Airfield Operations Technician

Missoula County Airport Authority Job Posting

Salary: $29.76/HR

Department: Airfield

Scheduling/Hours of Work: Regular Full Time, 40 Hours Per Week

Bargaining Unit: MFPE

Closing Date: Oct.19, 2025

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Maintenance or designee, this position is responsible for ensuring the safety of the flying public by performing preventative maintenance on all airfield pavements, signs, lights, markings and nav aids, as well as snow removal, grass cutting, perimeter security, and making sure that the Airport meets all FAA Part 139 criteria.

Essential Duties

The following are intended to illustrate typical duties; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive:

• Snow removal from critical airfield areas and other areas of the airport pursuant to the most current Airport Snow and Ice Control Plan.
• Performs seasonal ground maintenance which includes cleaning up debris, repair of lighting and signage. Waters and mows lawns, keeps irrigation ground equipment in working condition. Applies fertilizer, insecticides, and weed sprays as directed.
• Constructs, repairs and maintains asphalt and concrete facilities and surfaces. Operates airfield painter for markings on the runways/taxiways and also landside on the streets.
• Constructs, repairs and maintains electrical systems, lights and signs.
• Performs technical system maintenance duties such as carpentry, maintenance, wiring, plumbing and painting.
• Records and maintains records pertaining to the preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment, systems and associated facilities.
• Operates heavy equipment such as dump trucks, loaders, field mowers, as well as snow removal equipment.
• Performs routine housekeeping duties; washes, polishes, services and repairs facilities and equipment.
• Uses radios to maintain contact with other personnel for communication and safety purposes.
• Assists with response to emergency incidents, including the evacuation of endangered persons from hazardous locales.
• Performs periodic safety inspections on all airport property and equipment. Completes appropriate documents for reporting of airport conditions and inspections.
• Staff and operates the Snow Operations desk. Enforces Airport Rules and Regulations on Airport Authority premises.

Other Duties

Performs related duties as required or directed.

Supervision Received

Under the general direction of the Director of Maintenance or designee.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Physical/Environmental Demands

Work environment is dictated by the activities of the airport; duties will occur both indoors and outdoors, under possible adverse weather conditions. Extended periods in difficult work environments may occur as a result of emergency conditions and weather conditions. Position will experience short notice shift changes. The position may intermittently be subject to stress as a result of critical time schedules, human behavior, and emergency conditions. This position will be required to work shift work, including nights, weekends and This position is subject to work outside traditional hours and extended operating days. Overtime is frequently required. Regularly requires lifting up to 30 pounds and requires occasional heavy lifting, up to 75. Requires standing, climbing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, reaching, stooping, crouching, kneeling, crawling, balancing, reaching overhead, pulling, pushing, and shoveling. Raises, lowers and climbs ladders. Requires worker to perform duties above and below ground Requires work in close quarters. Work environment noise level is frequently loud. Requires hearing which falls within normal limits for both pure tone and speech, per audiogram. Works around 480, 3 phase power and electric generating May be exposed to toxic chemicals, noxious odors and vibrations due to the nature of the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge: Requires basic knowledge of word processing and date entry tools. Firm working knowledge of safety precautions necessary to operate motorized equipment. Firm working knowledge in the use of heavy equipment. Skills: Skill in the use of heavy equipment. Abilities: Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language. Ability to perform manual labor under adverse weather conditions. Ability to work overtime as required and respond to call-ins in a timely manner as required. Ability to follow policies and procedures; complete tasks correctly and on time; uphold organizational values. Ability to communicate routine, factual information and/or answer routine questions; exchange detailed information in order to resolve various problems; tailors communications to effectively reach the target audience; verifies understanding of issues or conversations to prevent miscommunication. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with co-workers in order to work as a cohesive unit to enhance workflow and work quality. Ability to exhibit emotional stability and remain calm in stressful environments. Ability to adapt to changing conditions, solve varied problems, using knowledge and skills and general standards and past practices. Ability to pass a personal background investigation. Ability to identify operational problems with specialized equipment and determine resolution.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. and Associate degree in either diesel technology or heavy equipment operation. Experience: Three years' experience working on or operating heavy equipment. Special Requirements: Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or ability to obtain within six months. A background investigation and fingerprinting will be required for this position. Must have a valid Montana Drivers' License or ability to obtain within 30 days.