Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00049062

Description Activated On:  5/21/2026 10:31:33 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

Manages the Bureau's aviation safety program.

Manages the licensing and inspection of airports and heliports operating in Pennsylvania.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Plans and administers a statewide aviation safety program for the Bureau of Aviation.

Manages aviation specialists in the licensing and inspection of airports and heliports for compliance with aviation safety standards and legal compliance with State and Federal Regulations.

Supervises the gathering, analyzing, and dissemination of information pertaining to sound aviation practices to assure compliance with aviation safety standards.

Directs inspections of public and private-use airports, heliports, and seaplane bases.

Oversees the formulation of corrective measures to physical standards or dangerous aviation practices.

Prepares and reviews written correspondence, reports, detailing findings of inspections; recommends corrective actions, and follow up to assure corrective action implementation.

Conducts risk assessment of obstructions penetrating navigable airspace and recommends mitigation options to enhance safety.

Reviews and approves recommendations on airport improvement and aviation safety practices and procedures.

Evaluates proposed deviations from prescribed standards and requests for operational waivers.

Reviews and recommends changes in engineering drawings for compliance with design and licensing criteria.

Provides technical guidance to airport sponsors to assure projects are in compliance with State and Federal Regulations.

Evaluates proposed construction on and around airports (Obstruction Evaluation and Non-Rule Making), to determine impact on aviation safety and/or navigable airspace. Prepares written correspondence and/or reports detailing the Bureau's findings.

Participates in annual Bureau planning sessions with airport sponsors to assist with clarification of airport safety issues and project prioritization.

Supervises visits to new airport/heliport proposals to determine suitability of a site to accommodate the intended aircraft and type of flight operation in accordance with State and Federal Regulations.

Reviews recommendations for approval or denial of proposed airports.

Directs inspections of newly completed or renovated landing areas for adherence to site approval requirements and makes recommendations for issue of license.

Determines action on recommendations for suspension or withdrawal of airport licenses.

Oversees the maintenance and upkeep of the Bureau's Licensing Database.

Acts as Hearing Officer at public hearings with local municipalities to obtain public comment concerning proposed new airport development in accordance with Pennsylvania Aviation Law.

Testifies at public hearings representing PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation to interpret State Aviation Regulations and provide guidance relating to local airport hazard zoning issues and the impact upon airports.

Serves as liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in collection of data to be included in Federal aeronautical publications.

Serves as Bureau's point-of-contact for UAS/Drone Program Management and coordinates with the FAA and other state agencies for UAS/drone activities.

Manages the evaluation of proposed construction of towers and other potential hazards to air navigation on and around public airports.

Supervises the review of Non-Rule Making Airspace cases, airport layout plans changes, and modification of standards requests within the Bureau.

Analyzes Local Real Estate Tax Reimbursement Program applications to validate eligible property for reimbursement.

Serves as PennDOT's Aviation Representative and acts as an advisor for aviation related matters during emergencies for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). This position and staff may be needed to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for coordination with PEMA.

Determines mitigation strategies for aviation accidents based on Pennsylvania aviation accident logging and trend analyses.

Directs investigations into public complaints regarding airports and heliport matters and recommends appropriate action.

Supervises the implementation of educational programs and projects for the promotion of aviation.

Serves as liaison with FAA for temporary flight restrictions and other airspace matters during periods of natural or man-made disasters.

Encourages and assists airports and municipalities in the formulation of Airport Hazard Zoning and Land Use Compatibility.

Manages and updates PennDOT Publication 831 - Airport Hazard Zoning.

Serves as the Bureau's Compliance Officer for federal projects.

Manages and updates PennDOT Publication 768 – Pennsylvania Airport Manager's Safety Handbook.

Assists airport managers on aviation safety, maintenance, airport development and management issues.

Reports to the Bureau Director of Aviation.

Takes an active role in succession planning by completing a Career Development Plan in collaboration with the supervisor. In conjunction with the supervisor, participates in knowledge management/transfer by identifying keys aspects of the job and sharing explicit and tacit program/technical knowledge with other employees.

Performs other related duties as required.


SAFETY

Assess your environment and be responsible for your safety, the safety of co-workers, and the public.

Attends required safety training and adhere to the requirements of all safety manuals, policies, and laws.

Immediately reports to your supervisor any incident, unsafe practice, or near miss.

When in an enclosed environment (office buildings, confined spaces, flagger stations, equipment pinch points, etc.), know your evacuation process and escape route, your communication protocols, and appropriately react in the event of an incident.

Evaluates the airports operations: Immediately stop any unsafe actions. Engage in an ongoing safety dialogue with the airport's leadership.

Promotes a CULTURE that emphasizes SAFETY as a core value:
* Immediately stops any unsafe actions.
* Incorporates safety into all discussions, deliberations, and decisions.
* Continuously communicates the safety direction.
* Inspires employees to be a MODEL for safety.
* Encourages and supports safety initiatives and programs by participating and involving your staff. - Recognizes safety daily.
* Acknowledges EXTRAORDINARY achievements.
* Learn and improve.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
* Knowledge of the principles and practices of aviation operational safety.
* Knowledge of Federal and State aviation laws, regulations, and rules governing aircraft safety or airport/heliport operations.
* Knowledge of State zoning regulations.
* Ability to gather, compile, analyze, interpret inspection and investigation data, and perform obstruction surveys.
* Ability to read and interpret engineering and planning documents including drawings, specifications, contracts, design standards, maps, and survey notes.
* Ability to operate technology advanced equipment (digital transits, GPS receivers and laser measuring devices).
* Ability to succinctly and precisely communicate, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to make public presentations.
* Ability to utilize computer and information technology resources.
* Ability to maintain good working relationships with internal staff, other PennDOT organizations, other Commonwealth government agencies, FAA, airport authorities, consultants, contractors, etc.
* Ability to travel to airfields, conferences and training.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Special projects and program assignments are given by the supervisor with minimal instructions through meetings, written and verbal communications.

Work products are reviewed intermittently by the supervisor through the course of a project and upon submission of a final product.

Work involves the review and approval of site development proposals and corrective measures to mitigate physical hazards or dangerous aviation practices.

Approves recommendations for suspension or withdrawal of airport licenses.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Coordinates with FAA.
 2. Meets with and assists airport representatives and municipal authorities.
 3. Trains and develops aviation specialists.
 4. Interprets and implements State and Federal Policy.
 5. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
 6. Interact orally and in writing.
 7. Carry out assignments without significant supervision.
 8. Travel to airfields, conferences and training.
 9. Communicate with staff on compiling input to improve the BOA.
 10.