Job Description

Development Assistant – Aviation Development

Location: Flexible

Company: Ascend Aviation Services (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sky Harbour Group)

Compensation: $95,000-$110,000 annually

Position Overview

Ascend Aviation Services is seeking a Development Assistant to support aviation development projects during the pre-construction phase. This role will assist senior development leadership in managing site evaluation, entitlements, permitting, and regulatory coordination for aviation facilities. The Development Assistant will gain hands-on exposure to FAA regulations, municipal approvals, and aviation-specific development processes while supporting multiple projects from early concept through readiness for construction.

This position is ideal for a development or pre-construction professional with foundational experience in aviation, infrastructure, or complex commercial development who is looking to grow into a senior role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support due diligence efforts such as ALTA surveys, geotechnical investigations, environmental reviews (Phase I/II), airspace analyses. pre-construction activities from initial site evaluation through entitlement and permitting.
• Maintain entitlement and permitting matrices across multiple jurisdictions and projects.
• Assist with zoning, land use, and entitlement documentation and tracking.
• Coordinate with municipalities, airport authorities, and state/federal agencies under the direction of senior development leadership.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, airport authority requirements, and aviation development standards.
• Support coordination with architects, engineers, consultants, and internal stakeholders during planning and design development.
• Assist with document control and version management for drawings, reports, and regulatory submissions; help develop and maintain pre-construction schedules, budgets, and milestone deliverables.
• Support development leadership with data analysis, market research, and site benchmarking as needed.
• Track permitting timelines and identify potential risks or delays for escalation to senior leadership.
• Prepare meeting materials, regulatory submissions, and project documentation.
• Support the transition of projects to the Project Management team once construction is authorized.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development and entitlement processes, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Aviation Management, Planning, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in development, pre-construction, construction management, or infrastructure-related roles.
• Working knowledge of entitlement processes, permitting, zoning, or regulatory approvals (aviation experience preferred but not required).
• Familiarity with aviation-specific planning concepts such as ALP coordination, Part 77 airspace, and airport minimum standards, FAA regulations, airport authority requirements, or public-agency coordination is a plus.
• Exposure to aviation or infrastructure projects such as hangars, terminals, maintenance facilities, or industrial developments is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, civil drawings, architectural drawings, and zoning codes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-project development environment.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to learn complex regulatory and development processes within aviation development or project management
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with project tracking or scheduling tools is a plus.

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