Airport Maintenance Worker

Position:                              Airport Maintenance Worker             Classification:                   Part-time permanent

Department:                      Airport                                                         Reports to:                         Airport Manager

Posting Date:                    9/22/26                                             Application Deadline:    Until Filled

Position Grade:                 Grade 9                                                        Rate of Pay:                        $19.83/hour (FY26 rate)

Position Schedule:          Varied, primarily weekends, 520 hours per fiscal year           

Benefit Eligible:                 leave, PERS

Job Summary:

This part time airport operations/maintenance worker position will primarily provide weekend coverage for airport operations and maintenance.  The Airport Operations and Maintenance Worker performs an equal mix of duties related to airfield safety, facility upkeep, inspections, snow and vegetation control, and general operations. This role is critical to maintaining a safe, compliant, and functional general aviation airport. The role requires physical labor, independent judgment, and the ability to respond quickly and professionally to operational or safety issues, prioritizing hazard prevention to support uninterrupted airport use.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Travel Required:

• Between County buildings.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct weekend airfield self-inspections for hazards, wildlife, and compliance issues and document findings in logbook
• Monitor airport facilities, runways, taxiways, and perimeter fencing for maintenance or safety issues, including potential security breaches or wildlife attractants
• Notify the Airport Manager of any operational concerns, tenant complaints, or needed repairs, and escalate urgent safety matters immediately
• Perform grounds maintenance: mowing, trimming, weed control on both airside and landside areas to mitigate wildlife hazards and maintain clear sightlines
• Perform seasonal snow removal of runway, taxiways, ramps, and parking areas using county equipment to ensure safe surface conditions and prevent operational disruptions
• Conduct light equipment maintenance such as changing oil and filters, greasing fittings, cleaning equipment and facilities.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the airport shop and equipment storage areas to reduce trip hazards and ensure equipment readiness.
• Operate county vehicles such as tractors, snowplows, weed whackers, and other light equipment in accordance with safety protocols and operator checklists
• Maintain log of maintenance activities and report any supply or material needs.
• Interpret and apply airport safety protocols per FAA and Ravalli County policies during all maintenance tasks
• Work independently while ensuring airport safety and proactively identifying risks
• Assist in basic emergency response, such as alerting authorities to incidents or securing areas post-event

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Basic mechanical knowledge (e.g., oil changes, greasing joints, equipment checklists)
• Ability to safely operate tractors, mowers, snowplows, and small tools
• General understanding of airport safety and security best practices, including FAA guidelines for GA operations
• Strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills for reporting safety incidents
• High attention to detail and safety awareness
• Must be reliable, self-motivated, and capable of independent decision-making in safety-critical situations
• Basic knowledge of hazard recognition and mitigation techniques

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience or knowledge of general aviation operations, facilities maintenance, grounds keeping, or construction preferred

Work Environment:

• Both office and field working conditions; work environment will consist of seasonal weather to include adverse weather conditions.
• Airfield environment; work around construction equipment and aircraft; exposure to noise, and inclement weather conditions.
• May require work after hours or on weekends, dependent on weather or other needs for airport safety.

Physical Requirements:

• May require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate to light lifting.
• Walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

EEO Statement:

Ravalli County is an equal employment opportunity employer (EEO).  Ravalli County does not refuse employment or discriminate in compensation or the other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, or veteran’s status.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.