ARFF Responder (Airport Firefighter)

Lancaster Airport; Lititz (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Lancaster Airport Authority is seeking a dependable individual to serve as a part-time ARFF Responder. The role covers ARFF standby during airline operations, primarily evenings and weekends, with readiness to respond to any aircraft emergency.

You will operate ARFF equipment, maintain readiness, and support other airport tasks as needed. The position emphasizes independence, situational awareness, and strict adherence to FAA and airport procedures.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must pass airport background and badge requirements.
• Must complete ARFF training and maintain qualifications.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently in an airport environment.
• Physically capable of emergency response activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide ARFF standby coverage during scheduled airline operations.
• Operate the ARFF vehicle and emergency equipment as trained.
• Respond to aircraft emergencies and assist with airport emergency operations.
• Communicate clearly using radio and phone systems.
• Maintain ARFF qualifications and complete recurrent training.
• Perform routine checks of ARFF equipment and maintain readiness.

Skills

Independence

Radio communication

Procedural discipline

Emergency response experience

Safety awareness

Tools

ARFF equipment operation

Job description

Position Overview

The Lancaster Airport Authority is seeking a dependable individual for a part-time ARFF Responder.The primary responsibility of this position is to provide Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) coverage during scheduled airline operations, primarily evenings and weekends. The employee will remain immediately available during airline operations to respond to an aircraft emergency and will operate and maintain readiness of the airport's ARFF equipment.When not actively providing ARFF coverage or responding to an emergency, the employee may assist with other airport operational duties as assigned.This position is well suited for someone who is dependable, comfortable working independently, and interested in aviation, emergency services, or airport operations. The successful candidate must be able to work independently with limited supervision and remain attentive and available throughout the shift.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide ARFF standby coverage during scheduled airline operations and remain immediately available to respond to an aircraft emergency.
• Operate the airport's ARFF vehicle and associated emergency equipment as trained and qualified.
• Respond to aircraft emergencies and assist with emergency operations in accordance with Lancaster Airport Authority procedures.
• Effectively communicate using airport airband and county/public safety radio systems.
• Maintain required ARFF qualifications, training, and recurrent training in accordance with FAA Part 139 requirements and Lancaster Airport Authority procedures.
• Conduct routine checks of ARFF equipment and report any equipment deficiencies or operational concerns.
• Maintain the ARFF vehicle, equipment, and assigned work areas in a clean, orderly, and ready condition.
• Maintain awareness of airport operations and report unsafe conditions, hazards, or other conditions requiring attention.
• Assist with snow removal activities when needed, provided such duties do not interfere with required ARFF coverage.
• Complete required logs, reports, inspections, and other documentation.
• Perform other airport operational duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed independently and requires the employee to remain alert and available throughout the assigned shift.The employee will work in and around an active airport environment, including aircraft operations, airfield vehicles, aviation fuel, noise, weather conditions, and other conditions associated with airport operations.Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors and may require standing, walking, driving, lifting, and working in inclement weather.Because the position provides ARFF coverage, any other assigned duties must always be secondary to maintaining required emergency response readiness.The employee will be required to work in close proximity to aircraft operations and must follow all airport safety procedures, airfield driving requirements, radio procedures, and instructions from airport management and Air Traffic Control.

Independent Work

This position generally operates without direct supervision. The employee must be able to recognize changing conditions, follow established procedures, and exercise sound judgment while maintaining required ARFF readiness.The employee must remain available and prepared to respond throughout scheduled airline operations and understand that other duties may need to be stopped immediately if an aircraft emergency or other airport operational need occurs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive for extended periods while providing ARFF standby coverage.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively by radio and telephone.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established airport emergency procedures.
• Ability to operate vehicles and equipment safely after appropriate training.
• Ability to recognize and report unsafe conditions or equipment deficiencies.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with basic tools and equipment is helpful.
• Previous firefighting, emergency response, military, aviation, airport, or public safety experience is desirable but not required.
• Ability to interact professionally with airport employees, airline personnel, pilots, passengers, emergency responders, and the general public.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to maintain required certifications, training, and qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Must be able to successfully complete required airport background and badging requirements.
• Must be able to successfully complete required ARFF training and maintain required qualifications.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Must be able to work independently in an airport environment.
• Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position, including emergency response activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous firefighting, EMS, military, airport, public safety, or emergency response experience.
• Previous experience operating emergency vehicles or specialized equipment.
• Firefighter, ARFF, EMT, CPR, or related certifications.
• Previous experience working in an aviation or airport environment.

Schedule and Compensation

This is a part-time position with shifts primarily scheduled during evening and weekend airline operations. Additional hours may be available based on airport operational needs.The position will require flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.