Airport Operations/ARFF Specialist

Application closing date: 4/17/2026

Hiring pay range: $27.64 - $33.86

Full pay range: $27.64 - $40.08

FLSA: Non-Exempt

SUPERVISION:

Non-Supervisory.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

Performs a variety of airport operational duties, including vegetation and wildlife management and maintenance activities. Performs maintenance on the Air Operations Area and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) responsibilities, including firefighting, hazardous material mitigation, emergency medical services and rescue work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment)

Airport Operations:

• Performs daily inspections of airport property to ensure compliance with FAA/Airport Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards. Reports discrepancies and assists with any corrective actions.
• Performs Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) duties. Performs monthly recurrent FAR Part 139 recommended ARFF training and maintenance of equipment. Annual live burn certification and training.
• Maintains the safe operation of the airport facilities, runway, ramp, taxiways, airfield areas, navigational aids, and airport lighting.
• Completes airport’s self-inspection program, ensuring the safe operational condition of the airfield and identifying and documenting damages, deterioration, debris, and other unsafe or non-compliant conditions.
• Issues notices to Airmen (NOTAM’s) to report all conditions that impact safe operation of aircraft, and ensures they are properly received by the appropriate agencies and canceled in a timely manner.
• Performs maintenance on asphalt-concrete pavement, fuel farm, fencing, gates and airfield lighting.
• Assists with aircraft and other non-aviation emergency situations. Assists the Airport Operations Coordinator in emergency response coordination activities as needed.

Airport Grounds Maintenance:

• Responsible for managing wildlife and vegetation hazards on airport grounds, mowing grass, trimming trees and shrubs, and implementing wildlife management measures in FAA & state airport compliance.
• Performs cleaning, painting, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical duties.
• Performs landscape maintenance and installation, planting, and transplanting. Installs and maintains irrigation systems.
• Ensures proper storage and disposal of all hazardous materials.
• Assists with inspections, maintenance, repair, and services on Airport light and heavy-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles.
• Performs snow removal and other weather-related maintenance activities. Operates heavy equipment.

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

(Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position)

• Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do.
• Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customers’ needs.
• Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency.
• Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others.
• Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies.
• Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.
• Airport Regulations: Knowledge of statutes, regulations, and guidelines regarding airport planning/land use activities. Understands Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) pertaining to the airport and airfield operations.
• Maintenance and Repair: Knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair techniques typically gained through a course of study at a trade school in heavy equipment maintenance and repair. Knows basic techniques and practices in carpentry, electrical systems, and plumbing systems.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Vision, Dental
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Gyms

To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/