Director of Planning and Environmental

Want to be a part of something bigger than yourself? To contribute to a team making moves on a global scale? Then you’re invited to join the team that lives the So Cal, So Easy vibe. The phenomenal team works daily to connect people, places and create experiences for the millions of passengers traveling through Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT). ONT is looking for people who think outside of the box, who get excited about the possibilities, and who want to continue paving the way for the fastest growing airport in the U.S. If you want to be a part of a vibrant team making world-class moves, and contribute to shaping the future of this airport, region and industry, then look no further. #ThisisONT.

The future of ONT starts now. Through the ONT BOLD (Building Our Legacy & Destiny) Program, you can be a part of one of Southern California’s most ambitious airport development programs. ONT BOLD is transforming Ontario International Airport with a new terminal, modernized facilities, and infrastructure improvements designed to support future growth—and we’re looking for visionary leaders to help make it happen.
 

COMPENSATION

$135,000 - $195,000 annual salary + a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 10% employer paid 401A through VOYA Financial.

*Hiring Salary Range: $135,000 - $165,000 annual salary

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)
 

SUMMARY

The Airport Director of Planning and Environmental is responsible for leading the strategic planning, environmental planning, environmental compliance, sustainability, and airport development functions within the Capital Development Division. This position provides direction, oversight, and management of the Airport Planning and Environmental Department and serves as the Authority's subject matter expert on aviation planning, environmental regulations, and long-range airport development.  Reporting to the Vice President of Capital Development, the Director oversees the planning and implementation of the Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP), airport planning initiatives including ONT BOLD (Building our Legacy and Destiny), environmental review processes, and regulatory compliance activities while ensuring alignment with the Ontario International Airport Authority's (OIAA) Strategic Plan, Board priorities, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Direct, manage, and oversee all airport planning, development, environmental planning, environmental compliance, and sustainability programs.
• Lead the development, implementation, and periodic update of the Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Airport Layout Plan (ALP), and other short- and long-range planning documents.
• Direct, manage and coordinate the preparation of complex planning and environmental studies for the development and improvement of airport properties and facilities.
• Oversee environmental planning and other system planning projects to ensure compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards, operating requirements, federal, state and local policies and regulations.
• Establish planning priorities that support airport growth, operational efficiency, customer experience, and long-term infrastructure investment, and align with OIAA's Strategic Plan, ONT BOLD initiatives, Board directives, and aviation industry best practices.
• Evaluate proposed airport development projects to ensure consistency with approved planning documents, operational requirements, and future development objectives.
• Ensure airport development projects comply with FAA design standards, Advisory Circulars, engineering criteria, airport design requirements, and approved planning documents.
• Oversee planning analyses related to airfield development, terminal expansion, landside improvements, utilities, transportation systems, and airport support facilities.
• Plan and prioritize capital projects; develops and manages project budgets, implementation schedules, and stakeholder coordination during implementation.
• Direct the preparation of federal, state, and local grant applications for funding; develops and oversees implementation of FAA infrastructure grants.
• Direct and manage revisions to, as required, the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) to reflect as-constructed conditions and changes to future development plans.
• Provide oversight of environmental permitting, mitigation monitoring, sustainability initiatives, and environmental compliance programs.
• Lead environmental planning efforts that support responsible airport growth while balancing operational, community, and environmental considerations.
• Review and monitor airport development projects for compliance with FAA requirements and environmental regulations, including but not limited to, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and all other local, state and federal regulations.
• Work across Departments and Divisions to facilitate various planning and environmental activities to ensure efficient coordination of projects including scope, schedule, budget, and resources to ensure the ongoing development of the airport will meet the priorities set by leadership and the OIAA Board.
• Direct the preparation of Professional Services Agreements, technical specifications and plans for various studies and technical services; recommends and approves contract awards; and organizes, coordinates and supervises the work of consultants.
• Represent and serve as the OIAA representative on local, regional and/or national organizations regarding planning and environmental technical issues.
• Lead and direct the activities of assigned staff; reviews work plans; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors workflow; evaluates employee performance and work products.
• Communicate airport planning and environmental objectives, goals and progress to OIAA senior management and stakeholders.
• Meet with officials of public and private agencies, community groups, and individuals to explain aviation development related issues; effectively communicates with internal and external stakeholders on technical subject matter expertise.
• Direct, plan, manage and coordinate the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; establishes, within OIAA policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly. 
• Does related work as required.
• May occasionally be assigned to other duties for training purposes, technological changes or deficiencies or for emergency response.
• Required to visit project sites at terminal, airside or landside locations. Attendance at off-site meetings for presentations, networking and other industry events also required.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Extensive experience leading airport planning and environmental programs at a commercial service airport or similarly complex aviation organization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of airport planning principles, airport master planning, capital improvement programming, transportation planning, and aviation infrastructure development.
• Thorough understanding of FAA regulations, Advisory Circulars, Orders, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) requirements, and airport planning guidance.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental planning and regulatory compliance, including NEPA, CEQA, permitting requirements, environmental documentation, and sustainability initiatives.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant administration, funding programs, and reimbursement requirements.
• Experience developing long-range strategic plans and implementing complex capital development programs.
• Strong project and program management skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing consultants, technical professionals, and cross-functional project teams.
• Demonstrated success developing departmental budgets, strategic priorities, performance objectives, and organizational policies.
• Strong political acumen and the ability to effectively navigate complex governmental, regulatory, and stakeholder environments.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities with sound professional judgment.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to executive leadership, elected officials, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with employees, tenants, airlines, consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current and emerging technologies affecting airport planning, infrastructure development, environmental compliance, and asset management.
• Familiarity with airport operations, airline requirements, aviation industry trends, and the communities served by Ontario International Airport.
• Ability to consistently model and demonstrate the Ontario International Airport Authority's Core Values through ethical leadership, accountability, innovation, collaboration, and exceptional public service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Airport Planning, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Environmental or a related field is required.  A Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable. 
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible and recent professional experience or consultant work, in aviation planning projects and programs, preferably at a FAA Part 139 Certified Airport, including a minimum of three (3) years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Experience at a commercial airport and working with an appointed board or elected officials is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with and work experience in the Southern California region is a plus.
• Experience with CEQA preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and database programs.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATION

