Heavy Equipment Operator II

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; Virginia; On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Well-being resources

Pension and retirement plans

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator II to maintain safe grounds and roadways at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Reagan National Airport (DCA). You will operate complex heavy equipment, perform inspections, and support airfield maintenance and civil projects.

The role requires four years of related experience, including motorized equipment operation, and a state CDL is preferred with pesticide applicator certification within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the heavy equipment operations trades.
• Three of the four years of experience must include operation of motorized construction equipment.
• High level knowledge of equipment used to construct, repair, maintain, and improve parking lots and roads.
• Ability to follow safety rules and standard procedures when using pesticides and herbicides.
• Ability to read diagrams, schematics, and data; proficient with tools and measuring devices.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction and airfield-specific equipment for road and airfield work.
• Perform inspections of runways, taxiways, and airport roads; assist in repairs.
• Load de-icing fluids and fabricate pumping stations for tanker deliveries.
• Maintain safety and adhere to VDOT rules for lane closures and traffic changes.
• Provide training to other trades workers as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

Ability to speak and write effectively

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL Class A license

VDACS pesticide applicator certification

Tools

Computerized work order system

Job description

Compensation Grade: T18

Salary Range: $32.71-$42.53

Opening Date: October 2, 2026

Closing Date: October 17, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Heavy Equipment Operator II, you will maintain and ensure the safe condition of the grounds and roadways at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Reagan National Airport (DCA).

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Serves in the Structures and Grounds Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Reagan National Airport (DCA).

Operates complex heavy construction, grounds maintenance, and airfield-specific equipment in support of road construction, repair, and maintenance; parking lot repair and construction; mowing and application of pesticides and herbicides; airfield emergencies and planned repairs; sweeping and snow removal; and the hauling of heavy equipment. Performs other functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs emergency and planned repairs of runways and taxiways on the airfield using heavy equipment and airfield-specific equipment.

Performs runway and taxiway inspections, as well as inspections of the Dulles International Airport Access Highway (DIAAH) and other airport roads.

Clears roadways or performs emergency repairs with team, as necessary, ensuring that proper safety procedures are in place.

Operates computer-controlled crane and a variety of heavy equipment vehicles.

Frequently makes precise adjustments on computer, electric over hydraulic, and electronically-controlled equipment.

Installs and removes accessories on heavy equipment.

Off-loads tanker truck deliveries of de-icing fluid and estimates amounts used. Fabricates pumping stations to load liquid de-icing fluid in up to 4,000-gallon tankers.

Cuts brush, mows grass, grades turf surfaces, and applies pesticides and herbicides.

Excavates, trenches, and shores abutments using heavy equipment to install or repair utilities.

Hauls heavy equipment to job sites complying with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards for securing, hauling, and weight restrictions.

Regularly uses hand and power tools and measuring equipment.

May provide training to other trades workers in the operation of specialized equipment.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Four years of progressively responsible experience in the heavy equipment operations trades.

Three of the four years of experience must include operation of motorized construction equipment.

Full performance (journey) level knowledge of and skill in using heavy equipment to construct, repair, maintain, and improve parking lots, roads, and other pavements.

Full performance (journey) level knowledge of and skill in using a variety of equipment to maintain and improve grounds.

Skill in using manual, hydraulic, and electronic control systems to adjust and calibrate heavy equipment and attachments and to manipulate and balance loads.

Skill in applying VDOT regulations for lane closures to change established traffic patterns to enable operators to mow and repair roadways and shoulders.

Knowledge of and ability to apply established safety rules and standard procedures and guidelines when using pesticides and herbicides.

Ability to analyze data and information (including diagrams and schematics).

Skill in using hand tools, power equipment, and measuring tools for grounds and road maintenance.

Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer, computerized work order and time and attendance system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed as a Class A Commercial Driver (CDL).

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing.

Licensed as a Class A Commercial Driver (CDL) within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

Certified as a Virginia Certified Commercial/Registered Technician Pesticide Applicator by the Office of Pesticide Services of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

Maintains permit to apply pesticides.

Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 70 pounds). May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position.

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

May be subject to night work.

Is subject to adverse weather conditions and dust, grease, dirt, loud noise, fumes, and potential hazards common to the airport environment and grounds maintenance processes. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.

May be subject to adverse weather conditions and dust, grease, dirt and hazards common to the airport environment and heavy equipment operator trade. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits packagehere.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.