Airport Principal Planner

Job Summary

Under general direction, performs highly complex professional planning activities involving advanced planning and special projects. Work involves assisting in directing, coordinating, and overseeing the activities and operations of assigned sections. Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff. 

Essential Job Functions

• Oversees and performs highly complex and sensitive planning projects, research, and analysis in accordance with strategic long and short-range planning activities of the City.
• Participates in development and administration of community development goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Directs, coordinates, reviews, and participates with professional and technical staff collecting data, analysis, plan formulation, and implementation.
• Monitors and evaluates the implementation of different development programs, projects, and activities to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Reviews statistical reports and analyzes market and economic conditions.
• Reviews and administers project budgets.
• Provides policy direction on planning programs and development applications.
• Recommends use of land for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.
• Participates in development review process.
• Serves as primary City liaison with multiple state, regional, and local boards and committees.
• Assumes duties of Planning Manager when necessary.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible urban planning experience.
• One (1) year of supervisory or lead work experience.
• Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.
• Must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment and a Criminal History Records check conducted by Aviation upon employment.
• Must maintain federally mandated security clearance required to work at an airport at all times.

• An advanced degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.
• The ability to effectively communicate complex planning concepts to stakeholders, including airport executives, government agencies, and the public, is crucial. Experience in negotiating with contractors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders is also a preferred skill.
•  Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability practices related to airport planning, such as noise abatement, air quality management, and eco-friendly airport design, is increasingly sought after in modern airport planning. 
• Strong leadership and project management skills to oversee complex airport planning projects, including budget management, coordination with airport design standards (such as the FAA's Advisory Circulars), and other local, state, or international regulations that guide airport planning and development. 
• A proven track record of several years (typically 5+ years) working in airport planning, transportation planning, or infrastructure development, with a focus on projects like terminal expansions, runway design, or land use management.

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing.  Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, techniques, and objectives of all phases of urban planning.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of statistical research and reporting methods, techniques and procedures.
• Skill in MS Office, GIS software and graphic design concepts.
• Skill in giving public presentations.
• Ability to handle complex projects.
• Ability to coordinate and manage the review of complex projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, and the public.
• Ability to coordinate with and effectively work with outside agencies, groups and persons.
• Ability to prepare accurate, concise, and detailed reports.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position with or without accommodations.
• Working conditions are primarily inside and outside with frequent exposure to loud noises and temperature extremes.