Utility Specialist I-Airfield (2nd Shift)

St. Joseph County Airpo; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph County Airport seeks a Utility Specialist I-Airfield (2nd Shift) in South Bend, IN. The role involves manual labor with heavy machinery to maintain the airfield and related properties, including landscaping, snow removal, and safety operations.

Responsibilities include operating tractors and other equipment, performing routine maintenance, and supporting technicians. Strong emphasis on safety, radio procedures, and teamwork, with a 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm shift.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years experience in farm/construction equipment operation.
• Must obtain Class B CDL with Air Brake Endorsement within 18 months of starting position.
• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must possess and maintain a valid United States, state issued, driver’s license
• Must complete and pass a comprehensive background and Criminal History Records check and be able to obtain security and access credentials.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical.
• Must be able to obtain Airfield “Movement Area” driving certification for controlled access to all surfaces within six (6) months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operate landscaping equipment such as tractors, mowers, blowers, edgers, string trimmers and fertilizer spreaders.
• Mow grass, pull weeds, pick up trash and debris, sweep sand and gravel, dig trenches, and clear drainage ditches.
• Utilize heavy equipment to perform excavation, non-precision grading, concrete removal, etc.
• Perform maintenance inspections of fencing and signage and repair/replace as needed.
• Drive Airport ramps, taxiways, runways and safety areas and coordinate with Air Traffic Control Tower.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Grounds maintenance

Vehicle operation

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CDL Class B with Air Brake Endorsement (within 18 months)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Utility Specialist I-Airfield (2nd Shift)

Full Time Manual Labor South Bend, IN, US

Airport Maintenance Department – Airfield and Outlying Properties

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Airfield Facilities Superintendent

Shift: Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm (shift hours may vary during winter operations)

Rate of Pay : $21.00 per hour + $1.00 per hour shift differential (2026)

Position Summary

Under the general direction and supervision of the Assistant Maintenance Manager of Airfield and Outlying Properties, this position performs manual work largely involving the use of heavy machinery such as tractors, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, sweepers, dump trucks, etc. Additional work supports the overall grounds maintenance and repair to include, but not limited to, landscaping, herbicide/insecticide application, fence repair, painting, crack sealing, snow removal and assisting other positions as needed.

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Operation of landscaping equipment such as tractors, mowers, blowers, edgers, string trimmers and fertilizer spreaders.
• Mowing grass, pulling weeds, picking up trash and debris, sweeping sand and gravel, dig trenches, and clearing drainage ditches.
• Utilizing heavy equipment to perform special operations such as excavation, non-precision grading, concrete removal, etc.
• Vacuuming, blowing or sweeping surfaces of contaminants such as grass, sand, dirt, dust, or loose aggregate.
• Performing preventative maintenance of equipment utilized in the performance of duties.
• Assisting technicians in removing and replacing heavy components.
• Performing maintenance inspections of fencing and signage and repairing/replacing as needed.
• Driving vehicles of Airport ramps, taxiways, runways and safety areas. Must coordinate radio directions and light gun signals from the Air Traffic Control Tower.
• Performance of snow removal operations to include salting, sanding, shoveling, brooming, plowing and the application of de-ice and anti-icing products.
• Assisting technicians with maintenance and repair of asphalt and concrete surfaces.
• Assisting with fuel spill clean ups as necessary to protect the environment.
• Participate in random airport worker screenings as needed.
• Participation in Airport sponsored special events.
• Under stressful circumstance, assisting Airport staff during emergencies involving aircraft or vehicle accidents or incidents and inclement or hazardous weather preparation, event and recovery.
• Overtime as required.
• Support the Airport Authority's mission, vision, and values statements in all aspects of work. All employees are expected to be part of our customer service team as Dedicated Customer Care Specialists.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications / Functional Requirements

• Three (3) years experience in farm/construction equipment operation.
• Must obtain Class B CDL with Air Brake Endorsement within 18 months of starting position.
• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must possess and maintain a valid United States, state issued, driver's license
• Must complete and pass a comprehensive background and Criminal History Records check and be able to obtain security and access credentials.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical.
• Must be able to obtain Airfield “Movement Area” driving certification for controlled access to all surfaces (runways, taxiways, aprons, etc.) within six (6) months of employment. Training to be provided.
• Position is required to constantly drive Authority vehicles on Airport grounds and public roadways.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of occupational safety rules, practices and familiarity with traffic laws and MOT requirements and best practices.
• Knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in performance of duties.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment required to complete the above listed tasks.
• Knowledge of two way radio communication skills utilizing aviation radio procedures and use of the phonetic alphabet (OJT).
• Knowledge of OSHA safety rules.
• Knowledge of materials, methods and techniques used in building and ground maintenance as appropriate to the required duties.
• Knowledge of hand tools and tools applicable to normally assigned tasks.
• Ability to understand, speak, read, and write fluent English.
• Ability to receive, understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, Airport tenants and contractors.
• Ability to work various shifts as assigned.
• Ability to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.
• Ability to operate independently and/or within a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast paced maintenance environment.
• Ability to learn, understand and remember normal tasks.
• Ability to see and read letters, numbers, characters, and symbols.
• Ability to identify colors.
• Ability to work within expected timelines.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service and interact with passengers to include those who may be emotionally distress and have disability (hidden or otherwise).

Work is frequently performed in a maintenance shop environment with moderate inside temperatures and noise levels which may be moderate to loud. Entire office and shop areas are smoke free. Frequent outside work will also be required, which may include exposure to extreme weather conditions and moderate to loud noise levels. Will work in adverse weather conditions, day or night, including very hot and humid temperatures as well as very cold and damp conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Vision abilities required include close, distant, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision acuity of 20/40 corrected or better. Must be able to see and work at night and in dimly lit conditions as necessary and have the ability to see and read letters, numbers, characters, symbols, and identify colors.
• Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
• Ability to walk and work on unstable soil conditions.
• Ability to use small hand tools which require the use of hands, wrists and fingers.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and perform overhead and outstretched lifting.
• Ability to lift large pieces of equipment, including bending and squatting, up to and including 75 pounds.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel and stand for prolonged periods of time, up to 8 hrs.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, up to 12 hours.
• W ork performed requires the ability to speak and hear.