Grounds Maintenance Equipment Operator

About Us

Welcome to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, where we operate RDU International Airport, a vital hub connecting North Carolina to the world. In 2024, our teamwork helped us serve 15.5 million passengers, generate a $24.1 billion economic impact, and our dedication to excellence has been recognized with a Top Five passenger satisfaction ranking in North America. We're a tight-knit team of over 400 employees where accountability and collaboration are our guiding principles, and safety is our top priority. Whether your role is indoors or outdoors, you'll be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions. We believe in investing in our people, offering competitive benefits and professional development to help your career take flight.

About You

You embody core values that will play a pivotal role in connecting our community to places and the people who matter most. Your commitment to continuous learning will drive innovation and growth, while your unwavering integrity ensures that our brand remains trustworthy and reputable. Your respect for colleagues and clients alike fosters a collaborative and positive environment. Your dedication to excellence in every task you undertake will elevate our brand’s standards. Lastly, your team spirit will unite our efforts and amplify our collective success.

About the Role

The Grounds Maintenance Equipment Operator serves as a skilled pilot on the Airport Authority’s Field Maintenance team, navigating motorized machinery essential for keeping the airfield’s "runways" smooth and safe. This role involves expertly operating equipment for the construction and maintenance of airstrips, taxiways, access roads, parking lots, and airport grounds. The operator also performs pre-trip inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs to ensure all systems stay operational.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with a five-day workweek. Because the airport operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, employees are required to work either Saturday or Sunday as part of their regular schedule. In return, employees enjoy two consecutive days off each week—typically Friday and Saturday or Sunday and Monday. Shift assignments are permanent and do not rotate. Assignments are based on operational needs, as well as the employee's qualifications, experience, and skills.

• 2nd shift - 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• 3rd shift - 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Pay

Compensation range: $21.40/hour minimum (plus shift differential) to a maximum based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains a variety of motorized equipment used in mowing, runway rubber removal, airfield painting, snow removal, waste management, concrete and asphalt repair, and other needs as required.
• Maintains the grounds and airfield to ensure the grass, paint markings, security fence, runways, taxiways, and roadways are safe for travel, including debris removal.
• Performs pre-trip inspections of equipment and reports needs for repair to supervisor.
• Assists with setup and teardown for most airport events such as the Plane Pull, Walks for events, and Holiday events.
• Assists in reading and replacing water meters.
• Assists electricians with changing lights on runways, parking decks, and repairing gates.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• 2 years of experience in the operation of motorized construction/mowing equipment or 2 years of labor experience (required).
• Completion of a vocational operator’s program (preferred).
• Valid NC Driver’s License (required).
• CDL class B License (or ability to obtain within 9 months) (required).

A detailed job description will be provided during the interview process.