Airport Operations Specialist/Firefighter

City of Kelowna; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kelowna is seeking an Airport Operations Specialist/Firefighter at Kelowna International Airport. The role combines firefighting, airfield operations and incident response to ensure safe runways and grounds.

The position requires ARFF certification, MDO, radio/airside duties, and ability to obtain security clearances. Competitive wage and 12‑month temporary/permanent arrangement with day/night shifts.

Qualifications

• ARFF Certification as per CARs 323
• Maintenance Driver Operator Certification (MDO)
• Aeronautical Restricted Radio Operators License
• WHMIS
• Ability to obtain Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP)
• RAIC or ability to obtain Transport Canada Security Clearance
• First Medical Responder 3 with AED & Spinal
• Possession and Acquisition License (Firearms)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate
• Ability to travel to the United States
• BC Drivers License - Class 3 with Air Ticket

Responsibilities

• Provides aircraft rescue firefighting and first medical response services.
• Monitors multiple radio frequencies and phone communications within the Operations Room; dispatches and/or takes action on requests and concerns.
• Completes documentation on emergency calls, including relevant details, such as weather, ground conditions, etc.
• Reports current airfield conditions.
• Maintains a regular schedule of maintenance and site/equipment inspections. Completes accurate documentation.
• Operates a variety of light to heavy/specialized equipment to maintain safe runways, aprons, taxiways and other airside and groundside locations, including snow removal and the application of ice control chemicals.
• Performs landscape maintenance and wildlife control, litter pick-up, general clean-up, and other manual work functions.

Skills

Experience

Customer Service

Flexibility

Physical Ability

Education

High School graduation or equivalent

Job description

Airport Operations Specialist/Firefighter

Posting Information

• Posting Number: CK54258P
• Position Title: Airport Operations Specialist/Firefighter
• No. of Staff Required: 1
• Position Type: FT
• Position Groups: CUPE Airport
• Division: Airport (DV105)
• Department: Airport Operations Management (DP109)
• Branch: Airport Operation/Emergency Services (BR227)
• Purpose of Position: Non Union
• Classification Summary: Union

An Airport Operations Specialist /Firefighter operates specialized aircraft rescue firefighting apparatus to respond to aircraft, medical and other emergency calls associated with the airport under the supervision of the AOS /FF Crew Captain. An AOS /FF performs groundside and airside maintenance functions that involve equipment operation and various manual tasks, with an emphasis on proactive airport safety.

Duties

• Provides aircraft rescue firefighting and first medical response services.
• Monitors multiple radio frequencies and phone communications within the Operations Room; dispatches and/or takes action on requests and concerns.
• Completes documentation on emergency calls, including relevant details, such as weather, ground conditions, etc.
• Reports current airfield conditions.
• Maintains a regular schedule of maintenance and site/equipment inspections. Completes accurate documentation.
• Operates a variety of light to heavy/specialized equipment to maintain safe runways, aprons, taxiways and other airside and groundside locations, including snow removal and the application of ice control chemicals.
• Performs landscape maintenance and wildlife control, litter pick-up, general clean-up, and other manual work functions.

Results and Activities - Non union

• High School graduation or equivalent
• Current ARFF Certification as per CARs 323
• Maintenance Driver Operator Certification (MDO)
• Aeronautical Restricted Radio Operators License
• WHMIS
• Ability to obtain Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP)
• RAIC or the ability to obtain Transport Canada Security Clearance
• First Medical Responder 3 with AED & Spinal
• Possession and Acquisition License (Firearms)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Certificate
• Ability to travel to the United States
• BC Drivers License - Class 3 with Air Ticket

Knowledge - Non Union

• Experience
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Physical Ability

Skills & Abilities - Non Union

• Experience
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Physical Ability

Additional Hiring Information

• This position is a permanent and full-time position for up to 12 months

Pay Rate

Pay Rate Starts at $40.93 per hour with a 4-step progression to $45.34 per hour

Posting Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/13/2026

Days of Work

Shift rotation 4 on 4 off

Standard Hours per Day

12

Hours of Work

06:00 -18:00 days / 18:00 - 0600 nights

Work Location

KELOWNA INT'L AIRPORT - Airport Operations & Firefighting