Locksmith Apprentice

Compensation Grade: AT18 Salary Range: $19.63-$31.07 Opening Date:
September 4, 2026 Closing Date:
September 19, 2026

Please Note:

All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

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.
• Assist full performance Locksmith to conduct inspections of doors; troubleshoot door-closing problems; modify, retrofit, and repair commercial doors.
• Learn to use locking system software to set up and maintain master lock systems with grand masters, 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 of Labor.

• A state driver’s license in good…