Airport Heavy Equipment Operator

Hourly pay range: $22.82-$32.00

Posting expires: October 14, 2026

Position Summary: 
Repairs and maintains concrete and asphalt surfaces that includes runways, aircraft parking ramps and roadways. Operates and maintains heavy construction equipment such as bucket loaders, track dozers, backhoes, excavators, tandem dump trucks and other specialized equipment. Operates tractor-trailer combinations, transporting equipment and materials. Ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations and FFA Part 139 and DHS guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Plans, constructs, and repairs airfields pavements, roadways, streets, curbs and parking ramps using heavy mechanized equipment and paving and surfacing procedures to maintain safe, acceptable surfaces for aircraft and vehicle operations.

Evaluates soil, aggregate, asphalt, and concrete mixtures before using in repairs and maintenance. Makes repairs to runways, taxiways and safe areas to meet FAA guidelines.

Utilizes various tractor combinations, specialized mowers and other heavy equipment to manage and maintain vegetation around the airport on flat surfaces and slopes. Some slopes may angel up to 30 degrees.

Determines the type of equipment requirement for maintenance and repairs operations.

Operates snow and ice removal equipment to maintain normal flight operations.

Applies chemicals and other ice control products to speed thawing and reduce the use of mechanical equipment.

Inspects, lubricates and performs operator maintenance on construction and snow removal equipment. Adjusts and changes attachments on equipment. Reports any discrepancies to supervisor and fleet maintenance for repairs.

Investigates scheduled work areas for safety and equipment requirements. Applies engineered performance standards to plan and sequence work. 

Qualifications

• Knowledge is mandatory of characteristics, capabilities, operations and maintenance of equipment used in construction, paving and vegetation management; soil types, aggregates, properties, limitations, and compaction methods, soil stabilization, drainage and erosion control; construction and maintenance of asphalt and concrete surfaces; landscaping, safety and environmental concerns.
• Must have basic mechanical knowledge and skills to perform operator maintenance and lubrications
• Must have manual dexterity to operate levers and pedals simultaneously with both hands and feet
• High School Diploma or GED
• Possess a valid CDL, class B or higher; with current DOT medical
• Knowledge of mobile devices to receive and complete work orders
• Must be able to obtain a FAA AMA certification with 90 days of hire
• Must be able to successfully complete required physical and federal agency background check

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (COA) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.