Aviation Planner Jobs
Aviation Planner jobs are open across commercial airlines, defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, and government agencies, at every level from entry-level analyst to senior planner and program director, with specializations in airspace design, fleet planning, and airport capacity management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 30+ Aviation Planner jobs
ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Aviation Department manages and operates the Phoenix Airport System, which includes Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), Deer Valley (DVT), and Goodyear (GYR) airports. PHX is one of the nation's busiest large-hub airports and the largest in the system. In 2025, more than 50 million passengers traveled through PHX, reflecting its scale, complexity, and critical role in regional and national aviation. Across the system, the airports serve over 125,000 daily passengers, support more than 1,200 daily flights, and generate approximately $44 billion in annual economic impact.
The Aviation Department, Planning & Environmental Division (P&E) is seeking a motivated and versatile Planner II to join the team. The Planner II is responsible for supporting the development, coordination, and implementation of short and long-range airport planning initiatives. This role evaluates current and future airport needs across the airfield, terminal, landside, cargo, general aviation, parking, utilities, access, and support facilities. The Planner II works closely with airport leadership, other airport divisions and city departments, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure airport development plans are practical, compliant, data-driven, financially responsible, and aligned with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department's strategic goals.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, review, and support airport planning studies, including but not limited to: Airport Master Plans, Airport Layout Plans, airspace analysis, terminal plans, landside plans, airfield plans, land-use compatibility studies, facility assessments, and long-range development strategies.
- Evaluate current and future facility needs based on aviation activity, passenger demand, aircraft operations, fleet mix, gate utilization, terminal capacity, cargo activity, roadway access, and operational requirements.
- Assist in identifying airport infrastructure needs and recommending practical, phased improvements that support safe, efficient, and sustainable airport operations.
- Evaluate how proposed projects may affect airport operations, construction phasing, passenger flow, airline operations, roadway circulation, security screening, baggage systems, gate usage, taxiway/runway access, and tenant activity.
- Support the development and maintenance of the airport's Capital Improvement Program, including project prioritization, planning-level cost estimates, funding strategies, and implementation schedules.
- Evaluate airspace proposals, coordinate airspace impacts with regulatory stakeholders and airlines, and research community noise concerns.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Ability to:
- Multitask and prioritize, especially under tight deadlines.
- Work independently in developing and carrying out research, writing reports, or developing work programs to solve problems
- Knowledge of:
- City planning principles and practices.
- Airport regulations and policies
- Familiarity with Federal Aviation Regulations and Advisory Circulars.
- Proven project management discipline.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and coordination skills.
- Understanding of airport operations and knowledge of strategic support at airports.
- Proven technical accuracy and attention to detail.
- Support strategic planning and long-range thinking.
- Collaborative problem-solving.
- Strong aviation industry knowledge.
- Strong analytical and data-driven mindset.
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
SALARY
Pay Range: $70,886.40 - $121,243.20 annually.
Hiring Range: $70,886.40 - $104,728.00 annually.
Pay Range Explanation:
- Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
- Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 063. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.
- Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
- Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
- Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
- When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.
The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page.
BENEFITS
A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:
Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions,- for more details: Pension Information.
- 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
- Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
- Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
- Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
- Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- Employer paid long-term disability.
- Free Bus/light rail pass.
- Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
- Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
- Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.
For more details, visit: Unit 007 Benefits
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of experience in the field of urban planning.
- Bachelor's degree in city or urban planning, landscape architecture, engineering, architecture, political science, a related field, or a field related the specialty area.
- Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
- All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
- The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers.
- This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage. For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions,
- .
- The City job description can be found here.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:
- Experience with/in
- Airport planning projects.
- Urban planning projects.
- Airport land use compatibility.
- Analyzing Federal Aviation Administration Obstruction Evaluation / Airport Airspace Analysis.
- Developing and maintaining airport layout plans.
- Reviewing and analyzing construction documents.
- GIS-based analytical and mapping tools.
