Full-Time Airfield Maintenance Technician

Flyknoxville; Alcoa (TN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Vacation leave

401(a) retirement program

Job summary

METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY in Tennessee seeks an Airfield Maintenance Technician to maintain airfields, roads, and facilities. You will perform hands-on tasks with mowers, light and medium equipment, and support safe airport operations.

The ideal candidate has mowing and equipment experience, knowledge of airfield terminology and safety standards, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions; DOT and FAA guidelines are preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; outdoor work.
• 1–3 years of experience in mowing, snow removal, concrete maintenance, or related equipment use.
• Must understand DOT regulations and FAA specs; able to follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Mow and landscape maintenance on airport property with various tools.
• Safely operate heavy and light equipment near airfield and public roads.
• Maintain airfield pavement and roads; perform repairs on concrete/asphalt.
• Complete training to ensure safe worksites and compliance with safety rules.
• Remove rubber from runways using chemical application to maintain safety.
• Perform snow removal on airfield and roads with trucks/tractors.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Inspect airfield, gates/fences, and drainage areas regularly.

Skills

Zero-turn mower operation

Basic hand tools

Airfield terminology

ATC communication practices

Workplace safety standards

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 88-years in service to the East Tennessee area. Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.

The Position

The MKAA is seeking an Airfield Maintenance Technician to help maintain and repair airport properties, including airfields, aircraft movement areas, access roads, terminal-area roads, grounds, and other facilities. In this role, you will perform a variety of maintenance and repair tasks to support the safe, efficient, and well-maintained operation of airport property. Responsibilities include conducting preventative maintenance on tools and light equipment, as well as operating hand tools, passenger vehicles, light and medium-duty trucks and trailers, on- and off-road construction equipment, specialty equipment, agricultural equipment, pavement maintenance and repair equipment, and commercial mowing equipment. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, operating equipment, and contributing to the safety and appearance of airport facilities.

Responsibilities

• Performs mowing and landscaping maintenance on airport property using various tools and equipment.
• Safely operates a variety of heavy and light duty equipment and vehicles on-and-around airport operating areas and public roads. Tows heavy duty equipment and machinery. Operates equipment around buildings, vehicles, and other structures.
• Maintains all paved surfaces on the airfield and airport roads, including painted surfaces. Performs repairs to concrete and asphalt and completes new construction as assigned. Ensures the pleasant appearance of the airfield, terminal area, and other airport property.
• Completes assigned training sessions and on-the-job training to ensure safe worksites and compliance with all safety rules and regulations.
• Removes rubber from runways using a chemical application to maintain the safe operation of aircraft.
• Performs snow removal operations to the airfield and airport roads via trucks and tractors with sprayers and spreaders. Plows snow, ice and slush off paved surfaces to maintain a safe environment for aircraft, employees, passengers, and emergency responders.
• Performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs on tools and equipment.
• Performs regular inspections of the airfield, gates/fences, and drainage areas.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of zero-turn mower operation, basic hand tools, airfield terminology, air traffic control communication practices, and workplace safety standards. They should be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, safely operate vehicles and equipment around aircraft and within the airfield environment during both day and night operations, and work effectively as part of a team while learning new skills and techniques on the job. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to identify potential hazards, sound problem-solving and decision-making skills, and effective verbal and written communication. Candidates should also be able to understand and follow Department of Transportation regulations, standard operating procedures, and FAA specifications. Much will be learned on the job. Must like working outdoors. Class B commercial driver's license, with Air Brakes endorsement, preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent. Much will be learned on the job. Must like working outdoors.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in commercial mowing, snow removal operations, concrete maintenance, and/or use of related equipment, preferred.

Salary and Compensation

The salary rate for this position is $17.00- $17.75/hour. Final salary will depend on experience (DOE). MKAA offers a very competitive benefit package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a) retirement program. Final salary offer will be dependent upon experience.

Application Deadline

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Selection Process

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority complies with the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act and federal law by participating in E-Verify. All post-offer new hires are verified electronically to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long-term basis.
• MKAA conducts random employee drug screenings.
• MKAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer