Become a Community Planner with the Federal Aviation Administration

Are you ready to take your career in planning to new heights? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a talented Community Planner to join the Airports District Office in Orlando, Florida. This position offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of urban planning and aviation development, ensuring that our nation's airports remain safe, sustainable, and efficient.

About the Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA is the largest transportation agency in the U.S. government. Beyond managing air traffic, the agency invests heavily in the future of aerospace, including autonomous vehicles, electric aircraft, and space travel. Joining the FAA means becoming part of a diverse team of 44,000 professionals dedicated to maintaining the world’s most efficient aerospace system. As a Community Planner in the Southern Region, you will be part of a team that shapes the physical and strategic future of Florida's airports.

Job Responsibilities

The role spans three distinct band levels (FV-G, FV-H, and FV-I), with responsibilities scaling according to experience:

FV-G (Entry/Intermediate): Reviewing airport master plans, conducting initial reviews of Airport Layout Plans (ALP), and assisting with environmental data collection.
FV-H (Advanced): Assisting in the development of Capital Improvement Programs (ACIP), reviewing land use compatibility, and ensuring compliance with grant assurances.
FV-I (Senior/Expert): Establishing policies and procedures, providing technical guidance to peers, reviewing planning consultant contracts, and conducting benefit-cost analyses for grant funding.

Comparison of Role Levels

Feature	FV-G	FV-H	FV-I
Scope	Routine assignments	Independent project work	Policy development/Guidance
Primary Focus	Data collection/Review	Program administration	Contract/Funding approval
Guidance	Manager-led	Independent execution	Provides expert consultation

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A degree in community planning or a related field (e.g., engineering, sociology, geography, or public administration) with at least 12 semester hours in planning-specific coursework.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is competitive, currently set at $62,660 to $140,335 per year, depending on the band at which you are hired and your specific qualifications.

Benefits of Working at the FAA

Working for the federal government comes with industry-leading benefits, including:

Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Financial Future: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Security: Federal health, life, dental, and vision insurance programs.
Growth: Continuous training and development opportunities within the Department of Transportation.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Keep your resume to two pages and emphasize achievements that match the specialized experience requirements.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript is uploaded and clear. Failure to include it will result in automatic disqualification.
Use the Work History: Since the FAA no longer uses KSA narratives, treat your job history as your primary evidence. Use bullet points to describe exactly how you performed tasks related to airport planning or community development.

This Community Planner position is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to influence the future of aviation while working in one of the most vibrant regions in the country. If you are detail-oriented, possess a planning background, and are eager to work for the FAA, submit your application before the closing date. Good luck!

Why This Community Planner Job Matters

Shape the future of aviation infrastructure. Join the FAA's Orlando team as a Community Planner and play a pivotal role in the design and development of our national airport systems.

Community Planner Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a motivated Community Planner to join the Orlando Airports District Office. This role is central to the Office of Airports (ARP) mission, focusing on airport layout planning, project programming, and land use compatibility. As a team member, you will ensure that aviation projects align with regulatory standards, environmental policies, and long-term sustainability goals. Whether you are conducting initial project reviews or providing technical guidance on complex airport developments, your work will directly influence the efficiency and safety of our nation's airspace.

Requirements for Community Planner

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Possession of a degree in community planning or a related field (e.g., urban affairs, engineering, architecture, geography, economics, or public administration).
Must meet specific coursework requirements: 12 semester hours in planning processes, socioeconomic/physical planning, or urban/regional economics.
Submission of college transcripts by the closing date is mandatory.
One year of specialized experience at the next lower band/grade level.
Must be able to provide specific examples of experience in your work history to substantiate qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications for Community Planner

Experience in developing or approving airport layout plans (ALPs).
Background in reviewing planning consultant contracts and managing scopes of work.
Expertise in environmental compliance, including NEPA documentation.
Experience providing technical advisory services on airport design standards and project implementation.
Proven ability to manage airport capital improvement programs (ACIP).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment options).
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Flexible work environments with telework eligibility.
✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities within the FAA.

💡 How to Apply Community Planner Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Community Planner Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the job announcement thoroughly and prepare your two-page maximum resume.
Gather necessary documentation, including official transcripts and SF-50 forms (if applicable).
Complete the online application and any required assessments by the closing date.
Verify that your work history clearly demonstrates the specialized experience required for the specific band.
Submit your application and monitor the status via the USAJOBS Help Guide.

💡 General Tips

Your resume is limited to two pages—make every sentence count by focusing on your achievements.
Ensure your work history includes your job title, series and grade (if applicable), employer name, exact dates, and hours worked per week.
Avoid generic statements; use specific examples to prove you meet the KSA requirements.
Submit your transcripts early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
If you are a current FAA employee, include your SF-50 to verify your position of record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a degree strictly required for this role?

Yes, this position has a positive education requirement. You must have a degree in community planning or a closely related field with specific semester hours in planning coursework, or a combination of education and experience.

Can I submit a narrative for the KSA questions?

No. The FAA has moved away from KSA narratives. Instead, you must include specific examples of how you meet the required level of ability directly within your work history section.

What is the promotion potential for this job?

The position is announced as an FV-G/H/I. If hired at a lower band, you may be eligible for non-competitive promotion to higher bands based on the duties assigned and your capacity to perform at that level.

Can I apply if my degree is not in 'Community Planning'?

Yes, as long as your degree is in a related field (like engineering or economics) and you meet the 12-semester-hour requirement in core planning courses.

Is this role remote-eligible?

The position allows for telework, but you should check the official posting for the most current localized policy regarding attendance at the Orlando office.