Airport Planner

Compensation Grade: S22 Salary Range: $119,280.00-$172,955.00 Opening Date: May 15, 2026 Closing Date: Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date. Airport Planner As an Airport Planner for the Airports Authority, you will provide advanced technical expertise and direction for near-, mid-, and long-term airport and transportation planning initiatives for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles Toll Road (DTR), and the Dulles International Airport Access Highway. You will perform advanced evaluation and analysis of land use proposals, airspace impacts, airport compatibility, and airport development initiatives to ensure compatibility with airport operations, navigable airspace, safety surfaces, and long-term airport capacity. Leading coordination with federal, state, regional, and local agencies, municipalities, and community stakeholders regarding airport planning and development initiatives. Performs related functions. Serves in the Planning Department of the Office of Engineering at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Conducts and prepares airspace planning and analysis considering critical navigational surfaces such as FAR Part 77, Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), One-Engine Inoperative (OEI), obstacle-free areas and zones, runway protection zones, runway safety areas, and other critical navigational surfaces. Conduct planning studies that identify scope, schedule, and cost based on stakeholder requirements. Studies include airfields and the evaluation of various facilities such as buildings, concourses, airfields, roads, parking, rental cars, utility plants, and other support facilities. Provides technical advice and project management for the preparation and updating of Master Plans, Airport Layout Plans, and comprehensive planning studies and reports. Provides technical analysis and advice regarding airfield issues such as FAA airfield planning and design standards, Aircraft Design Group, runway/taxiway/taxi lane design standards, apron layouts, and airfield geometry. Subject matter expert regarding A/C 150/5300- Airport Design. Translates general goals, plans, and concepts of the Master Plan for the modernization and improvement of DCA and IAD into specific programs and concept design guidelines and requirements. Develops policy recommendations, from both engineering and comprehensive planning perspectives, for the operation and master planning of DCA and IAD, and predesign data for Capital Construction Program (CCP) projects. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data for use in formulating plans. Uses computer simulations to analyze passenger, vehicle, and aircraft activity patterns. Prepares site development standards for consultants and reviews studies, planning projects, site plans, and program statements to ensure conformity with the Airport Authority plans. Uses aircraft activity and passenger forecasts, cost and revenue projections, customer needs, and marketing information to determine project feasibility and desirability. Annually prepares and reviews the Airports Authority’s proposed budgets for the Capital Construction Program (CCP) and Capital Operating and Maintenance Investment Program (COMIP). Recommends future projects and ensures compatibility with plans. Represents facility engineering in developing the Planning Department’s Work Plan and annual budget for studies and CCP and COMIP projects. Works with inter-jurisdictional partners regarding land use planning, airport compatibility planning, and aerotropolis initiatives. Evaluates county/city development proposals for compatibility with airport operations, navigable airspace, safety surfaces, and long-term airport capacity. Coordinates with local governments, planning agencies, and community stakeholders and attends public meetings as a representative of the Airports Authority. Monitors and advises on issues related to the airport’s roadways, including public and commercial curbs, based on forecast ground transportation traffic. Issues include capacity, safety, wayfinding, and master planning. Monitors plans and advises on issues related to public and employee parking, as well as staging areas for other ground transportation, such as taxis, shuttles, and other ground transportation providers, based on forecast demands. Issues include facility expansions, new facilities, and master planning. Monitors, plans, and advises on issues related to the Dulles Toll Road, including capacity, safety, tolling, and programming of capital improvements for both the short and long term. Prepares position papers and reports on air and ground transportation and physical facility planning. Assists in preparing pre-design documents; identifies and resolves issues related to design, construction, costs, scheduling, and environmental and building code compliance. Reviews construction documents and assists in developing construction change orders. Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR). Assists in developing design statements of work and selecting an architect/engineering firm. Supports the organization in cross-functional collaboration on projects and performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Seven years of progressively responsible experience in airport planning, airspace analysis, or land use planning. A master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience. Advanced knowledge of airport planning principles and practices, airspace analysis and obstruction evaluation processes, land use compatibility planning, and applicable FAA regulations, advisory circulars, and planning guidance. Ability to perform complex technical analyses, integrate airspace and land use considerations into planning decisions, and manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. Ability to coordinate effectively with federal, state, regional, and local jurisdictions, including planning agencies, municipalities, and community stakeholders. Ability to synthesize complex airspace and land use data to support planning and development decisions. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in GIS, AutoCAD, or MicroStation, and data analysis tools used to support planning and decision-making processes. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience leading or supporting Airport Master Plans and Airport Layout Plan approvals for large commercial service airports. Demonstrated expertise in FAA airspace evaluations, including the Obstruction Evaluation/ Airport Airspace Analysis (OE/AAA) process. Experience coordinating National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documentation and capital program development, including CCP, ACIP, or CIP processes, is highly desirable. Professional certifications such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), or Engineer-in-Training (EIT). EDUCATION A Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Planning, Urban or Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED A valid state driver’s license in good standing. NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS Is subject to adverse weather conditions and exposed to dirt, odors, hazardous substances, and loud noise when visiting outdoor sites. Wears personal protective equipment as required. WHAT WE OFFER A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. #J-18808-Ljbffr