Airport Planning and Programs Section Director - Aviation Division

Do you have experience leading people and managing complex programs? Are you interested in leading a talented team responsible for statewide aviation planning? Do you enjoy working with stakeholders to shape the future of air transportation in Texas? We may have the perfect position
for you! TxDOT's Aviation Division is looking for a Planning and Programs Section Director based in Austin, TX.

The Aviation Division is responsible for the implementation of federal and state funding programs to support and improve over 300 airports across Texas, maintaining the fleet of aircraft used across the state, and providing air transportation for state business and emergency needs. This position is based at our state-of-the-art headquarters in South Austin. To see our new home, please watch our Stassney Campus Preview.

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Oversees planning and programming functions for state and federal airport improvement programs and projects from initial planning phase through consultant selection and close-out; implements the Texas Airport System Plan and oversees the Aviation Facilities Development Program. Reports to the Director, Aviation Division. Supervises a small group of technical and professional personnel. Work requires extensive contact with governmental agencies at federal, state and local levels, elected officials, aviation interest groups, contractors and private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

• Advises and assists in the development of division priorities, goals and objectives.
• Approves professional service contracts; negotiates fees and other contract provisions.
• Oversees Airport Safety Inspection Program.
• Oversees Land Acquisition Projects for Airport sponsors.
• Develops funding distribution plans for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and state grants; monitors related expenditures.
• Develops grant requests and administers the annual FAA planning grant to include preparation of special studies related to the state airport system.
• Develops the Aviation Capital Improvement Program and implements projects through direct coordination with local sponsors.
• May act as Division Director in the absence of the Division Director and Deputy Division Director.
• Oversees preparation of aviation planning studies, airport feasibility studies, environmental assessments and airport master plans.
• Prepares and implements the Texas Airport System Plan.
• Prepares and presents speeches and presentations; participates in planning conferences; provides advice to state and local agencies and conducts meetings with federal, state and local officials.
• Prioritizes projects and monitors construction progress to identify opportunities to capture federal/local discretionary funds.
• Provides technical assistance to airport sponsors and the division's Project Management and Grant Administration Sections.
• Represents the Department with federal, state and local officials on matters specifically related to the airport improvement program, the facility development process and other aviation issues.
• Reviews and analyzes state and federal legislation pertaining to air transportation.
• Serves as the division's research liaison with other agencies.
• Serves on national, state and regional aviation advisory committees.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. 

Experience (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent): 7 years in Aviation or transportation planning and must have three years supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

Substitutions: Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis or related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

• Airport transportation planning and development principles and practices
• The statewide air transportation plan
• Federal Aviation Administration circulars, orders and regulations
• Budgeting methods and procedures
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Supervising technical staff
• Directing and establishing objectives; clarifying roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; monitoring and measuring performance against goals; evaluating results and making necessary adjustments to meet deadlines
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Comprehending and implementing program goals
• Overseeing and coordinating projects and program activities
• Planning, assigning, directing, coordinating and reviewing the work of professional, administrative and technical employees
• Planning and coordinating workshops, seminars and task force activities
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Using computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions Of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information