Airport Serviceperson Maintenance Jobs

At airports all across the country, there is a need for people to take care of the airport property and to maintain the equipment. Because of the size of an airport, this often requires a team of maintenance people with different abilities, and it could be a good way for you to get a job at an airport.

With tasks that range anywhere from mowing the grass to refueling aircraft, airport serviceperson maintenance jobs are often available.

The size of an airport usually determines what the jobs are and whether or not they may be combined with another job. Jobs at airports are expected to be good, especially if the economy holds out. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting an increase in the amount of passenger and cargo flights in the next few years, which may result in more airport jobs.

Responsibilities

There are a number of airport serviceperson tasks that need regular attention. This would include things such as mowing the grass, removing snow from roads, sidewalks, and runways, janitorial work that includes keeping the buildings clean and polished, washing the windows, maintaining supplies in the restrooms, and more. Depending on the airport, servicepersons can either be directly hired by the airport authorities or contracted out. Servicepersons may also serve as the maintenance people of the airport servicing runway lights, painting, some light carpentry work, electrical work, and being responsible for the general upkeep of the airport.

As you can see from the above description, the airport servicepersons also perform janitorial services. This can include many different tasks, including watering the plants and flowers, replacing bulbs in the building or on the runway (and elsewhere). Depending on their previous experience, they may also fix and maintain airport equipment, use heavy equipment, wash machines and equipment, regulate equipment, and control machines and processes. This job is entry-level, but experience with various machines and heavy equipment may be needed at larger airports.

Requirements

The size of the airport will partially determine the skill level that is needed. A small airport, for instance, will permit one or two people to do much of the work – no matter how varied. In a large airport, however, jobs are more specific, and special licenses may be needed before you are allowed to work there. An example would be electrical work, or plumbing work – where you would need to be licensed in the township and state.

You need to be healthy and able to do some lifting, as well as have some experience with machines in general – such as lawnmowers. It will be necessary to read and speak English, and to be able to follow instructions in manuals. You may also need to be prepared to work different shifts, and get in some overtime on occasion – especially when the weather is bad. Larger airports have unions, which would also help to limit your work – but may also increase the pay. You will be required to pass a background investigation which could go back as far as 10 years.

Training and Qualifications

General labor type jobs are entry-level and can lead to other airport jobs later. You would need to have a H.S. Diploma or GED, at the minimum, and be at least 18 years old. Remember that any job is often competitive and the more education or experience you have, the easier it will be to get a job. Since the maintenance department within an airport can be rather vast, qualifications depend on the specific duties. For instance, janitorial positions do not require previous experience, but trade positions such as plumber or electrician will require more know-how and at least one year of work experience.

Salary and Benefits

Like most jobs at an airport, airport serviceperson maintenance jobs offer good salary and benefits – especially at larger airports. You can expect to find training and opportunities for advancement. The benefits you can expect are medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance and disability, vacation pay and paid days off, a 401k (or similar program), and possibly long-term coverage.

The average starting salary ranges widely from $10 to $23 per hour, depending on experience and the skills needed by the position. A small airport may contract the work out, and you also may want to consider applying at those companies.

Quick Summary of Airport Serviceperson Maintenance Employment:

• Every airport needs airport servicepersons to do general maintenance tasks.
• Working outside is part of the job – all year around.
• It is an entry-level position with opportunity for advancement.
• The job comes with excellent benefits.