Padavan spent 30 years as a reserve member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, attaining the rank of colonel. During his military career, Padavan served as commanding officer of the 411th Engineer Brigade and chief of staff, 77th ARCOM, headquarters for New York State's Army Reserve. He was a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College and completed the Defense Strategy Course.[4]
In 1968, Padavan was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, a position in which he remained until his election to the State Senate in 1972.[3] He was a member of the New York State Senate from 1973 to 2010.[5]