Job Details

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for the position of Airfield Maintenance and Operations Specialist. This full-time position performs a variety of general and skilled duties as needed to ensure timely maintenance, repair and upkeep of airport runways, associated pavements, and airport property grounds, vehicles and buildings. Works under the general supervision of the Facilities Manager and Airfield Operations Lead(s).

Performs general maintenance and specialized skilled work on related to upkeep, maintenance and repair of airport facilities, including electrical systems, high voltage airfield lighting, plumbing, grounds, runways, taxiways and navigation aid light systems; performs airfield pavement maintenance, runway striping, and fence repairs; coordinates access and escort procedures for contractors and vendors working on the airfield.

Responsible for day-to-day compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations, including (but not limited to) FAR Part 139, FAR Part 77, TSR 1540 and 1542, and other applicable laws and regulations governing the operation of commercial service Airports. Conducts daily inspections of runways, taxiways and ramps; conducts periodic inspections of airport lighting, sprinkling, and irrigation systems, fuel storage, equipment condition, navigational equipment and weather reporting equipment; ensures daily operational status of the airfield; monitors runways and surrounding surfaces for "Foreign Object Debris" (FOD) to ensure safety of flight operations.

Performs seasonal duties as needed to maintain airport environs; performs snow removal, weed abatement, mowing, etc.; utilizes various hand and power tools in the maintenance of runways, lighting system, facilities upkeep; irrigation, pruning, transplanting, and grooming airport plants, trees, lawn, shrubs, and general surroundings.

Operates heavy equipment such as tractor, dump truck, snowplow, sander, motor grader, dual engine rotary snow blower and pick-up truck; operators hand equipment such as mowers, chain saws etc., as required; inspects vehicles and equipment daily and performs routine maintenance; takes and evaluates runway braking action reports, and determines corrective actions required; maintains logs and records on airport vehicles and equipment; advises supervisor on equipment and vehicle requirements and needs, could be required to review specifications for equipment or vehicles, cleans up fuel spills.

Performs seasonal pest and weed control; eliminates or controls weed and shrub growth applying chemicals or operating cutting and trimming equipment.

Performs wildlife hazard and vegetation management; makes and records periodic observations regarding wildlife activity; utilizes various methods to prevent bird strikes and related hazards; performs TSA-required perimeter checks of grounds and security sweeps.

Cleans and maintains facilities; monitors, orders, inventories and stocks cleaning materials, maintenance supplies, tools and equipment.

Coordinates with off airport agencies, such as the Fire Department, Police & EMS; responds to aircraft and airport emergencies, could be required to act as incident commander until relieved, and in the absence of higher airport authority, could be required to oversees airfield operations, and must be prepared to make decisions affecting airfield operations. Employees in this position are considered Essential Personnel and are subject to emergency call back for weather events, airport emergencies, or as deemed necessary by the Airport Director.

Maintains equipment storage building and area; performs general housekeeping duties as needed to insure a safe environment and organized stocking of airport equipment and supplies. Maintains all documentation and records in accordance with Federal Regulations and applicable record retention rules.

Performs other duties as may be required.

1. Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; AND four (4) years experience in equipment operations and general maintenance, including electrical, plumbing, and pavement repair; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of FAR Part 139, FAR Part 77, TSR 1540 & 1542, airport maintenance and operation, and security program required of air carrier airports; TSA requirements and regulations in relation to airport grounds and runways; principles, methods and tools used in airport maintenance; FAA required airport surface vehicular and aircraft control, including ground control radio procedures and light signals; basic electronics and electrical and plumbing repairs; of hazards and safety precautions and practices; chemical applications effective in weed and pest control; safety regulations related to airfield maintenance and operations; basic FAA regulations related to air traffic management; basic personal computer operations and standard applications. Working knowledge of interpersonal and public relations practices; effective customer service methods.

Skill in communication both orally and in writing; the operation of various types of light to heavy equipment, i.e., loaders, trucks, sweepers, etc.

Ability to perform general and possibly some minor skilled maintenance tasks in electrical and plumbing repair; to perform general maintenance work; to operate various hand tools; to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; to instruct, train and supervise the work of others. Ability to operate heavy equipment including front-end loader, dump truck, snowplow, snow blower, and possibly other heavy equipment. Ability to understand when to contact other city departments for instruction, help, or when a project should be turned over to another department or outside agencies for completion; learn and follow rigid standards and codes related to airport grounds maintenance and repair; ability to work independently and with limited supervision.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must pass a drug and alcohol screen prior to employment and periodically thereafter.

Must possess a valid Driver's License.

Must be able to maintain Airfield Driving privileges.

May be required to become Licensed Applicator of Herbicides and Pesticides by State of Idaho.

Must pass TSA - required 10 year background check and criminal history records check.

Works inside and outside, with periodic exposure to inclement weather. Work can be strenuous, requiring bending, squatting, stooping, reaching, heavy lifting and carrying objects weighing 60 pounds, climbing ladders, crawling in confined spaces. Is exposed to possibility of cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones, burns, unpleasant odors, fumes, germs, bacteria, sprays and loud noises. Schedule requires the ability to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular shifts based on the needs of the Airport. Employee may be called out in emergency situations.