with airport stakeholders to resolve operational issues and competing demands.

To be successful in this role, you'll be someone who has:

Experience in an operational aviation environment or relevant aviation tertiary education.

A sound understanding of aviation legislation, regulations and compliance requirements.

The ability to manage contractors, operational issues and competing priorities in a safety-critical environment.

The physical ability to regularly climb three flights of stairs to access the UNICOM tower.

* An Air Traffic Services Licence or Commercial Pilot Licence, held currently or within the last 10 years.

Most importantly, you will be a safety-focused professional who operates with integrity and enjoys working collaboratively to deliver excellent outcomes for airport users and the wider community.

This is a rostered position with weekend work required.

About Whanganui District

A welcoming and warm city, Whanganui has been growing in population and businesses in recent years with the buzz of new families and represents an incredible lifestyle location, close to New Zealand's best outdoor experiences in bush, cycle trails, river and skiing.

Whanganui combines rich heritage with modern innovation, centred around our stunning awa. This growing city offers an exceptional lifestyle with excellent schools, easy access to major centres, and a flourishing arts and cultural scene. Whanganui is Aotearoa New Zealand's UNESCO City of Design and has the range of arts and culture one would expect of a modern New Zealand city.

You'll play an important role in supporting the safe and effective operation of Whanganui Airport while enjoying the rewards of life in our distinctive district. You will work within a busy general aviation airport, alongside a supportive and collaborative network of airport users, with opportunities to develop your aviation career.

If you are eager to be part of our team, and you have what it takes to succeed in this role, we look forward to receiving your application. For more information about this role, please contact Phil McBride at [email protected]

Please note: only applications submitted via Whanganui District Council's careers page will be accepted.

Interested? Please review the position description and apply via our careers site without delay:

https://whanganuidc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies and enter

Reference code 6933653

Applications close 08 October 2026