Aviation Technical Specialist (Entry Level)

Position Overview

Aviation Technical Specialist (Entry Level) supporting the Aeronautics Division in the Planning and Environmental Section. This role involves managing assignments for approximately 10 to 15 public-use airports with tasks spanning capital improvement planning, technical consulting, environmental documentation review, and stakeholder communications. The position is a 12+ month on‐going contract based in Nashville, TN 37209 on a HYBRID schedule (3 days ONSITE / 2 days REMOTE - LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY).
Duration: 12+ Months Contract Hours: MON-FRI 8:00AM - 4:30PM (CST; 37.5 hrs/week)
Pay Rate: $20.00 - 25.00 HOURLY (W2 Only)

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and update of Capital Improvements Plans (CIPs) for each airport annually, including the programming phase.
• Advise communities on technical aspects of terminal and visual navigational aids, including Global Positioning System (GPS) approaches.
• Guide compatible land use planning both on and off airport property.
• Coordinate and review Federal 7460-1 forms (Notice of Proposed Construction) for on-airport development.
• Review preliminary studies, surveys, and cost estimates to assess project feasibility and funding.
• Support airport sponsors with development, coordination, and review of airport master plans, layout plan sets, and Capital Improvement Plans.
• Assist with property acquisition preparation and relocation assistance.
• Review and approve environmental documentation per applicable State and Federal laws, following FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-21 and related FAA Orders.
• Coordinate with the FAA to report comments to the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and organize investigations as needed under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
• Identify aviation infrastructure issues related to maintenance, repair, safety, environmental, and operational needs.
• Ensure project selection and continuity through effective collaboration with internal/external stakeholders and project teams.
• Apply technical manuals (e.g., FAA Advisory Circular) to develop and/or implement detailed specifications for aviation projects.
• Review Independent Fee Estimate results to confirm the acceptability of consultant fees.
• Learn funding components and project selection scoring processes for Federal and State-funded projects.
• Develop proficiency in technical disciplines within a matrix organization to engage appropriate experts for project success.
• Utilize various software platforms to review, annotate, and comment on documents.

Required Qualifications

• No prior aviation experience is required – candidates with planning, coordination, or engineering experience in transportation or infrastructure projects are encouraged to apply.
• Able to quickly learn technical aviation and planning concepts.
• Proficient in reviewing construction feasibility studies, surveys, and cost estimates.
• Comfortable with environmental documentation review and compliance tasks.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of airport operations, facilities, and navigational systems (VOR, ILS, GPS approaches).
• Familiarity with FAA Advisory Circulars, environmental regulations, and planning documentation (CIP, Master Plans, Layout Plans).
• Awareness of land use planning and its impact on airport development.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office and capable of learning project tracking systems.
• Comfortable interpreting technical drawings and using GIS/CAD tools (or willing to learn).

Benefits & Perks

• EPO/PPO Medical Plans
• HMO/PPO Dental Programs
• Vision - VSP (Vision Plan Summary)
• 401K Retirement Vesting Program (VOYA)
• Paid Bi-Weekly/Direct Deposit
• Flex Spending Plan
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, STD or LTD Plans