The salary range for this position is $77,418-$128,961

General Description and Classification Standards

The Airport Planning Manager, Senior is responsible for the implementation of airside, landside, terminal, and cargo planning projects into design and construction. To accomplish this responsibility the Airport Planning Manager, Senior is expected to have an in-depth, all-around understanding of airfield, terminal and concourse, facilities, passenger flow, and roadway issues at large hub airports. This understanding is to have been developed through personal, hands-on experience. This position also requires the management and guidance of Department of Aviation Planning and consultant staff in the development of detailed plans and studies, as well as self-performing planning studies when necessary. 

This is an experienced, professional level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the profession with limited guidance or review. This is not a routine promotional level and the specific justification for classification at this level must be documented.

Supervision Received

This position requires work to be completed with minimal supervision. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Demonstrate a technical understanding of how airside, landside, and terminal facilities function as a system at a large hub airport;

Be able to analyze and explain demand and capacity of any Airport system;

Proactively manage staff and consultants as required;

Confidently interact and team with internal and external stakeholders, such as Department of Aviation business units, airlines serving the airport and their liaison representatives, consultants supporting Planning and Development, federal agencies such as FAA, TSA, and others;

Be comfortable speaking in front of large groups about Airport subjects;

Guide the preparation, review, and critique of both staff-prepared and consultant-prepared planning reports, drawings, and other analysis;

Perform contract administration duties; i.e. preparation of task orders and negotiate fees as required, development and maintenance of schedules and budgets, review contractor's payment estimates, proposal requests, and change orders.

Enforce contract provisions and resolve scope, budget, and scheduling issues for assigned projects.

Have a firm understanding of how current and future Federal Aviation Administration and Georgia Department of Transportation initiatives affect any aspect of the Airport;

Be scope, schedule, and budget-oriented;

Assist in annual departmental budgeting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The proponent is expected to exhibit detailed knowledge, skills, and abilities of the following: 

Read and interpret FAA guidance, advisory circulars, design drawings and specifications

Understanding of typical project management processes involved in planning, design, and construction of a project, ideally at medium and large hub airports and how to use those processes

Develop teams to deliver successful projects

“Think out of the box” to arrive at a creative solution when required

Use discretion and make quick decisions when necessary

Use independent judgement and discretion in managing tasks

Communicate both good and bad project news to superiors

Effectively communicate (both in written and verbal forms) and interact with all stakeholders

Independently conduct research

Assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner

Prepare clear presentations with PowerPoint and well-written briefings

Exhibit the ability to work alone or as part of an interdisciplinary team in a leading or support role

Be able to self-perform analysis as required, including spreadsheets for data manipulation, and other applicable software for document preparation

Be able to use any of the Microsoft Office products for performing work and preparing presentations. 

Minimum Training and Experience 

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Aviation Management or related field required, Master's Degree preferred; 8 to 10 years of experience in airfield and/or airport terminal planning and /or design required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess a valid Georgia driver's license.

Preferred Education & Experience

Master's degree in Planning, Engineering, Aviation Management, or related area (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis). 10 years of work experience in medium and large hub airport design and construction or similar area with some experience as a supervisor, team leader, etc.  

Licensures and Certifications

One or more of the following certifications are preferred: Professional Engineer’s license (P.E.); Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), or Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

The typical work environment is in a Department of Aviation office.  However, the proponent is expected to visit projects in the field under all weather conditions.  The proponent is also expected to visit project sites at night or on weekends as work and project circumstances dictate.