• Valid Driver's License equivalent to a California Class C Driver's License
• Acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment
• Ability to pass all background / reference checks, knowledge examinations, as well as aptitude tests necessary to obtain an OIAA employee badge at ONT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Finger dexterity to utilize a keyboard to input information on a computer
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary
• Ability to frequently lift and carry files and other media weighing up to twenty five (25) pounds up to a distance of approximately 20 feet

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position primarily operates in a professional climate-controlled office environment
• Passenger airline terminals including operations areas not open to the public
• Non climate-controlled aircraft hangers
• Domestic and international air travel to support OIAA operations

This is an at-will, exempt position. Only a valid and properly executed employment agreement may alter status as an at-will employee. Verbal contracts are not valid. The employment relationship may be terminated at the will of either party upon notice to the other. As an at-will employee, there would not be an established property interest in continued employment with OIAA.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 6 months but may be extended or abolished based upon the needs of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).
• The OIAA  encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the selection process must make such a request during the application process. Applicants with disabilities that affect sensory, manual, or speaking skills may be provided with a test in a format that does not require the use of the impaired skill. Persons requesting reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such a need.
• The OIAA  supports a Drug-Free Workplace. The pre-employment physical may include a drug screen where permitted by law.
• Successful candidates shall be required to complete a verification form designated by the Department of Homeland Security United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
• All potential employees are required to pass a fingerprint review and may be required to pass a pre-employment physical examination prior to appointment.
• Employees are required to successfully complete all background / reference checks, knowledge examinations, as well as aptitude tests necessary to obtain an OIAA employee badge at ONT.
• The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any provisions contained in this posting may be modified or revoked without notice.
• If applicable, official college transcripts may be required prior to receiving an offer of employment.