Senior Aviation Planner

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States.

ESA is seeking a Senior Aviation Planner with 10+ years experience to support a growing portfolio of aviation planning and environmental projects. This is an exempt, full‑time, salary role. Preference will be given to candidates who can work a hybrid office schedule from one of ESA's Florida offices, Tampa preferred. Qualified remote candidates will also be considered. This role will involve travel for client visits, projects, and in‑person team collaboration as needed.

Remote candidates must be located in one of the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, New York, Oregon, Washington, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington D.C., Wisconsin.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience
. You are an airport planner with experience in the aviation industry with the following core competencies:

• Technical expertise: Knowledgeable in airport design, airspace, land use, and environmental regulations, processes, and principles. Engages in continual learning to expand technical expertise.
• Communications: Solid writing skills and effective oral presentation skills, and attentive listening capability. Able to prepare clear, concise, well‑supported planning documents and technical reports. Proactive and highly responsive.
• Leadership: Able to contribute constructively to project solutions, follow through on assignments, and learn from constructive feedback. Takes initiative to develop technical, marketing, and management skills.
• Project Delivery / Financial Management: Able to complete project assignments on time and within budget. Performs all project management duties. Self‑motivated and able to work on multiple task assignments simultaneously and prioritize based on project/schedule needs.
• Client Engagement: Ability to interact directly with clients and other team members and foster strong relationships.
• Winning Work: Able to assist and support marketing pursuits by contributing to proposals, project information, resumes, and other marketing materials.
• Innovation: Interest in working with emerging aviation technologies and bringing creative project solutions to clients.

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in aviation planning, aviation management, or related field.
• Familiarity and interest in the aviation industry with a desire to learn and grow in the aviation industry.
• Academic knowledge of analytical techniques and related tools including statistical, spreadsheet, database, simulation, and spatial/graphical analysis applications.
• Academic knowledge of federal regulations, FAA Advisory Circulars, and FAA Orders that apply to airport planning.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques, ability to prepare written documents as directed.
• Able to verbally communicate basic planning information, including rules, policies and procedures to individuals and small groups.
• Proficient in the use of relevant software applications, which at a minimum include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), AutoCAD applications, and ESRI ArcGIS.
• Able to pass a 10‑year background check for project‑based assignments.
• Able to travel periodically to project sites and to attend corporate and industry meetings.
• Strong preference given to candidates with previous working experience with business development & client relations.

This role includes performing, with limited supervision, various aviation projects in partnership with a team of planners and environmentalists to assist on a variety of assignments which may include airport master plans, airport layout plans, site selection studies,…