POSITION OVERVIEW: Lake Area Technical College is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Department Supervisor for Aviation, overseeing all aspects of the Aviation Division while engaging heavily with industry partners. This individual will provide leadership for the Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot Program, the Aviation Maintenance Program, and the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Program. The Supervisor will manage day-to-day operations, direct program development, schedule courses and flights, instruct students, ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, and supervise faculty and staff within the aviation department.

 

This position combines leadership and instructing responsibilities, requiring an individual with strong aviation instructor expertise, management skills, FAA certifications, and a passion for student success.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) required.
• 5 years of management experience in aviation preferred.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate with Inspection Authorization (IA) required.
• Extensive knowledge of pilot instruction, general aviation maintenance, repair, and alteration.
• Experience with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and related certifications a plus.
• Additional FAA flight instructor-related certifications a plus.
• Excellent people skills with the ability to work effectively with students, colleagues, and industry partners.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

A REPORTS TO: Dean of Academics, Vice President

 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Administration

• Provide overall leadership, management, and vision for the Aviation Department, including Professional Pilot, Aviation Maintenance, and UAS programs.

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including instruction, scheduling, staffing, equipment, budgets, and departmental planning.

• Facilitate Advisory Board meetings and maintain strong connections with industry partners for program relevance and graduate placement.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to ensure quality instruction and adequate student-to-instructor ratio.

• Coordinate and maintain the Lake Area Tech aircraft fleet, ensuring safety, airworthiness, and compliance with FAA regulations.

• Monitor safety procedures in all areas of aviation operations, including flight, maintenance, and UAS activities.

• Lead program and curriculum development to keep programs aligned with industry trends and regulatory requirements.

• Recruit and mentor students, faculty, and staff to ensure program growth and success.

 

 Professional Pilot Oversight

• Provide ground and flight instruction for students in the Professional Pilot Program.
• Develop and deliver curriculum.
• Instruct students in hands-on labs, simulations, and shop settings.
• Act as instructional leader by supporting faculty and maintaining effective teaching teams.
• Participate in institutional, program, and course-level assessment to support continuous improvement.

 

Aviation Maintenance Oversight

• Oversee scheduling and performance of aircraft maintenance, inspections, and alterations.
• Lead departmental maintenance staff and students in maintaining general aviation aircraft.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) standards and Inspection Authorization (IA) requirements.

 

UAS Program Oversight

• Support the continued development and expansion of the UAS program.
• Provide oversight of UAS curriculum, instruction, and equipment.
• Guide faculty and students in UAS operations, safety, and industry applications.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and benefits set by the Watertown School board. 220-day contract.

Wage Range: $82,273.77 - $148,077.80