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Airfield Operations Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Oversee airfield geometry analyses, aircraft accommodation studies, capacity evaluations, airfield operational assessments, and FAA design standard compliance reviews. * Manage project scope ...

Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or ...

Supervises and coordinates daily activities of employees to ensure safe and effective operations. * Cleaning and servicing of aircraft interiors, including cabin, cockpit, galleys, and lavatories.

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Airfield Operations information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$35.3K

$66K

$94.5K

How much do airfield operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for airfield operations in Seattle, WA is $65,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $71,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is airfield operations?

Airfield operations refer to the management and coordination of activities on and around airport runways, taxiways, and ramps to ensure the safe, efficient movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel. Professionals in this field monitor weather conditions, inspect runways, enforce safety regulations, and coordinate with air traffic control and emergency services. Their duties also include responding to incidents, managing wildlife hazards, and overseeing maintenance work to keep the airfield in compliance with aviation standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airfield operations specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airfield Operations Specialist, you need knowledge of airfield safety procedures, aviation regulations, and airport operations, often supported by a degree in aviation management or relevant certification. Familiarity with airfield lighting systems, NOTAMs, radio communications, and airport management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient airfield operations and compliance with strict regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by airfield operations personnel and how are they addressed?

Airfield Operations personnel often encounter challenges such as coordinating aircraft movements during peak traffic times, managing unexpected weather changes, and ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations. To address these, they rely on clear communication with air traffic control, utilize advanced scheduling and monitoring systems, and participate in regular safety drills. Teamwork and adaptability are essential, as situations can change rapidly and require quick, informed decisions to maintain safe and efficient airfield operations.

What is the difference between Airfield Operations vs Airport Operations Coordinator?

AspectAirfield OperationsAirport Operations Coordinator
CertificationsFAA certifications, safety trainingFAA certifications, customer service training
Work EnvironmentRunways, taxiways, airside areasTerminal, customer service, administrative areas
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airports, government agenciesAirports, airline ground services
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on airside safety and operationsFocuses on passenger experience and ground services

While both roles are essential to airport functioning, Airfield Operations primarily manages airside safety and runway activities, whereas Airport Operations Coordinators oversee broader airport activities, including passenger services and ground operations. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the aviation industry.

What does an airfield operations officer do?

An airfield operations officer manages the daily activities of an airfield, ensuring safety, security, and efficiency of aircraft movements. They coordinate with air traffic control, oversee ground operations, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations, often using specialized communication and safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Airfield Operations jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Airfield Operations jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Airfield Operations jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Airfield Operations jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Airfield Operations job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,997 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Aviation Planner - Team Lead

Ardurra Group, Inc.

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview

Under general direction, the Aviation Planner Team Lead manages and leads aviation planning projects and planning staff in support of commercial service and general aviation clients, with a strong emphasis on airfield planning and advisory services. This role is responsible for overseeing the planning and evaluation of airside and landside facilities, including runways, taxiways, apron areas, terminals, support facilities, and airport access infrastructure while ensuring alignment with operational, safety, capacity, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

The Aviation Planner Team Lead serves as a technical leader and project manager, applying advanced aviation planning principles, FAA regulations, and industry best practices to guide multidisciplinary teams through complex airport planning initiatives. The position is responsible for managing project scope, schedules, budgets, quality control, client relationships, and staff development while providing strategic guidance on airport development programs.

This role works closely with airport sponsors, FAA representatives, engineers, environmental specialists, and other stakeholders on airport master plans, airport layout plans (ALPs), airfield development plans, airfield geometry studies, capacity and demand analyses, environmental documentation, land use compatibility studies, and capital improvement programs (CIPs). The Aviation Planner Team Lead plays a critical role in advancing safe, efficient, sustainable, and future-focused airport infrastructure solutions while driving successful project delivery and team performance.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Airport Management, or a related technical field.
  • 8+ years of relevant aviation planning experience, including commercial airport planning and airfield development projects.
  • 5+ years of project management, task management, or supervisory experience leading aviation planning teams.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing and managing FAA-funded airport planning projects, airport master plans, ALPs, and airfield development studies.
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage aviation planning teams in the delivery of airport planning projects.
  • Serve as project manager and technical lead for airport master plans, aviation system plans, airport layout plans (ALPs), airfield development studies, and capital improvement programs.
  • Direct planning efforts for runways, taxiways, aprons, safety areas, terminal area development, and airport support facilities.
  • Oversee airfield geometry analyses, aircraft accommodation studies, capacity evaluations, airfield operational assessments, and FAA design standard compliance reviews.
  • Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, staffing, quality assurance, and client communications.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including planners, engineers, environmental specialists, GIS professionals, and subconsultants.
  • Develop and review technical reports, planning documents, presentations, exhibits, and FAA coordination materials.
  • Lead stakeholder engagement efforts including workshops, public meetings, advisory committees, and agency coordination.
  • Mentor and develop junior aviation planners and support staff through technical guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
  • Support business development activities, including proposal preparation, client relationship management, strategic planning initiatives, and pursuit efforts.
  • Monitor emerging aviation trends, FAA policy updates, airport funding opportunities, and industry best practices to support innovative planning solutions.
  • that support operational, financial, and regulatory objectives.

Preferred Tools & Software

  • AutoCAD / Civil 3D – Preparation and review of airport layout plans, airfield geometry evaluations, and development concepts.
  • AviPLAN, AeroTURN, and other FAA-approved planning tools – Aircraft accommodation, taxiway analyses, gate planning, and airfield geometry assessments.
  • GIS Platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS) – Spatial analysis, airport land use planning, obstacle evaluation support, and mapping.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) – Reporting, presentations, project management, and analytical tools.
  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator) – Development of planning documents, public outreach materials, and graphics.
  • Project Management Software (MS Project, Smartsheet, Deltek, or similar) – Project scheduling, resource planning, and budget management.
  • FAA Airport GIS (AGIS) and airport planning databases – Airport inventory management, planning support, and FAA coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

  • AICP certification or ability to obtain certification.
  • Accredited Airport Executive (AAE), CM, or other aviation industry credentials.
  • Experience managing FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP)-funded planning projects.
  • Experience leading airport master plans, ALPs, environmental planning studies, and airfield development programs for commercial service airports.
  • Established relationships with FAA personnel, airport sponsors, and aviation industry stakeholders.
  • Proven success in business development, client growth, and proposal pursuit activities.

Salary

$160,000 - $200,000 (DOE)

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. We’re not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.

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