John Wayne Airport is hiring an Assistant Deputy Director – Capital Project Delivery for its Planning and Development Division in Orange County, California. This is a full-time County of Orange leadership position with annual pay from $140,670.40 to $194,833.60. The current recruitment closes August 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific.
The position will help lead project delivery for an airport capital improvement program valued at about $700 million. The work includes airside, landside and terminal renovations, utility projects and long-term infrastructure improvements at a busy airport that remains in operation while construction moves forward.
About the Position
The Assistant Deputy Director provides strategic and technical leadership across the full project-delivery lifecycle. That includes early planning, design, technical review, constructability, procurement, construction oversight, commissioning and project closeout.
The role also serves as a senior advisor and owner’s representative. It works with internal airport departments, outside agencies, utility providers, consultants, contractors and community stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead scope definition, pre-design planning, design development and technical review.
- Oversee multidisciplinary project-management and logistics teams.
- Manage several capital projects at the same time while limiting disruption to airport operations.
- Coordinate public-works contracting and alternative delivery methods with procurement teams.
- Develop and control project scopes, schedules, budgets, technical requirements and resources.
- Ensure compliance with building codes, safety programs, public contracting rules and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor consultant and contractor performance and address project risks or delays.
- Present project information to airport leadership, agencies and other stakeholders.
Experience and Preferred Education
The recruitment describes six years of professional project-delivery experience across both design and construction for large public works or other complex capital infrastructure as desirable. It also seeks at least three years of supervisory or lead experience directing professional staff, consultants, contractors or technical teams.
A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering or construction management is preferred, while a master’s degree is strongly desired. California PE or Architect licensure and certifications such as PMP or CCM are also preferred, but aviation experience itself is listed as beneficial rather than mandatory.
Airport Work Requirements
The job is mainly a daytime assignment, but airport construction often occurs at night. Because John Wayne Airport operates 24/7, the selected employee may have responsibilities on nights or weekends.
The successful candidate needs a valid California Class C driver license by appointment and must obtain and maintain an Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement. The airport access process includes a Criminal History Records Check, TSA review and Security Threat Assessment.
Selection Process
The County will screen applications and supplemental responses before referring qualified candidates. The process includes a structured oral interview or exam, and the strongest candidates can be placed on an eligible list for current or future positions.
The County specifically warns applicants that ‘See Resume’ is not a substitute for complete supplemental responses. Candidates should explain project size, delivery responsibilities, team leadership and results in the application itself.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the County of Orange NEOGOV careers system. Review the supplemental questions and submit a complete application before the August 25 deadline.
Applications Closed
The closing date for this opportunity was 25 August 2026.