Locksmith Apprentice

Locksmith Apprentice

Compensation Grade: AT18

Salary Range: $19.63-$31.07

Opening Date:
August 7, 2026

Closing Date:
August 22, 2026

As a Locksmith Apprentice in the Airport Authority's Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a locksmith.

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 journey level Locksmith. Performs progressively complex and responsible Locksmith work, as knowledge, skills, and abilities in the trade increase.

Training received is both on-the-job and in a classroom. Performs related functions.

Learns to respond to emergency lock, key, or door hardware problems and inspects, repairs, installs, and maintains lock hardware, keying systems, and related mechanisms.

Follows up on lost keys to determine need for replacing core to maintain security.

Learns to prioritize work orders in keeping with established priorities and determines supplies and inventory of stock required for repairs and projects. Maintains keys, tools, supplies, and equipment in an orderly fashion.

Learns to prepare invoices for locksmith services.

Assists full performance Locksmith to conduct inspections of doors; troubleshoot door-closing problems; modify, retrofit, and repair commercial doors.

Learns to use locking system software to set up and maintain master lock systems with grandmasters, sub-masters, and operational keys in accordance with regulations and requirements.

Guided by a full performance Locksmith, learns to disassemble, and repair all brands of lock hardware and change locking functions.

Guided by a full performance Locksmith, learns to fabricate parts; repair locks, construct and replace interchangeable cores, cut, or punch out new or duplicate keys, and imprint with serial numbers.

Learns to evaluate, redesign, and fabricate door structure enhancements to include reinforcement panels, gussets, structural support brackets, etc.

Guided by full performance Locksmith, learns to use a large variety of shop tools to include pneumatic sanders, drills, band saws, welders, and metal fabrication benders to provide finished products.

Ensures that secure hardware is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Learns to install, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain low voltage locking systems including electric exit devices, electric strikes, electric mortise locksets, time-delay interface units, electric deadbolts, control switches, step-down power control panels, and power transfer devices.

Learns to work with Airport Contractors on new lock related installations and updates.

Learns to provide thoughtful, appropriate support and effective judgment on physical security hardware installations and modifications.

Learns to support and maintain Airport Electronic Security Key Systems (Smart Key Access).

Performs other duties as assigned.

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 Locksmith 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.

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

Ability to speak and write effectively.

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

Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority background investigation.

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

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 the US Department…