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.

Investing in Your Growth 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.

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible.

The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You’ll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We’re looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

• 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…