Assistant Vice President, Planning & 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

$185,000 - $215,000 annual salary + a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 10% employer paid 401A through VOYA Financial.

*Hiring Salary Range: $185,000 - $200,000 annual salary

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

SUMMARY

The Assistant Vice President, Planning and Environmental (AVP, P&E) is a senior leader at the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), reporting to the Vice President of Capital Development. The AVP, P&E provides strategic oversight for OIAA’s long-range planning and environmental functions, driving long-term development strategies, capital investment programs, and regulatory compliance to help shape the framework for ONT’s continued growth and transformation.

This role leads the planning and environmental framework supporting ONT’s growth, overseeing airport planning, environmental planning, a006Ed sustainability activities that support OIAA’s capital program and major infrastructure initiatives. The position leads the planning and development activities associated with the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and ensures alignment between development plans and operational priorities, and long-range development initiative BOLD (Building Our Legacy and Destiny)

Collaborating with the Vice President and OIAA divisions, the AVP, P&E translates strategic objectives and stakeholder needs into actionable development plans. As a senior advisor, the position addresses airport development, regulatory requirements, and land use.  The position provides executive-level direction on complex and often interdependent development issues, identifies opportunities and risks, and advances solutions that support ONT’s evolving role as a major regional transportation asset.

The AVP, P&E also sets planning priorities, manages consultants, and builds relationships with airlines, tenants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders, ensuring that ONT’s future development is strategic, environmentally responsible, and aligned with OIAA’s long-term vision.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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

·        Strategic Leadership:
Provide comprehensive oversight for the airport's planning and environmental functions, ensuring alignment with OIAA’s long-term goals and operational requirements. Establish and communicate the strategic vision for planning and environmental initiatives. Ensure airport development strategies and capital planning efforts are informed by sound planning principles, environmental stewardship, regulatory requirements, operational considerations, and long-term financial objectives.

·         Collaborative Development:
Partner with the Vice President and cross-functional teams to translate strategic objectives into actionable development strategies. Lead discussions with stakeholders to gather insights and adapt strategies to meet evolving needs.

·         Planning Oversight:
Lead and direct the development, implementation and execution of airport planning initiatives, including long-range development plans, facility studies, and aviation planning efforts, including the BOLD Program. Regularly assess and update plans to reflect changing operational landscapes.

·        Environmental Planning:
Oversee environmental planning and compliance activities associated with airport development, ensuring adherence to all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate environmental studies, permitting, and agency approvals to facilitate development projects.

·        Stakeholder Engagement:
Coordinates closely with other OIAA Divisions and Departments, including Finance, Operations, Revenue Management, Airline Affairs, Administration, Procurement, and other OIAA functions to ensure effective integration of planning and environmental requirements into capital projects. Foster strong relationships with airlines, tenants, regulatory agencies, governmental entities, and community stakeholders. Represent OIAA in public forums and cultivate partnerships that support airport development initiatives.

·         Project Coordination:
Manage the integration of planning activities with the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), ensuring consistency with long-term development plans and organizational priorities. Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to advance capital projects effectively.

·         Risk Management:
Identify potential planning, environmental, regulatory, operational, and stakeholder risks associated with development initiatives. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure project success.

·         Sustainability Leadership:
Lead initiatives related to sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Advocate for practices that support OIAA’s long-term environmental and operational objectives.

·         Metrics and Analysis:
Develop and maintain planning metrics, forecasts, and risk assessments. Utilize analytical tools to support informed decision-making regarding capital investments and development strategies. Provides technical and strategic input into capital project prioritization, project programming, scope development, cost considerations, phasing, implementation strategies, and development sequencing

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

·         Proven Leadership Experience:
Significant senior leadership experience in managing complex airport planning, environmental, or infrastructure programs within aviation, transportation, or similarly complex and highly regulated environments. A track record of developing and executing long-range strategies that drive organizational growth.

·         Expertise in Airport Planning:
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-range airport planning and development strategies that support organizational growth, operational requirements, financial objectives, and stakeholder expectations.  Deep understanding of airport planning principles, including master planning, aviation demand forecasting, environmental review, and capital program integration. Familiarity with FAA regulations and industry best practices.

·         Complex Environmental Planning:
Demonstrated experience leading intricate environmental planning and regulatory compliance activities associated with major infrastructure or airport development projects. Knowledge of environmental laws and sustainability practices.

·         Analytical and Strategic Decision-Making:
Highly skilled in analytical decision-making, project prioritization, and multidisciplinary problem-solving. Ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and stakeholders.

·         Stakeholder Management:
Strong ability to build collaborative relationships with FAA and other regulatory agencies, airlines, local governments, and community stakeholders. Proven experience in managing diverse expectations and fostering consensus.

·         Project Management:
Experience managing multiple high-priority initiatives in dynamic environments while maintaining strategic focus and accountability. Ability to oversee consultancy teams and ensure quality deliverables.

·         Communication and Presentation Skills:
Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to present complex planning and environmental matters to executive and public audiences effectively. Strong negotiation skills and emotional intelligence to navigate diverse stakeholder interests.

·         Commitment to Sustainability:
A strong advocate for sustainable airport development and innovation, with a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

·         Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Airport or Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Aviation Management, Civil Engineering or a related field is required, with a Master’s degree and professional certifications preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Airport Planning, Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Airport Planning, Aviation Management, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in airport planning, aviation planning, environmental planning, infrastructure development, transportation planning, land use planning, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible management or leadership experience overseeing multidisciplinary planning, environmental, infrastructure, or development functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex airport planning, master planning, environmental review, infrastructure planning, or major development initiatives is required.
• Experience working with the FAA and other federal, state, and local regulatory or governmental agencies on airport development, planning, environmental, or infrastructure matters is highly desirable.
• Experience working within or alongside a public agency, airport authority, transportation agency, or similarly complex and highly regulated organization is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing planning and environmental consultants, technical studies, regulatory processes, and multidisciplinary project teams is preferred.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Aviation Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Professional credentials such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Environmental Professional, or other relevant professional certification are highly desirable.

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
• Ability to lift and carry files and other media weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds up to a distance of approximately 20 feet
• Ability to open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary
• Ability to access areas owned or leased by OIAA

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.

• Climate controlled office environment
• Passenger airline terminals including operations areas not open to the public
• Construction job sites where extreme conditions may exist
• Non climate-controlled areas where there may be exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration 

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.