Airfield Maintenance Technician

The City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 70,833,000 - 82,179,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elkhart is hiring an Airfield Maintenance Technician to oversee the upkeep of all airfield surfaces and facilities in Elkhart, IN. The role covers snow and ice control, signage, lighting, mowing, wildlife control, and general maintenance under the Aviation Maintenance division.

Responsibilities include daily airfield inspections, coordination with ATC, and ensuring security and safety of airport operations at all times, reporting to the Airfield Maintenance Manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to pass airport driver training and winter operations courses.
• Experience or knowledge of FAA regulations is preferred.
• Ability to operate various heavy equipment and perform basic carpentry/electrical/plumbing work.
• Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within 180 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily airfield inspections and log results.
• Safely remove snow and ice from all airport surfaces.
• Maintain airport security at all times.
• Issue NOTAMs through ATC when necessary.
• Coordinate with ATC and manage access to the Airport Operating Area.
• Perform general maintenance on facilities, roads, and grounds.
• Maintain city-owned equipment and report concerns.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Communication skills

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Windows OS

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position:Airfield Maintenance Technician

Location: Elkhart, IN

Job Id:1072

# of Openings:1

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT

Aviation

POSITION

Airfield Maintenance Technician

DIVISION

Aviation Maintenance

STATUS

Full-time

CATEGORY

Hourly, AFSCME

PG 5- PG 9; ($24.72-$28.68)

FLSA

Non-exempt

REPORTS TO

Airfield Maintenance Manager

DATE

2026

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for all aspects of airfield maintenance, including all paved and unpaved areas, safety areas, marking, signs, lighting, snow and ice control duties, daily airfield inspections, obstructions, NAVAIDS, runway condition reports, mowing, wildlife control, and general maintenance/repair of all facilities and equipment. Works at the direction of the AMS and Airport Department Head. Responsible for identifying opportunities for collaboration in the activities of this division with other divisions and departments throughout the City of Elkhart that promote and enhance effective, efficient and accountable operations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts daily airfield inspections and records results in approved log.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient removal of snow and ice on all airport surfaces.
• Responsible for airport security at all times.
• Takes initiative to immediately correct any unsafe conditions.
• Issues NOTAM through Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Terre Haute FSS when necessary.
• Maintains radio contact with ATC at all times when ATC is open, and also with aircraft during hours when ATC is closed using standard aviation phraseology.
• Coordinates the movement of any person/persons that access the Airport Operating Area and acts as an escort during the duration of activity.
• Responsible for general maintenance of the airport including facilities, roads, infrastructure, and grounds.
• Responsible for general and preventative maintenance on all City owned equipment.
• Communicates any operational concerns to AMS or Airport Department Head.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employs and uses in a manner consistent with USDA/FAA guidelines, any approved wildlife control technique such as bird scare pyrotechnics, cannons, lights, or any other method approved by DNR under permit.
• Cross-trained employee may be asked to work as part of a pool of other employees within the department to accomplish various tasks throughout the City.
• Coordinates equipment repairs with the Central Garage when necessary.
• Performs general janitorial duties in all City owned facilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of FAA Regulations pertaining to airport operations preferred.
• Ability to operate a variety of specialized heavy equipment.
• Technically proficient in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is mandatory.
• Ability to pass airport driver training course, airport inspection courses and winter operations course.
• Knowledge of Windows operating system including Word and Excel.
• Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License from Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 180 days of hire.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Ability to work independently and in small groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, management, and public.
• Must possess adequate physical ability to perform any airport-related task.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead, crouch, kneel, or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift/carry heavy objects; some exceeding 50 pounds.
• Clarity of vision with or without corrections.
• Good night vision required.
• Must be able to multi-task mentally, equally dividing attention between the task being performed and the environment it is being performed in.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily outdoors, frequently driving heavy equipment. May be exposed to noise, dirt, particulate matter, hazardous materials, heat, cold and other extremes, and can be very hazardous at times. Work is performed on airport surfaces and at times near aircraft and presents unique safety issues that require an individuals caution and situational awareness. Must be able to work long shifts, nights, weekends, and during holidays.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIRED

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

POLICY STATEMENT

• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and “other” duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by the Department Head. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.