Airfield Equipment Operator

YYC; Calgary; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Calgary Airport Authority is seeking an airfield equipment operator to keep Calgary’s facilities safe and efficient. You will operate runway sweepers, snowplows, and other machinery, performing maintenance and supporting airfield operations year-round.

A strong focus on safety and the ability to work in diverse weather conditions is essential. A Class 3 driver’s license with Air Brake Endorsement and an AVOP/ROC-A pathway are required or pursued as part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid Class 3 Driver’s Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement and a clean driving record.
• 1–3 years of experience operating heavy equipment in airport or similar environment.
• Ability to work a 24/7 rotating shift schedule.
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required.
• Ability to obtain AVOP and ROC-A.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy, medium, and light-duty equipment to maintain airside and groundside infrastructure year-round.
• Perform manual labour and equipment servicing tasks (e.g., changing broom cores, replacing plow blades).
• Pavement patching of airfield surfaces and related facilities.
• Maintain airport security fencing, gates, signage, and surfaces.
• Adhere to strict safety protocols and regulations to prevent accidents.
• Support operations during adverse weather and emergency responses.
• Participate in the Foreign Object Debris (FOD) control program.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Airfield operations

Safety protocols

Rotating shifts

Teamwork

Bilingual English-French

Education

High school diploma or GED

Heavy Equipment Operators Certificate (preferred)

Tools

AVOP

ROC-A

Job description

Powered by heart and dedicated to excellence, we’re the team that keeps Calgary connected – and you could be our newest member.

We’re in the business of uplifting people, and every day, we create runways to new places and possibilities, building a better airport experience for everyone.

WHAT’S THE TEAM LIKE

An airfield equipment operator plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of airport facilities. They are responsible for operating and maintaining various machinery, such as runway sweepers, snowplows, snowblowers, grass cutters, paint carts, and asphalt patching equipment to keep the airfield in optimal condition. With a keen eye for detail and a strict adherence to safety protocols, these operators contribute significantly to the efficiency and reliability of airport operations.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate heavy, medium, and light-duty equipment to maintain airport airside and groundside infrastructure, surfaces, and facilities throughout the year.
• Perform manuallabourand equipment servicing tasks, including changing broom cores, replacing plow blades, and preparing equipment for operational readiness.
• Pavement patching of airfield surfaces, groundside surfaces and various operationally required facilities, including anything from fences to roadways.
• Maintain airport security fencing, gates, signage, and airside and groundside surfaces to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Adhere to strict safety protocols and regulations to prevent serious accidents and ensure the safety of all personnel and aircraft.
• Support airport operations during adverse weather events and emergency response situations by assisting with snow and ice control, debris removal, and other critical airfield maintenance activities.
• Participate in an extensive FOD (Foreign Object Debris) control program.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP) and Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A).
• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) equivalent. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Minimum one (1) to three (3) years of experience operating heavy equipment in an airport, aviation, municipal, construction, transportation, or similarly complex operational environment. Previous experience in airfield operations, airport maintenance, ground handling, airline operations, or other safety-sensitive operational settings is considered a strong asset. Heavy Equipment Operators Certificate from an accredited program may be accepted in lieu of experience.
• Valid Class 3 Driver’s Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement and a satisfactory drivers abstract. Candidates must maintain these qualifications throughout their employment.
• Ability to work a 24/7 rotating shift schedule, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, statutory holidays, overtime, and on-call assignments as operationally required.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a variety of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, wind, rain, snow, and other challenging weather conditions.
• Strong commitment to safety, with proven decision-making abilities and a demonstrated track record of following safe work practices in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, operational demands, and emergency situations within a dynamic airport environment.
• As a safety-sensitive position, successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required as a condition of employment.

WHAT ADDITIONAL SKILLS ARE AN ASSET

• Bilingual proficiency in English and French.
• Mechanical aptitude and a strong understanding of equipment operation, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate, inspect, and maintain heavy equipment while consistently adhering to established procedures, regulatory requirements, and workplace safety standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive, respectful, and productive working relationships withing large teams.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on supporting operational effectiveness and overall team success.
• Ability to quickly understand, follow, and implement directions and procedures in a timely and effective manner.

WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO US

We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines, and our crew thrive both at work and at home. We believe that deliberate steps such as creating a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, equitable to all, and actively and diligently taking steps along the path to reconciliation are the keys to making this a reality.

OUR VALUES

We prioritize genuine concern and compassion for everyone we engage with, from our team members to our partners and guests, always striving to help and support one another.

We actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making and collaboratively tackle challenges.

We work together with trust and transparency, supporting one another to achieve the collective goals of our organization.

We grow, evolve, and adapt with purpose, continually aligning our actions with our vision.

We embrace curiosity and boldly challenge the status quo, exploring new opportunities and taking thoughtful, responsible risks that drive purposeful innovation.