Maintenance Equipment Operator I

We invite individuals who are enthusiastic about the aviation industry and dedicated to providing a world-class experience to apply. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, supports each other's development, and embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.

Serving as Michigan's second busiest airport and recognized as one of the best small airports in the country by USA Today, Gerald R. Ford International Airport stands as a testament to West Michigan's vibrant growth. The airport serves over four million passengers annually, with seven commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 30 destinations. As a vital economic engine in the region, it supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes over $7 billion to the economy each year.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has received multiple awards from Airports Council International World's 2023 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, including Best airport 2 to 5 million passengers in North America; Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff in North America; Easiest Airport Journey in North America; Most Enjoyable Airport in North America; and Cleanest Airport in North America. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport is committed to creating an exceptional travel experience for our passengers while fostering growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan. Our team is dedicated, passionate, and focused on innovation, making it a great place to build a rewarding career.

Summer Hours - Monday through Friday Day Shift, 4 ten hour shifts vary / Winter Hours - includes evenings, weekends and/or holidays and are not limited to a standard Monday through Friday schedule.

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation of heavy and light duty trucks, tractors, large or commercial grade snow removal equipment, lawn equipment, small power equipment and tools required to maintain Aircraft Operating Area, airport grounds, airport access-ways, parking lots, walkways, and internal street systems. Maintains runways, taxiways, air-carrier ramp, and other Airfield areas and structures in compliance with FAA Rules and Regulations. Ensures that the Airfield is free from any hazards to aircraft.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Listed examples are illustrative and representative of the tasks required of this classification but are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list for this position.
 

• Operates a variety of vehicles including front-end loaders, dump trucks, mowers, and equipment with attachments to clear snow and ice from runways, taxiways, air carrier ramps, and other airfield surfaces.
• Requires skill and experience in the operation of equipment, including snowplows, snow blowers, brooms, and ability to follow Airfield snow removal protocols and practices.
• Operates tractors, graders, brush-hogs, bulldozers, back hoes, trenchers, flail mowers, and other equipment used to maintain access-ways, grasslands, slopes, wetlands and drainage ditches.
• Operates jackhammers, concrete saws, crack sealing equipment, and asphalt rollers to repair, remove, and or, replace damaged or deteriorated pavement and joints from runways, taxiways, air carrier ramp, parking lots, roadways, walkways, access-ways, and other airfield/land-side surfaces. 
• Operates paint striping vehicles and walk-behind paint-stripers to paint walkways, parking lots, roadways, and all surface lines and safety markings.
• Performs daily vehicle inspections of all vehicles and heavy equipment prior to each use.
• Repairs fences, gates and other airport security features and fixtures.
• Removes wildlife and other hazards from the airfield.
• Performs general maintenance, such as trash pickup, pavement scrubbing and power washing of grounds, ramps, parking structures, etc.
• Operates lawn mowers, weed whips, blowers, and edgers for maintenance of all airport grass areas. 
• Maintains, repairs, and installs automated sprinkling/irrigation system.

REQURIED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• High school diploma or GED combined with a minimum of two years’ experience in operating equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend all safety rules, regulations and requirements related to the work.
• Ability to read and interpret Manufacturers’ Operating Manuals for equipment, vehicles, hand-held equipment and power tools.
• Basic knowledge of landscape and grounds maintenance practices.
• Basic knowledge of pavement maintenance and repair practices.
• Skill in the use and operation of manual and power tools commonly used in landscape and grounds maintenance, and removal and repair of concrete and asphalt pavement.
• Ability to operate two-way radios and other communications devices.
• Working knowledge of standard operator safety practices.
• Prior experience in airfield maintenance preferred.

NOTES: 

1. Candidate must be able to pass required FBI fingerprint-based Criminal History Record check in addition to pre-hire and random drug and alcohol screenings.
2. Employees in this classification are required to possess and maintain a valid, Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements. An employee who does not possess a valid CDL class B with Airbrake Endorsement at the time of hire must be able to obtain one within twelve (12) months of the date of hire. Maintaining a valid CDL requires continuous physical ability to pass the required physical examination and participation in random drug testing.
3. Employees are required to be available and on-call 24 hours per day, seven days per week to respond to airport emergencies and seasonal weather conditions.
4. Employees must be able and available to work overtime and are required to work any and all scheduled and unscheduled overtime, as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to enter and exit all truck and equipment.
• Must be able to raise, lower, properly position and attach auxiliary equipment and components with or without mechanical or other assistance.
• Must be able to simultaneously operate two-way radios, steering mechanisms, vehicle controls and levers operating plow blades, snow blowers, brooms, mower blades and other equipment and vehicle attachments.
• Must be able to descend to and ascent form a kneeling position and bend from the waist in order to access vehicle components and systems, paving and joint components, irrigation system components and other Airfield features and fixtures.
• Must possess sufficient dexterity and ability to rotate wrists, elbows, and shoulders to employ manual and power tools commonly used in airfield maintenance and repair.
• Must possess sufficient visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to properly identify vehicles and objects on runways, taxiways, and other Airfield surfaces, and to read diagrams, drawings, schematics, and other visual layouts.
• Must possess sufficient auditory acuity, with or without audiological appliances, for proper communication using, cell phones and two-way radios.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to fuels and other petroleum products, lubricants, deicers, degreasers, coolants, solvents, asphalt, and other compounds used in Airfield Operations and Maintenance.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to dust, dirt, vehicle exhaust fumes and other airborne contaminants.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme noise levels.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
• Must be able to wear protective clothing and equipment as required.