HVAC Mechanic Apprentice

mwaa; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

MWAA seeks an HVAC Mechanic Apprentice to join the Airports Authority Trades Apprenticeship Employment Program at either Reagan National or Dulles International airports. This non-career, term role offers on‑the‑job and classroom training designed to develop licensed, journey‑level HVAC mechanics.

The program progresses from basic diagnostic tasks to full system repairs, with EPA refrigerant handling training, safety standards, and performance reviews throughout the apprenticeship period.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to learn HVAC trade progression within the Apprenticeship program.
• Must be able to drive a pickup truck and operate similar vehicles.
• Commitment to safe work practices and regulatory procedures.
• Effective speaking and writing abilities for operational communication.
• Proficiency with computer-based work orders and attendance systems.
• Able to pass Airports Authority background checks.

Responsibilities

• Learn to troubleshoot HVAC problems and repair equipment across progression levels.
• Use manuals, diagrams, and trade tools as needed on the job.
• Assist journeyman HVAC mechanics and transport tools and materials to worksites.
• Under supervision repair electrical, electronic and pneumatic controls and diagnose refrigerant issues.
• Follow EPA refrigerant handling regulations and safety standards.
• Maintain and update work orders and preventive maintenance records.
• Perform shop tasks, stock materials, and transport equipment as required.
• Operate a vehicle on airport grounds to reach job sites.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Driver's license

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Compensation Grade:

AT19 Salary Range: $21.01-$33.26

Opening Date: September 4, 2026

Closing Date: September 19, 2026

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

As a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Mechanic Apprentice in the Airports Authority's Trades Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a licensed journey level HVAC Mechanic.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Mechanic Apprentice

This is a non-career, term job.

Serves in the Airport Maintenance Department at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Participates in a state‑approved Airports Authority Trades Apprentice Employment Program to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a licensed, journey level HVAC Mechanic. Performs progressively complex and responsible HVAC work as knowledge, skills, and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on‑the‑job and in a classroom. Performs related functions.

General Responsibilities

• Learns to troubleshoot/diagnose HVAC problems and repair and replace HVAC equipment, from elementary to fully proficient levels, as consistent with the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.
• Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, wiring/operation diagrams and schematics, and various hand and power tools, instruments and devices, used by the trade.
• Assists full performance (journey) level HVAC Mechanics to assemble, transport tools and materials to the job site, and at the job site to complete the work to include handling of tools and cleaning up.
• Guided by a full performance (journey) level HVAC Mechanic, learns to repair and replace electrical, electronic and pneumatic controls of HVAC; troubleshoot and diagnose problems with air conditioning equipment using diagnostic equipment; perform major and minor repairs; clean air handlers and check refrigerants; and perform preventive maintenance.
• Learns and uses knowledge of US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for proper handling of refrigerants, manufacturer specifications and industry standards, and knowledge of other codes, regulations, specifications and standards pertinent, to the trade.
• Assists in preparing and maintaining work orders, trouble calls and preventive maintenance utilizing the Airports Authority's computerized work order system.
• Performs shop keeping tasks common to the trade including storing and stocking materials and equipment, and painting equipment such as pumps, piping, boilers, etc.
• Drives a pick-up truck or similar vehicle on the airport complex, landside and airside to work sites and to/from suppliers with tools, parts, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to learn bodies of knowledge and gain skills in the HVAC trade consistent with the schedule for progression as an Apprentice in the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.
• Ability to drive a pick-up truck and learn to use similar vehicle (with tools, parts, etc.).
• 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.
• Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority background investigation.

Education

• A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) at the time of hire.
• Completion of at least one trades course (such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics) in high school OR be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a trades school accredited by an agency recognized by an agency recognized by the US Department of Labor.

Certifications and Licenses Required

• A state driver's license in good standing at the time of hire.
• Depending on assignment, may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License.

Necessary Special Factors

• Work is physically demanding and requires stooping, crouching or otherwise positioning self to access confined and hard to reach places.
• Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull or position items weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Work is mostly performed inside; however, occasionally works on an airfield around large operating aircraft. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals and substances and to the operating noise of motors, and engines. Work requires use of personal protective equipment.
• Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
• Subject to night hours and weekends.
• Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.
• Operates a vehicle airside and landside