Airport Operation Specialist

Position: AIRPORT OPERATION SPECIALIST I
Salary: $22.64 Hourly
Location : 1053 20th Place, Vero Beach, FL
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 00891
Department: AIRPORT
Opening Date: 11/26/2025

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Under close supervision, performs routine and semi-skilled duties in the maintenance and repair of airport facilities, leased properties, runways, taxiways, aprons, airport grounds and perimeter; and performs related duties as assigned.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Performs scheduled and on-demand airport condition inspections in compliance with FAR Part 139 Airport Certification Manual and other federal, state and local regulations. Documents and submits required Airport Condition Reporting and assists with recordkeeping.
• Maintains airport runways, taxiways, aprons, access roads/streets, grounds, perimeter, City-owned buildings, and other airport properties and facilities.
• Operates a variety of motorized equipment including trucks, mowers, tractors, paint striping/marking, and chemical spraying equipment.
• Pulls weeds, trims bushes, hedges, trees and picks up trash and debris.
• Performs minor building maintenance and repair duties, including painting, plumbing, carpentry, roof repairs, and custodial duties.
• Assists with electrical repairs such as changing runway lights, locating and repairing cut electrical lines, etc.
• Communicates with FAA control tower to ensure safety clearance; observes standard operating procedures and safety practices and maintains cleanliness of work area, tools, and equipment.
• Responds to airport incidents or emergencies and assists as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of a variety of grounds and building maintenance procedures and techniques including occupational hazards and safety practices related to maintenance and repair work.
• Knowledge of airport policies and procedures including applicable federal, state, and local safety and security regulations.
• Knowledge of Air Traffic Control Tower terminology and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of building and grounds maintenance equipment and tools.
• Ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
• Ability to safely operate assigned vehicles, equipment, and power and hand tools.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly with Air Traffic Control personnel via hand-held radio.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including commercial and residential tenants, outside contractors, co-workers, and the general public.

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

• Exposure to potential physical harm, dangerous machinery, infectious disease, hazardous chemicals and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy or bulky items frequently (up to100 lbs.).
• Must be able to wear PPE required to perform the essential functions of the job.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Tractors, batwing mower, front-end loader, backhoe with bucket sprayer and distributor, pavement sweeper, flatbed and dump trucks, power and common hand tools.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

Some experience in the performance of grounds, facilities, and building maintenance and repair, including commercial electrical repairs and troubleshooting, or other experience in the performance of heavy manual labor in an outdoor environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.
The City of Vero Beach provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Our comprehensive benefit programs include medical, dental and vision plans; life insurance coverage for you and your dependents; employee long term disability coverage; flexible spending plans for medical reimbursement and dependent care; an employee assistance program for you and your dependents; a voluntary 401a Retirement Plan with generous employer contribution, and voluntary 457(b) tax-deferred compensation and ROTH IRA plans to supplement your retirement.

We also provide an extensive wellness program that includes health fairs and much more!