Entry Level Airport Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ESA has an opportunity for an Entry Level Aviation Planner to support a growing portfolio of aviation planning and environmental projects with 0-3 years of experience. Preference given to candidates with 1+ years of experience.  Open to remote candidates, preference will be given to candidates who can work a hybrid office schedule from one of ESA's Florida offices.  Please note, a writing sample may be requested as a stage in the interview process.

Who You Are 

You are an airport planner with experience in the aviation industry with the following core competencies:

• Technical expertise: Working knowledge of airport design, airspace, land use, and environmental regulations, processes, and principles. Demonstrates curiosity and a commitment to continual learning to strengthen technical expertise and broaden understanding of aviation planning practices.
• Communications: Strong writing skills, effective verbal communication, and attentive listening skills. Able to support the preparation of clear and well-supported planning documents, technical reports, and other project-related deliverables. Proactive, responsive, and willing to seek guidance when needed. Comfortable with all communications platforms and a "camera on" meeting environment.
• Leadership: Able to contribute constructively to project teams, follow through on assignments, and incorporate feedback to improve work products and core competencies. Takes initiative to grow technical, client service, project management, and marketing skills, while supporting senior staff and project managers.
• Project Delivery/Financial Management: Able to complete assigned tasks efficiently and complete work on time and within established budgets. Supports team members with coordination, documentation, schedule tracking, and other project needs. Self-motivated and able to balance multiple assignments while prioritizing based on project deadlines and team needs.
• Client Engagement: Comfortable interacting with clients, subconsultants, and team members in a professional and collaborative manner. Supports strong client relationships through responsiveness, preparation, follow-through, and clear communication.
• Innovation: Interest in working with emerging aviation technologies and bringing creative project solutions to clients. Demonstrates curiosity and adaptability in leveraging new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools, to improve efficiency, streamline routine tasks, and enhance the quality of work products. Understands the importance of human judgment, quality assurance, data privacy, and professional ethics when using AI-assisted tools.

 You also bring the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in aviation planning, aviation management, or related field.
• Proficient in the use of relevant software applications, which at a minimum include Microsoft Office.
• Experience in AutoCAD & ESRI ArcGIS (preferred)
• Familiarity and interest in the aviation industry or 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 or working knowledge of federal regulations, Federal Aviation Administration (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.
• 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.

What You Will Do for ESA

• Support our aviation team's mission to deliver exceptional solutions that help our aviation partners succeed, elevate our profession, and expand recognition of ESA as the trusted leader in aviation planning and environmental consulting. This role includes working on 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, obstruction analysis, forecasting, environmental evaluations, noise analyses, resiliency/sustainability evaluations, and other aviation planning tasks.

  Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform research, gather data, and conduct surveys in support of airport studies. Collect raw data and organize in a form ready for analysis.
  • Conduct research for entire sections of analyses, and/or reports for projects.
  • As part of a team, interpret and apply applicable land use and environmental regulations, ordinances, and codes. Assist with updating and reviewing documents.
  • Conducts technical analysis and prepares plans for airfield, airspace, terminal, or ground transportation facilities.
  • Prepare written reports, maps, working papers, and correspondence for aviation planning and airport environmental projects.
  • Prepare for, and participate in, client and stakeholder meetings (e.g., advisory committees, technical working groups, public workshops).
  • Participate in training activities to develop technical skills.
  • Conduct project administration and management tasks.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

What's Special About Our Team

Our Airports Practice is a nationally focused group of aviation planning and environmental specialists supporting complex, high-profile projects across the country. We work as an integrated, multidisciplinary team and place a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and cross-disciplinary coordination. Our clients span the public and private sectors and include airports, airlines, air cargo operators, private developers, state departments of transportation, and the FAA.

To read about some of our exciting projects check out these links: Professional Services for the Florida Department of Transportation's Aviation Office, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Master Plan Update, and Lakeland Linder International Airport.

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.