Airport Principal Planner

Position Title:

Airport Principal Planner

Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the Airport Planning Manager, Assistant Airport Director of Planning and Airport Director of Planning, conducts research, analyzes data and presents planning alternatives and recommendations in written, graphic or oral reports for use by Division Directors, Executive Director, and Airport Board. This is a professional level position involving complex current and long-range airport planning, airport facility design and development, project funding coordination and federal program administration. This position will require strong CAD skills and may specialize in the areas of airport facility planning and design, airport/community compatibility planning, federal grant management, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) management, and/or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program management.

About the Position:

Join Salt lake City Department of Airports as an Airport Principal Planner, where you’ll help shape the future of airport facilities and operations! In this professional-level role, you’ll conduct research, analyze data, and present planning recommendations that guide strategic decisions. We’re looking for a detail-oriented planner with strong CAD skills to create clear, professional visuals and layouts that support planning and development. Working closely with the FAA, airlines, consultants, and internal stakeholders, you’ll help deliver compliant, well-coordinated, and forward-looking solutions that support safe, efficient, and sustainable airport operations.

Position Salary Range:

$82,000 to $91,689 annually based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Typical Duties:

• Responsible for preparing detailed construction drawings, technical exhibits, and planning documents for aircraft systems and airport infrastructure projects. This includes developing precise layouts, schematics, and graphical exhibits to support design development and construction activities, while ensuring compliance with applicable aviation and industry standards.

• Performs research and analysis for complex planning projects to facilitate airport development consistent with Department goals, and Airport Master Plans. Coordinates with division directors, FAA, airlines, and airport users to identify facility requirements, operational constraints, and financial limitations. Develops planning alternatives consistent with FAA regulations, zoning requirements, security regulations, and operational needs, and recommends compatible solutions.

• Prepares professional narrative reports, statistical analysis, drawings, maps, presentations, and other graphics for small area plans and special studies that support airport development objectives.

• Coordinates consultant work efforts. Participates in consultant selection processes, reviews work scopes, monitors consultant performance and contract compliance, reviews and critiques work products for consistency with Airport goals, and reviews and recommends payment of invoices.

• Coordinates the Airport's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Civil Rights Title VI programs.

• Coordinates the Airport’s grant funding program. Establishes internal control procedures to ensure compliance with grant eligibility, federal contract requirements, and grant assurances. Writes project scopes and justifications to support grant applications, prepares and processes grant applications, grant offers, requests for reimbursements, project close-out reports, and coordinates federal project audits. Assists in preparing and coordinating applications for Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs).

• Prepares and maintains the 5 and 10-year Capital improvement Program (CIP). Coordinates with Airport divisions to identify needs and establish program priorities and schedules. Develops strategies and negotiates with FAA to maximize funds. Prepares project descriptions and justifications, site plans, and proposed capital expenditures for inclusion in the annual budget.

• Operates and maintains computerized noise monitoring system. Coordinates data collection and analysis, reviews aircraft flight operations, and provides summary reports.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Aviation Management, Business, Engineering, or a closely related field and four (4) years paid experience in an engineering environment, or aviation/community planning. Paid experience in aviation or community planning may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for educational requirement.

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of airport/community planning, airport management, facility layout, design, development, noise compatibility, CIP programs and grant management, including an understanding of FAA laws, regulations, circulars, and orders.

• Ability to use computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, AutoCad, and Photoshop to draft and prepare presentation quality plans, charts, reports, graphics, and displays.

• Demonstrated ability to write and critique professional reports and communications. Must communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with division heads, supervisors, employees and the general public.

• Possession of a valid driver's license or driving privilege card to visit project sites and attend public meetings.

Working Conditions:

• Moderate physical effort. Uncomfortable working positions, handling medium weights. Intermittent sitting, standing and walking. May be exposed to hazardous conditions while conducting noise monitoring, on-site project inspections, field interviews, and management of planning projects. Requires occasional work in an outdoor environment.

• May be exposed to varying conditions in an aviation environment necessitating the ability to identify and respond to visual and auditory warnings.

• Considerable exposure to stress due to the technical nature of the analysis process, potential of significant project costs and delays due to improper planning, and as a result of human behavior.

• Be available to attend public meetings, which are typically held on weekday evenings and may occasionally require extended or irregular work hours.

Career Advancement:

• After successfully meeting the minimum requirements of Airport Senior Planner, demonstrating above average performance, the ability to work independently and successfully manage complex programs/plans, the incumbent may be promoted to Airport Senior Planner contingent upon division director’s recommendation, funding availability and department head and Human Resources concurrence.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Airport

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40