About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 

The Opportunity

WSDOT Aviation Division is currently seeking to fill an Emerging Aviation Technology and Airport Land Use Planner (TPS4) in Tumwater, WA. You will be responsible for consultation with government, public, and private stakeholders to resolve land-use and aerodrome airspace challenges to enable local development while safeguarding and enhancing the functional capabilities of Washington’s aviation system. The Emerging Aviation Technology and Airport Land Use Planner will lead projects and advanced transportation planning studies that support the improvement of airport land-use and airspace protection, enhance pilot safety and situational awareness, and enable local governments to perform in-depth, detailed aviation and related infrastructure planning. This position will serve as technical expert on aviation land-use and support the division’s mission to foster the development of aeronautics and the state’s aviation system to support sustainable communities and statewide economic vitality.

What to Expect

As an aviation planner, this position requires in-depth knowledge about multi-facets of aviation, aircraft types, understanding of civil and military aircraft operations, airport operations, aviation, and aerospace industry sector and segments, general aviation activities, aviation safety, and aviation emergency services.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Serve as a project lead for technical and independent analysis with oversight of airports and land-use compatibility.
• Collaborate with local jurisdictions on land-use matters.
• Conduct advanced independent reviews, investigations, and provide recommendations for inclusion in associated development regulations, comprehensive management plans, or Environmental Impact Statements. 
• Review complex studies developed by governmental agencies and devise technical processes and methods.
• Formally consult with public and private agencies.
• Collaborate with federal, state, local and private agencies to clarify difficult transportation problems and provide recommendations for actions.
• Develop plans, projects, and studies that implement the Aviation System Plan and associated multi-modal system impacts.
• Integrate new methodologies and techniques into studies and projects to address complex issues and initiatives.
• Serve as a project manager from inception through project completion and contract close-out.
• Stay informed on a broad range of aeronautical functional areas and advise supervisor and/or Division Director on emerging issues, trends and actions including recommending strategies, partnerships, and objectives. 
• Actively participate in boards, committees and associations in government, industry, and academia, that promote aeronautical activities. 
• Advise supervisor and/or Division Director on aeronautical partner activities and objectives and recommend positions and strategies in keeping with agency goals to promote aeronautics.
• Manage projects and studies tied to emerging aeronautical technology and participates on behalf of the Division.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Experience effectively communicating with others both written and verbally, with the ability to regularly interact with elected and public officials. 
• The ability to deliver presentations and/or testimony on airport and aircraft operational characteristics and best management practices in airport land use compatibility planning and statewide aviation planning initiatives and programs.
• The ability to conduct in-depth analysis related to airport land use, airport infrastructure, and aviation planning.
• The ability to review and prepare written comments and recommendations on local and regional comprehensive plans and development regulations.
• The ability to evaluate and assess emerging aviation technologies and their role in Washington aviation activities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel frequently, which includes occasional travel by air in a single engine aircraft.

In addition to the above, candidates are also required to have one of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in aviation management, transportation, urban, regional or land use planning, engineering, public or business administration, economics or natural or physical sciences, or a related degree AND four (4) years of professional aviation experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues, infrastructure, operations, or aerospace. (Two years of post-primary education in an aviation/aerospace/airport field from a nationally accredited institution will substitute for one year of aviation experience); OR
• Two (2) years as an Aviation Transportation Planning Specialist 3 or equivalent classification in city or county agencies

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: 

• A Masters’ degree in aviation management, business, operations, leadership, engineering, planning or public administration or a closely related field.
• Ten (10) years of experience in aviation management or planning, aviation operations, aerospace manufacturing, aviation transportation, or airport land use or operations. 
• FAA pilot certification and current or ability to obtain an FAA Class 2 medical certificate.
• Experience working directly with airport sponsors/operators.
• Experience working with aviation industry partners and associations
• Experience working with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Access and Project.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems and database systems.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:  

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov