ARFF/Operations Technician

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

In this position, you need to be ready to make a difference when it matters most. You’ll play an important role in ensuring the safety of commercial and general aviation, airport facilities, visitors, and personnel. 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). You’ll also 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 and maintenance to vehicle repairs and more. Your commitment to safety and security will further establish DRO as a trusted hub for travelers and our community.

What You’ll Do in This Role: 

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Preferred certifications include AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter.
• 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 ARFF techniques and procedures and principles, practices, policies and procedures of airport operations.
• 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 and other equipment used to perform the essential functions of this job, including but not limited to friction monitoring equipment, snow plows, 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:

• 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 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: The City of Durango believes in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.

The City is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, projective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.