Equipment Operator IV - Aviation Department

City of Phoenix; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

401(a) and 457 plans

Medical plans (HMO/PPO/HSA)

Post-Employment Health Plan bonus

Wellness incentive

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

City of Phoenix Aviation Department is seeking an Equipment Operator IV to join the Airfield Maintenance team. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment and ultra-high-pressure water systems for rubber and pavement-marking removal, with safety and situational awareness essential in active airfield environments.

Role may involve supervising crews, training on heavy equipment, and performing related maintenance tasks.

Qualifications

• Completion of departmental training course for equipment similar to that used in the division.
• Possible eligibility for out-of-class pay as Equipment Operator IV.
• Two years of experience operating construction equipment or five-ton trucks on similar equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and specialized machinery to maintain runways, taxiways, aprons, and pavements.
• Lead and direct maintenance crews; train employees in safe operation of heavy equipment.
• Perform basic computer, mathematical, calibration, and field-reporting tasks related to equipment operation.

Skills

Equipment operation

CDL Class A

Hazardous materials endorsement

Tools

Ultra-high pressure water blaster

Job description

About This Position

In 2025, more than 52 million passengers traveled through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it one of the busiest airports in the United States and a key hub in the nation's fifth-largest city. PHX is the largest of three airports in the Phoenix Airport System, which also includes Deer Valley and Goodyear airports, operated by the City of Phoenix Aviation Department (AVN). Together, these airports generate an annual economic impact of over $44 billion.

In 2025, more than 52 million passengers traveled through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it one of the busiest airports in the United States and a key hub in the nation's fifth-largest city. PHX is the largest of three airports in the Phoenix Airport System, which also includes Deer Valley and Goodyear airports, operated by the City of Phoenix Aviation Department (AVN). Together, these airports generate an annual economic impact of over $44 billion. The Aviation Department is seeking an Equipment Operator IV to join its Airfield Maintenance team. This position performs highly skilled operation of specialized and heavy equipment used to maintain runways, taxiways, aprons, and other airfield pavement areas. The primary responsibility of this position is operating large ultra-high-pressure water equipment used for rubber and pavement-marking removal. Work is performed in active movement-area environments and requires a strong commitment to safety, situational awareness, equipment proficiency, and compliance with established airfield operating procedures. The position also requires the ability to assess pavement conditions, identify visible defects or areas requiring maintenance, and communicate observations to support appropriate repair and maintenance decisions. The Equipment Operator IV may also operate a variety of heavy construction and pavement-maintenance equipment, including asphalt emulsion spray equipment, motor graders, lowboy trailers, front-end loaders, steel rollers, and other specialized equipment. Additional responsibilities include leading and directing the work of maintenance crews, training employees in the safe and proper operation of heavy equipment, participating in safety and technical training, assisting with general airfield maintenance activities when specialized equipment is not in operation, and completing basic computer, mathematical, calibration, and field-reporting tasks associated with equipment operation. This position requires the ability to work safely around aircraft and moving equipment, follow radio and operational instructions, recognize audible warning signals, interpret field information and reports, and maintain constant awareness of changing conditions within the airfield environment. Some assignments may include responsibility for supervising or directing other employees.

The successful candidate must obtain and maintain Airport Operations Area (AOA) driving certification within one year of employment as a condition of successfully completing the probationary period.

The Equipment IV primarily works a 3rd shift schedule of Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. Work location: Facilities & Services Complex, 2515 E. Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85034

SALARY

Pay Range: $30.92 to $41.42 per hour. Hiring Range: $30.92 to $34.08 per hour.

Pay Range Explanation

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employer paid long-term disability.
• Free Bus/light rail pass.
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.

For more details, visit: Unit 002 Benefits

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a departmental training course for equipment similar to that used in the specific division.
• OR be qualified for "out-of-class" pay as an Equipment Operator IV.
• OR log 120 hours on equipment similar to that used in the specific division.
• OR have a minimum of two years of experience operating construction equipment or five ton trucks, on the same or related type of equipment used by Equipment Operators IV in the specific division.
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• Current possession of a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with tank vehicle carrying hazardous material (X) Endorsement.
• Working conditions:
  • Moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds may be required.
  • Working irregular hours, second and/or third shifts, weekends, holidays, and evenings
  • Requires working outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust.
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
• The City job description can be found here.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory or lead experience.
• Experience with roadway construction.
• Experience operating ultra-high pressure water blaster.

Recruitment Dates

Recruitment closes October 1, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

REFERENCE

Equipment Op IV *U2, JC:72111, ID# 62862, 09/17/2026, USM, GO, Benefits:002

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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.