Aviation Terminal Planner

We are seeking a Terminal Planner to join Ricondo's team of talented aviation consultants in Chicago. The position is based in our Chicago office and will require time on the client site at O’Hare International Airport. Ricondo team members are passionate about working alongside airport management to solve the complex issues facing the aviation industry today. Our firm provides strategic planning services to airports across the United States and around the world, including operational and physical planning, master planning, environmental reviews, and business advisory services.

As a Terminal Planner, you will work both independently and in collaboration with our diverse team of aviation professionals. You will also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise by participating in diverse aviation projects. No two airports are the same, and no two projects are alike, so if you are a problem solver and lifelong learner, join our team and grow with us!

The Terminal Planner is responsible for performing advanced planning duties in research, development, and implementation of aviation programs, projects, and studies, focusing on terminal and strategic planning. The role offers opportunities for diverse experience in practice areas outside terminal planning, such as landside and airside planning and other general analysis tasks. Supporting on-site client engagement is envisioned in this role. The role may include supervision, training, and direction to subordinate staff.  

Core Responsibilities Requirements

• Conduct field surveys and investigations and collect data supporting airport planning studies.
• Consult with fellow employees and senior staff concerning compiling, interpreting, and presenting research data for airport planning studies.
• Creates and maintains facility requirements spreadsheet models. Carries out reporting from models and arrangement of results for internal and external presentation.
• Assists in non-terminal planning analyses where necessary.
• Prepares draft sections of reports and deliverables based on verbal and written input from others and individual efforts.
• Assists in developing, formatting, publishing, and distributing tables, charts, and reports on existing and proposed airport planning studies.
• Provides advice, technical assistance, and written recommendations on airport planning studies.
• Develops and maintains electronic data sets and files and runs and troubleshoots existing programs.
• Responds to requests for data and information from internal staff and external clients, organizations, various agencies, and the public.
• Attends meetings and workshops with senior staff in support of planning efforts.
• Performs related work as required.
• Provide on-site support to senior staff for client engagement and coordination.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a field that provides a solid foundation for aviation consulting, such as Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Aviation Management, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, or Economics.
• 1-5 years of increasingly responsible experience in airport planning or related fields.
• Possesses a familiarity with the aviation industry or a desire to learn and grow in the aviation industry.
• Excellent analytical skills.
•  Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and work at client offices as required.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree in a field that provides a strong foundation for aviation consulting, such as Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Aviation Management, Mathematics, Statistics, Business Administration, Finance, or Economics.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with senior executives and staff at client organizations. Working knowledge of best practices, methods, and principles utilized in strategic planning, infrastructure and facilities planning, and operational research for airports.
• Ability to apply principles of management, business, marketing, and administration in supporting large and complex airport planning projects. Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques and related tools, including statistical, spreadsheet, database, simulation, and spatial/graphical analysis applications.

Technical Skills 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Knowledge and experience with analytical techniques and related tools, including statistical, spreadsheet, database, simulation, and spatial/graphical analysis applications.

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated: initiative to identify creative and technically sound solutions and ability to work well with staff both in person and remotely in other locations.
• Detail-oriented: in analytic and technical writing assignments, the ability to communicate technical information to nontechnical audiences and to edit for consistency and grammar.
• Proactive and effective communicator: excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills to coordinate with teams and clients.
• Highly organized: plan and prioritize work assignments and demonstrate ability to manage concurrent assignments with different teams.

Competitive Benefits Package

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match depending on company performance
• 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Generous paid time-off program for sick leave and vacation time
• Company-paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Professional certification, licensure, and association membership funding Professional conferences and seminars
• On-demand access to training (Cornerstone eLearning)
• Internal workshops and webinars
• Short- and long-term disability insurance coverage
•  Life insurance (survivor benefits) Team member referral bonus program
• Flexible spend accounts (medical and dependent care)
•  Transit commuter benefit (based upon location)

Our Team

Ricondo has served the aviation industry for over 30 years. Our team of 150 consultants represent the brightest and most well-respected professionals in aviation today, working together to meet our clients' needs with ideas, expertise, and transformative solutions. Advance your career with our talented team and help shape the built airport environment.

We strive to be a responsible business—one that adheres to high legal, moral, and ethical professional standards. Our pride is our people, as evidenced by our extremely competitive benefits. We are committed to equality and diversity, cross-disciplinary training, and staff development. We emphasize quality and accountability in a respectful, collaborative, and congenial environment.

Ricondo is an equal-opportunity employer.