Airfield Equipment Operator (AEO)

Calgary Airport Authority; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Calgary Airport Authority is seeking an Airfield Equipment Operator to support runway and airfield operations on a rotating shift. You’ll operate and maintain heavy, medium and light equipment, including runway sweepers, snowplows and patching gear, with strict safety practices.

Candidates must hold a valid Class 5 driver’s license, be able to obtain an AVOP, and pass pre-employment testing. 1–3 years of experience is preferred; bilingual English/French is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proficient in operating heavy, medium and light equipment used for airfield maintenance.
• Commitment to safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and on-call duties in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy, medium and light equipment to maintain all airport surface structures on an annual basis.
• Performs labour tasks such as changing broom cores, replacing blades, and preparing equipment for use.
• Patches pavement on airfield surfaces and related facilities; maintains fences, gates and signage.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety conscious

Teamwork

Adverse weather work

On-call shifts

Education

Class 5 driver’s license

AVOP (Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit)

Tools

AVOP

Air brake endorsement

Job description

Status: Term (September 2026 – April 2027)

Number of positions available: Multiple

Closing Date: September 10, 2026

WHY CALGARY AIRPORTS

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 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

• Operates heavy, medium and light equipment to maintain all airport surface structures on an annual basis.
• Perform labour work such as changing broom cores, replacing plow blades, and preparing equipment for its next use.
• Pavement patching of airfield surfaces, groundside surfaces and various operationally required facilities, including anything from fences to roadways.
• Assisting with repair and maintenance of fences, gates and signage.
• Adhere to strict safety protocols and regulations to prevent serious accidents and ensure the safety of all personnel and aircraft.
• Participate in extensive FOD (Foreign Object Debris) control program.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP).
• 1 – 3 years’ heavy equipment operating experience
• This role includes driving as part of its duties; therefore, candidates will be required to provide a valid Class 5 driver’s license and a current driver’s abstract as part of the hiring process.
• Have and be able to maintain a valid Class 1 or 3 driver’s license with air brake endorsement
• As this position is considered safety-sensitive, candidates must successfully complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing as part of the hiring process.
• Ability to work a rotating shift schedule and be on call

WHAT ADDITIONAL SKILLS ARE AN ASSET

• Bilingual in English and French
• Mechanical aptitude would be considered an asset
• Strong safety focus, as shown in your decisions and behaviours
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a dynamic team
• Ability to build and maintain positive and respectful working relationships
• Capacity to show critical thinking skills and behavior to ensure overall team success
• Demonstrated ability to take direction and implement instructions in a timely mannerDemonstrated ability to represent our Crew in a positive, professional, efficient and productive manner at all times

  WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO US

  We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines and our crew thrives 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.