Emerging Aviation Technology Section Director - Aviation Division

Position Information

Are you a forward-thinking aviation profession with a passion for what the future of has to offer? Would you enjoy being instrumental in helping the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the state of Texas develop advance air mobility, advance air delivery systems, or become involved in all future aviation technology discussions? Then TxDOT may have the perfect job for you! We are looking to hire an Aviation Emerging Technology Section Director position, the first of its kind that will be responsible to keep all local, state, and federal stakeholders engaged and up to speed with the ever-changing aviation demands and technology.

The Aviation Division helps cities and counties to obtain and disburse federal and state funds for relief and general aviation airports included in the 300-airport Texas Airport System Plan (TASP). The division also participates in the FAA State Block Grant Program, through which it implements a federal improvement program for general aviation airports.

This position will be based in our state-of-the-art headquarters in South Austin. For more info on our new location, please view our Stassney Campus Preview .

Effective 9/1/2024 (FY2025) the salary range for this position will be updated to reflect new salary limits. Please go to the Texas State Auditor's Office - Salary Schedules to see the changes.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include:

• Low Turnover
• Retirement Pension
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Paid Leave/Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees
• On the Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program/Wellness Leave Incentives
• Career Development Programs/Opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Directs and oversees the activities of the Emerging Technologies section of the Aviation division. Responsible for executing agency efforts to integrate emerging technologies and entrants into the State aviation system. Supervises a team of professional and technical employees responsible for research, policy development, infrastructure planning, and stakeholder engagement. Reports to the Director of the Aviation Division Work requires extensive contact with high level executives, government officials, community groups and private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self- supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product

Essential Duties:

• Supervises TxDOT employees by assigning duties; authorizing personnel actions; approving leave requests; conducting career conversations; and motivating team to accomplish established goals.
• Collaborates and coordinates with relevant agencies to develop framework for emerging aviation technologies operations within the state, including vertiports, airspace management and emergency protocols.
• Conducts research and feasibility studies for potential AAM vertiport locations.
• Develops and manages Emerging Aviation Technologies budget.
• Drafts and reviews proposed legislation and directs the implementation of legislations and regulations related to emerging aviation technologies.
• Coordinates with law enforcement and emergency responders on emerging aviation technologies safety protocols.
• Develops or oversees the development of public outreach campaigns and communications strategies to educate stakeholders and public about benefits and potential impacts of emerging aviation technologies.
• Track industry developments and keep abreast of guidelines, standards and applicable regulations.
• Conducts, collects and analyzes data related to emerging aviation technologies operations to track progress and inform decision making.
• Represents the Department at national, state and local governmental and public entities concerning emerging aviation technologies.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.

Experience (experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent):

• 6 years of experience in aviation or transportation planning, emerging technologies research and analysis or related work.
• Must have two (2) years supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

Substitutions: Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA 107 UAS pilot certification preferred (If candidate is not certified, they will be required to attain certification within 6 months of hiring.)

Competencies:

Extensive knowledge of:

• Statewide air transportation plan
• Aviation services programs
• Program planning and implementation
• Developing, implementing and monitoring budgets and resources
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Emerging aviation technologies practices and guidelines
• Emerging technology implementation processes and procedures

Proficient skill in:

• Supervising professional and technical staff
• Communicating complex ideas and information clearly, concisely, and effectively
• Developing and giving presentations
• Maintaining a safe working environment
• Interpreting and analyzing legislation, rules, and regulations
• The use of personal computers and applicable programs, applications and systems
• Communicate effectively

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work - Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Hearing - perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
• Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)