Maintenance Equipment Operator I

Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority•Grand Rapids, MI

6h•Onsite

About The Position

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. This position 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. It also involves maintaining runways, taxiways, air-carrier ramp, and other Airfield areas and structures in compliance with FAA Rules and Regulations, ensuring the Airfield is free from any hazards to aircraft.

Requirements

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.
Skill and experience in the operation of equipment, including snowplows, snow blowers, brooms, and ability to follow Airfield snow removal protocols and practices.
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.
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.
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.
Employees must be able and available to work overtime and are required to work any and all scheduled and unscheduled overtime, as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in airfield maintenance preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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.