- Analyzing, interpreting, and wiring reports of research findings.
RECRUITMENT DATES
Recruitment closes November 29, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
- Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference. If you are in need of computer resources,
- for free options. Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance.
- for more information.
- Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix.
- Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
- If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
REFERENCE
Planner II, JC:18220, ID# 63360, 11/12/26, USM, DB, Benefits:007.
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Aviation Department manages and operates the Phoenix Airport System, which includes Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), Deer Valley (DVT), and Goodyear (GYR) airports. PHX is one of the nation's busiest large-hub airports and the largest in the system. In 2025, more than 50 million passengers traveled through PHX, reflecting its scale, complexity, and critical role in regional and national aviation. Across the system, the airports serve over 125,000 daily passengers, support more than 1,200 daily flights, and generate approximately $44 billion in annual economic impact.
The Aviation Department, Planning & Environmental Division (P&E) is seeking a motivated and versatile Planner II to join the team. The Planner II is responsible for supporting the development, coordination, and implementation of short and long-range airport planning initiatives. This role evaluates current and future airport needs across the airfield, terminal, landside, cargo, general aviation, parking, utilities, access, and support facilities. The Planner II works closely with airport leadership, other airport divisions and city departments, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure airport development plans are practical, compliant, data-driven, financially responsible, and aligned with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department's strategic goals.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, review, and support airport planning studies, including but not limited to: Airport Master Plans, Airport Layout Plans, airspace analysis, terminal plans, landside plans, airfield plans, land-use compatibility studies, facility assessments, and long-range development strategies.
- Evaluate current and future facility needs based on aviation activity, passenger demand, aircraft operations, fleet mix, gate utilization, terminal capacity, cargo activity, roadway access, and operational requirements.
- Assist in identifying airport infrastructure needs and recommending practical, phased improvements that support safe, efficient, and sustainable airport operations.
- Evaluate how proposed projects may affect airport operations, construction phasing, passenger flow, airline operations, roadway circulation, security screening, baggage systems, gate usage, taxiway/runway access, and tenant activity.
- Support the development and maintenance of the airport's Capital Improvement Program, including project prioritization, planning-level cost estimates, funding strategies, and implementation schedules.
- Evaluate airspace proposals, coordinate airspace impacts with regulatory stakeholders and airlines, and research community noise concerns.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Ability to:
- Multitask and prioritize, especially under tight deadlines.
- Work independently in developing and carrying out research, writing reports, or developing work programs to solve problems
- Knowledge of:
- City planning principles and practices.
- Airport regulations and policies
- Familiarity with Federal Aviation Regulations and Advisory Circulars.
- Proven project management discipline.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and coordination skills.
- Understanding of airport operations and knowledge of strategic support at airports.
- Proven technical accuracy and attention to detail.
- Support strategic planning and long-range thinking.
- Collaborative problem-solving.
- Strong aviation industry knowledge.
- Strong analytical and data-driven mindset.
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
SALARY
Pay Range: $70,886.40 - $121,243.20 annually.
Hiring Range: $70,886.40 - $104,728.00 annually.
Pay Range Explanation:
- Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
- Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 063. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.
- Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
- Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
- Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
- When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.
The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page.
BENEFITS
A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:
Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions,- for more details: Pension Information.
- 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
- Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
- Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
- Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
- Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- Employer paid long-term disability.
- Free Bus/light rail pass.
- Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
- Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
- Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.
For more details, visit: Unit 007 Benefits
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of experience in the field of urban planning.
- Bachelor's degree in city or urban planning, landscape architecture, engineering, architecture, political science, a related field, or a field related the specialty area.
- Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
- All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
- The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers.
- This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage. For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions,
- .
- The City job description can be found here.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:
- Experience with/in
- Airport planning projects.
- Urban planning projects.
- Airport land use compatibility.
- Analyzing Federal Aviation Administration Obstruction Evaluation / Airport Airspace Analysis.
- Developing and maintaining airport layout plans.
