Airfield Equipment Operator

City of Boise; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boise seeks an experienced airport maintenance technician to keep field operations compliant with FAA regulations. This hands‑on role covers heavy equipment operation, stormwater inspections, herbicide application, and security‑restricted area escorts, all under supervision. The position requires a CDL and background checks.

Work four 10‑hour shifts, maintain runway/taxiway surfaces, perform inspections, and support safety programs in a dynamic airfield environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of experience with heavy equipment or general maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction equipment to maintain airport infields, runways, and taxiways.
• Perform stormwater inspections and maintenance; respond to incidents.
• Paint runways, taxiways and other areas; apply glass beads for FAA reflectivity.
• Provide escort services in Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA).
• Respond to incidents and perform safety inspections.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

Maintenance experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary Statement

Plays a hands‑on role in keeping the City of Boise airfield running safely and smoothly, in line with FAA regulations. This is a ground‑level opportunity for skilled trades workers to maintain and protect critical airfield systems, working under direct supervision as part of a tight‑knit team. The position works four days a week, 10‑hour shifts.

Benefits

City employees enjoy a top‑notch zero‑premium healthcare option for you and your family. Plus, a retirement plan that provides a lifetime annuity, investment matching, a cash‑incentive wellness program, public employee student loan forgiveness, paid parental leave, and more. We’re famous for unparalleled benefits— come see why everyone’s talking!

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of experience working with heavy equipment or general maintenance experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state‑issued driver's license.
• Ability to complete airport driver training/certification.
• Valid Idaho Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Transportation Security Administration background check (SIDA)
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre‑employment drug test.
• Persons in this position must have a CDL that can handle a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of the towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.

Essential Functions

Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher‑level staff.
Operates heavy construction equipment to maintain airport infields, runways, and taxiways. Performs stormwater inspections, reporting and maintenance. Cleans and maintains areas to eliminate foreign object debris. Applies herbicides. Responds to any spills. Provides escort services in Security Identification
Display Areas (SIDA). Responds to incidents and performs safety inspections.
Paints runways, taxiways and other airport areas. Applies glass beads to meet FAA-required reflectivity. Performs general maintenance, inspection, and light repair of specialized equipment. Diagnoses and analyzes equipment problems or failures.
Conducts certification inspections and implements required corrective actions.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of: safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, backhoes and snowplows; relevant equipment and implements related to painting equipment and tools; herbicide application; entry‑level trade, construction, and groundskeeping skills.
Ability to: operate vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and efficiently, including during times of low visibility and heavy fog; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Three years of experience working with heavy equipment in a construction environment, performing maintenance and repairs.
Knowledge of use of airfields, taxiways, runways, movement and non‑movement areas, i ncluding runway stencils and taxiway markings, and compass rose lines; metal fabrication and welding; hand tools used in the electrical and related trades principles and practices; use of ground and tower radios ; lighting, circuitry, signs and electrical system maintenance.
H erbicide Applicators License

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds, frequently lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds, occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds. The noise level is always moderate, frequently loud and occasionally very loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Work is performed in and around ice, snow, traffic, uneven surfaces, walkways, wind, wildlife, insects, wet and slippery surfaces. Additional environmental conditions include: arc flash, welding spatter, welding smoke, molten metal, high pressure fluids.

This position works: extended shifts (greater than 12 hrs.), and requires incumbents to respond to work within one hour for snow removal or in emergency response situations.