Airport Operations & ARFF Technician

The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is looking for a dedicated team member to join our Airport Operations and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) crew as an Airport Operations & ARFF Technician. In this role, you’ll be at the center of daily airport operations
, helping to maintain efficiency and keep airport facilities, visitors, and staff safe. Your work will include inspecting runways and terminals, removing snow, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and assisting customers in parking areas.

Beyond day-to-day operations, you’ll also be ready to respond when it matters most
. You’ll provide fire protection services, act as a first responder in medical emergencies, and help maintain security in the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). Your commitment to safety and service helps strengthen DRO’s reputation as a trusted hub for travelers and our community.

We’re committed to helping you grow your career. Our pay-for-certification
program rewards employees who earn professional certifications with corresponding wage increases. The airport also covers the $3,500 cost of the initial 40-hour Basic Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Training and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification, with a two-year employment commitment.

In addition, you can earn a $560 monthly snowplow bonus each year from December 1 through March 31.

• Inspect and maintain aircraft operating areas to meet safety standards and comply with Federal Aviation Part 139 regulations and the Airport Certification Manual.
• Enforce Airport Rules and Regulations and the Airport Security Program.
• Inspect the terminal for maintenance needs and perform minor repairs.
• Support parking operations by maintaining and repairing equipment, assisting users, and addressing hardware or software issues.
• Patrol terminal curbside areas for compliance with airport and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations; issue citations for unattended vehicles.
• Operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on light and heavy equipment, including ARFF vehicles, forklifts, graders, backhoes, plow trucks, high-speed brooms, rotary snow blowers, mowers, and more.
• Mow airfield grounds and Runway Safety Area (RSA) surfaces to meet all regulatory requirements.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment such as high-voltage and taxiway lights, generators, gates, and mowers.
• Maintain readiness for emergency response by inspecting firefighter equipment and training physically and mentally for emergencies.
• Serve in an on-call capacity, responding to airport emergencies and performing aircraft rescue and firefighting for general and commercial aviation.
• Act as a first responder to medical emergencies.
• Provide high-quality customer service to airport users and the airport community.

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• A valid state driver’s license.
• A minimum of one to two years of relevant experience in aviation, airport operations, safety, security, firefighting, and/or rescue operations.
• AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter certifications preferred.
• The ability to complete basic ARFF Academy within 120 days of employment.
• The ability to complete Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) certification within six months of employment.
• Availability to work the allocated hours of the position, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts for snow removal.

* All ARFF personnel must successfully complete an annual recertification live-fire exercise in accordance with FAA regulation CFR, Title 14, Part 139.319 every 12 months thereafter.

• Are skilled in operating and maintaining specialized firefighting and airfield equipment, including friction monitoring tools, snowplows, large rotary snow blowers, high-speed runway brooms, audio-visual equipment, and aircraft removal equipment.
• Have a solid understanding of aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) procedures and airport operations practices and policies.
• Understand Federal Aviation…