- Reviewing and analyzing construction documents.
- GIS-based analytical and mapping tools.
- Analyzing, interpreting, and wiring reports of research findings.
RECRUITMENT DATES
Recruitment closes November 29, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
- Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference. If you are in need of computer resources,
- for free options. Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance.
- for more information.
- Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix.
- Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
- If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
REFERENCE
Planner II, JC:18220, ID# 63360, 11/12/26, USM, DB, Benefits:007.
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Aviation Planner Jobs by Experience Level
See All 30 Aviation Planner Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aviation Planner JobsAviation Planner Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aviation planner jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in aviation management, urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field
- Experience with FAA regulations, Advisory Circulars, and Airport Layout Plan development
- Proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS for airspace and land use analysis
- Knowledge of NEPA environmental review processes and airport master planning
- Familiarity with Terminal Instrument Procedures or airspace design methodology
- Strong written communication skills for technical reports and regulatory submissions
Tips for Your Aviation Planner Job Search
Tailor your resume to airspace terminology
Aviation planners work in a highly technical field where terminology matters. Use the exact language from the job posting, whether that's airspace design, flight procedure development, or capacity modeling, so your resume clears automated screening systems and reads credibly to hiring managers.
Highlight FAA coordination experience specifically
Many aviation planner roles require direct coordination with the FAA or adherence to FAA Advisory Circulars. If you've submitted airspace proposals, navigated environmental reviews under NEPA, or worked on Airport Layout Plans, call that out explicitly rather than burying it in general project management bullet points.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists aviation planner openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by planning discipline
Aviation planning covers airspace, land use, capital improvement, and strategic fleet planning, and these disciplines rarely overlap in a single role. Target your search to your strongest area so you're competing against a narrower, more relevant candidate pool rather than applying broadly and being screened out.
Prepare a scenario answer on stakeholder conflicts
Interviewers for aviation planner roles consistently probe how you handle competing priorities among airlines, local governments, and regulatory bodies. Have a specific example ready where you balanced operational efficiency against community or environmental constraints and explain how you reached a workable outcome.
Negotiate against published pay scales at public agencies
Many aviation planner positions at port authorities, regional planning agencies, and municipal airports are classified under public employee pay bands that are publicly posted. Look up the band before your offer conversation so you can negotiate to the top of the range rather than accepting the entry point by default.
Aviation Planner Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most aviation planners?
HNTB Corporation, McFarland Johnson, and Applied Research Associates are hiring the most aviation planners right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, California, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to track airport capital improvement cycles and defense aviation program timelines.
How many aviation planner jobs are remote?
About 90% of aviation planner openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote work most common in strategic planning, policy analysis, and research roles rather than positions tied to on-site airport operations or active construction oversight.
How do you become an aviation planner?
Start with a degree in aviation management, urban or regional planning, civil engineering, or a related discipline. Build familiarity with FAA regulations and airport master planning through internships, entry-level analyst roles, or work at a planning consultancy. Earning credentials like AICP or pursuing FAA-sponsored training programs strengthens your profile for more senior positions over time.
How do you get hired as an aviation planner with little or no experience?
Entry-level candidates get traction by targeting planning technician or analyst roles at regional airports, port authorities, or engineering consultancies that hold FAA contracts. Coursework in GIS, environmental review, or airport land use planning is a credible substitute for direct experience. Volunteering with metropolitan planning organizations or contributing to published airport studies also demonstrates relevant applied knowledge to hiring managers.
What does the aviation planner interview process look like?
Most aviation planner interviews involve a phone or video screen with HR, followed by a technical panel with planning directors or program managers who probe your familiarity with FAA compliance, environmental processes, and project coordination. Some agencies ask candidates to present a past planning project or complete a written exercise. Final rounds often include a meeting with leadership or a site visit for roles tied to active capital programs.
Where can I find and apply to aviation planner jobs?
You can find and apply to aviation planner jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your planning discipline and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 30 Aviation Planner Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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