Aviation Planner

Mannik Smith Group; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent compensation package

Holiday and paid-time-off programs

401(k) Plan and Match

Career Path Development Program (Mgmt/

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Short-Term Disability/Long-Term

Job summary

Mannik Smith Group is seeking an Aviation Planner in Wilmington, NC to lead airport planning efforts, prepare master plans, and forecast aviation demand. The role covers coordination with FAA and stakeholders, development of ALPs, and documentation in compliance with regulations.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation planning or related field with 5–10 years of aviation planning or consulting experience and strong writing, data analysis, and GIS skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field.
• 5-10 years of aviation planning or airport consulting experience.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, airport planning principles, and aviation systems.
• Experience with aviation forecasting and airport planning methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare airport master plans, system plans, aviation studies, and environmental documentation.
• Conduct aviation demand forecasts and capacity analyses.
• Analyze airport operational, environmental, and land-use data.
• Develop Airport Layout Plans (ALPs) and supporting planning documents.
• Coordinate with FAA, state aviation agencies, airport sponsors, and consultants.
• Prepare technical reports, maps, graphics, and presentations.
• Assist with capital improvement planning and funding strategies.
• Ensure projects meet applicable FAA Advisory Circulars, state regulations, and local requirements.

Skills

Aviation planning

Project management

GIS

Data analysis

Forecasting

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder coordination

Technical writing

CAD tools

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Planning

Master's degree in Urban/Aviation Planning

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Airport master planning software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Aviation Planner

Department: Planning

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Wilmington, NC

Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 / year

Description

The Aviation Planner is responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating airport and aviation-related projects. This role involves conducting aviation studies, preparing master plans, forecasting aviation activity, evaluating airport infrastructure needs, and ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and industry standards. The Aviation Planner collaborates with airport authorities, engineers, government agencies, and stakeholders to support safe, efficient, and sustainable airport operations and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare airport master plans, system plans, aviation studies, and environmental documentation.
• Conduct aviation demand forecasts and capacity analyses.
• Analyze airport operational, environmental, and land-use data.
• Assist with FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant applications and documentation.
• Develop Airport Layout Plans (ALPs) and supporting planning documents.
• Coordinate with FAA, state aviation agencies, airport sponsors, and consultants.
• Support and conduct environmental review processes and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct stakeholder meetings, public involvement initiatives, and presentations.
• Research aviation trends, policies, and emerging technologies impacting airports.
• Prepare technical reports, maps, graphics, and presentations.
• Assist with capital improvement planning and funding strategies.
• Ensure projects meet applicable FAA Advisory Circulars, state regulations, and local requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field.
• 5-10 years of aviation planning or airport consulting experience.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, airport planning principles, and aviation systems.
• Experience with aviation forecasting and airport planning methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with airport master planning software and CAD tools.
• GIS experience (ArcGIS preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Aviation, or related field.
• Familiarity with FAA grant processes and environmental documentation.
• Knowledge of NEPA and environmental permitting processes.

Key Skills

• Aviation and airport planning
• Technical writing and reporting
• Data analysis and forecasting
• Stakeholder coordination
• Project management
• GIS and mapping
• Regulatory compliance
• Public presentation skills

Work Environment

• Office-based with periodic travel to airports and project sites.
• Occasional attendance at public meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• May involve field inspections and coordination with airport operations staff.

We Offer

• Excellent compensation package
• Outstanding holiday and paid-time-off programs
• 401(k) Plan and Match
• Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks)
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive health and dental insurance premiums
• Variety of voluntary benefit options
• Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability
• Company-furnished life insurance
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account
• and More