Airfield Operations Specialist

Government of Northwest Territories; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Infrastructure seeks an Airfield Operations Specialist to maintain runways, taxiways, aprons and related airport infrastructure year-round. You will operate heavy equipment, perform inspections, and support winter maintenance to ensure safe aircraft movement and operational continuity.

Applicants must hold a Class 1 driver’s license with air brake endorsement and have completed the 2-year Airfield Operations Specialist Training Program,

Qualifications

• Experience in airfield maintenance operations and safety practices.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment near active aircraft.
• Completion of the 2-year Airfield Operations Specialist Training Program.
• Valid Class 1 driver's license with air brake endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Perform airfield maintenance and inspections of runways, taxiways, and related infrastructure.
• Operate heavy equipment and support winter maintenance and emergency response.
• Prepare reports and communicate conditions to airside personnel.
• Ensure compliance with aviation safety procedures in a high-risk environment.

Skills

Airfield operations

Heavy equipment operation

Emergency response readiness

Safety procedures

Education

Airfield Operations Specialist Training Program

Class 1 Driver's License with Air Brake Endorsement

Job description

Department Information

The Department of Infrastructure (INF) provides high quality services to the public and Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) departments, boards and agencies including the planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of public transportation infrastructure and the buildings, works and equipment required for the GNWT to deliver its programs and services. INF makes essential petroleum products available for sale to the public where these products are not provided by the private sector, and promotes the development and increased use of energy efficient technologies. INF also regulates electrical and mechanical safety services and licenses individuals and vehicles operating in the territory.

For more information please refer to the Department of Infrastructure website at http://www.inf.gov.nt.ca/

Job Information

The Airfield Operations Specialist is responsible for airfield maintenance, inspection, reporting, heavy equipment operation, and operational support activities required to maintain runways, taxiways, aprons, airside roads, drainage systems, lighting systems, and associated airport infrastructure in a safe and serviceable condition year-round. This position is also responsible for the provision of winter maintenance operations, runway condition reporting, emergency response activities, airside operational inspections, and infrastructure maintenance activities that directly affect aircraft operational capability, airport accessibility, operational continuity, and public safety.

This position operates in a high-risk aviation environment requiring continuous coordination, situational awareness, and compliance with airside operational procedures while operating heavy equipment in close proximity to active aircraft operations.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and/or the ability to acquire and apply knowledge of airfield maintenance operations, airport operational procedures, and aviation safety practices required to maintain aircraft movement areas in a safe and operational condition year-round.
• Knowledge of winter runway maintenance operations including snow and ice control, runway contamination management, friction management, sanding operations, and chemical application procedures.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operating capabilities, equipment limitations, load capacities, traction limitations, stability requirements, attachment operation, and safe equipment operation within active aircraft movement areas.
• Skill in the operation, monitoring, and basic servicing of specialized heavy equipment and maintenance vehicles used in airport operations including snow removal equipment, sweepers, graders, loaders, skid steers, tractors, sanding units, chemical application equipment, and associated hydraulic and non-hydraulic attachments.
• Organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize operational activities, adapt to changing operational demands, and respond effectively to emergency situations and operational disruptions with limited time for consultation.

Typically attained by:

• Three (3) years of experience as an equipment operator (loader, grader, skid steer and plow truck).

Equivalencies:

• Three (3) years of experience as an equipment operator in any environment which would include experience operating Forklifts, Water/Sewer Trucks, Fuel Truck, Airfield Service Equipment or Street Sweepers

Additional Requirements:

• A Class 1 driver’s license with Air Brake Endorsement.
• Completion of a 2-year Airfield Operations Specialist Training Program (provided by the employer).
• Transport Canada security clearance through a Criminal Records Check (RAIC) within three (3) months of hire.
• Operational certifications including Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP), Radio Operator Certificate and other operational qualifications required for airport operations within three (3) months of hire.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel [phone] Extension 14106
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.

Indigenous Employment Policy

Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Criminal Records Check

Candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal record check.Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.

Driver's License Requirement

A mandatory requirement for this position is a valid Class 1 Driver's License with air endorsement.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.

Eligibility

Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.

Equivalencies

Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.

Job Opening Information

Closing Date: September 11, 2026 - 23:59, MountainTime

Salary Information

The salary for this position starts at $47.40 per hour (approximately $98,592 per annum) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.