Aviation Manager 15 (Airport Planning and Development Section Manager) - Office of Aeronautics

Full Job Description

Aviation Manager 15 - Airport Planning and Development
Shape the future of Michigan’s aviation system

Michigan’s skies are getting busier, and we’re looking for a visionary leader to help guide where we go next.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking an aviation manager 15 to lead the Airport Planning and Development Section, an opportunity to influence statewide infrastructure, strengthen aviation safety and elevate the experience of airports across Michigan.

What You’ll Lead

You’ll manage two dynamic units that drive innovation and long-term strength in Michigan aviation:
• Airport Planning and Environmental Unit - Environmental compliance, airspace protection and system planning.
• Finance and Operations Unit – Budgeting, financial analysis and program operations.

Your Mission

As the section’s top leader, you will: • Oversee the statewide Airport Capital Improvement Program from concept to execution.

• Lead environmental reviews and ensure airport compliance with state and federal requirements.• Partner with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on funding strategies.

• Direct airspace protection programs and safety-focused initiatives.• Approve sponsor agreements and guide airports through development, planning and funding.

• Shape legislative recommendations and long-term planning priorities.• Build and support a high-performing team committed to service, accountability and continuous improvement.

Leadership That Makes a Difference

You will provide strategic guidance, staff development, performance management and operational oversight across the section. This includes: • Coaching and mentoring team members.

• Ensuring compliance with Civil Service rules and collective bargaining agreements.• Managing recruitment, labor relations and professional development.• Overseeing timekeeping, human resources processes and workplace standards.

Statewide Collaboration

You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to airport executives, local officials, consultants and MDOT leadership, helping communities move their airport projects from idea to reality.

Financial Stewardship

You will also direct office-wide financial operations:
• Budget planning and monitoring.
• Contracting and procurement guidance.
• Oversight of grants, agreements and financial compliance.

The "Salary" listed above is a range that reflects the minimum rate through the maximum rate of the Aviation Manager 15 position.

For additional information, please see the links below:

• Aviation Manager 15 Position Description
• All about MDOT

Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate work schedule requests for this position may be considered.

For information on benefits, visit www.mi.gov/employeebenefits or www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.

The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer.

Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.

Requirements

Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.

Experience
Five years of professional experience as an aviation specialist, airplane pilot, air traffic controller, certified flight instructor, airport manager, aviation consultant, or professional experience equivalent to aviation safety, training, education, inspection or airport planning; three years of professional experience equivalent to an Aviation Specialist 12; two years equivalent to an Aviation Manager 13; or, one year equivalent to an Aviation Manager 14 or supervising aviation specialists, airplane pilots, air traffic controllers, certified flight instructors, aviation consultants, or equivalent professional supervisory experience in aviation safety, training, education, inspection or airport planning.

Qualifications

Four years of full-time experience as a certified flight instructor, airport manager, aviation consultant, airplane pilot, or air traffic controller; or, experience equivalent to aviation safety, training, education and inspection, or airport planning may be substituted for the education (bachelor's degree) requirement. This is in addition to the experience requirements.

Additional Information

To be considered for this position you must:

If applicable, attach a copy of your official college transcripts and/or foreign degree evaluation with your application.

Click here for the State of Michigan (SOM) definition of an Official College Transcript. Applicants who possess foreign degrees must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S.

educational equivalents.

Civil Service accepts evaluations from organizations listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc.

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

View the entire job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/A/AviationManager.pdf

MDOT does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test and physical (if applicable) prior to their actual appointment.

Criminal and driving records will also be checked if applicable.

Any position offer will be conditional until results of the drug test, physical, criminal background, and driving records indicate eligibility for employment.

The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process including, but not limited to, responses to application questions and responses to interview questions or exercises.

If you have questions related to this posting, please contact Camryn Nauta at nautac@michigan.gov.