Airport Operations & ARFF Technician

About the Position

The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is seeking a dedicated member to join our Airport Operations and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting crew as an Airport Operations & ARFF Technician.  

In this position, you’ll assist in the day-to-day operations of the airport by performing general operations and maintenance tasks that range from runway and terminal inspections to snow removal, parking lot customer service, vehicle and equipment repairs, and more.

In addition to your operational duties, you’ll play an important role in ensuring the safety of commercial and general aviation, airport facilities, visitors, and personnel. Ready to make a difference when it matters most, you’ll perform essential fire protection services, act as a first responder in medical emergencies, and provide security in the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). Your commitment to safety and security will further establish DRO as a trusted hub for travelers and our community.

Investing in Your Growth

To support your professional development, we offer a pay-for-certification program that encourages employees to pursue professional certifications for corresponding wage increases. Additionally, the airport funds the $3,000 cost of the initial 40-hour Basic Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Training course and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification (subject to a two-year employment commitment). You’ll also have the opportunity to earn an additional $500/month snowplow bonus between December 1st and March 31st each year.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Regularly inspect and maintain aircraft operating areas for safety and compliance with Federal Aviation Part 139 Regulations and Airport Certification Manual.*
• Enforce compliance with Airport Rules and Regulations, as well as the Airport Security Program.
• Inspect the terminal for maintenance issues and perform minor terminal repairs.
• Facilitate parking lot operations, perform parking equipment maintenance and repairs, and assist users with hardware and software issues.
• Patrol terminal curbside to ensure compliance with airport and TSA regulations, issuing citations for unattended vehicles.
• Operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on light and heavy equipment, including ARFF vehicles, forklifts, graders, backhoe, plow trucks, high speed brooms, rotary snow blowers, mowing equipment, and more.
• Ensure readiness for emergency response by inspecting and maintaining firefighter equipment and training physically and mentally for emergencies.
• Serve in an on-call capacity, responding to airport emergencies and performing aircraft rescue and firefighting during emergency incidents for general and commercial aviation clients.
• Serve as a first responder to medical emergencies.
• Perform mowing operations on airfield grounds and Runway Safety Area (RSA) surfaces to meet all regulatory requirements.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on equipment such as high voltage and taxiway lights, generators, gates, and mowers.
• Provide high-quality customer service to airport users and the airport community.

You Have: 

• Equivalent to completion of high school or GED and a valid state driver’s license.
• Minimum of one to two years relevant experience in aviation, airport operations, safety, security, firefighting, and/or rescue operations.
• Ability to complete basic ARFF Academy within 120 days of employment and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) certification within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations,
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, and all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Skill in operating and maintaining all specialized firefighting equipment and other equipment used to perform the essential functions of this job, including but not limited to friction monitoring equipment, snowplows, large rotary snow blowers, high-speed runway brooms, audio-visual equipment, and aircraft removal equipment.
• Availability to work the allocated hours of the position, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts for snow removal.

What We Can Offer You:

• Pay-for-certification program.  
• Airport funding your 40-hour Basic Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Training and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification.
• $500/month snowplow bonus eligibility between December 1st and March 31st of each year.
• Four-day work week.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.  
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.  
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage.  
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).  
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.  
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.