HVN - Airport Maintenance Mechanic

Job Description

Job Description

The Company

Founded in 1927 as a division of Pan American World Airways, Avports is an experienced and trusted airport manager and operator. Today, the company operates with over 650 staff (of which approximately 300 are unionized) at 14+ airports across the US and the Caribbean, with that number slated to grow to 800 during the next year with the addition of new airport projects.

Avports has historically managed and operated a portfolio of airport operations and maintenance (O&M) and public-private partnership (P3/PPP) contracts at more than 30 US airports. These airports have diverse operations, encompassing commercial and general aviation airports, passenger terminals, joint-use airports, heliports, NASA facilities, and spaceports. The company is working to integrate electric aviation, hydrogen fuel cells, and zero-emission decarbonization concepts in existing airport environments.

Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) -new-hvn/

Located three miles southeast of downtown New Haven, Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) offers a safe, convenient and welcoming airport experience connecting you to +33 destinations across the U.S. Traveling from Southern Connecticut has never been easier.

Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) is undertaking a major capital improvement project with a new 84,000-square-foot terminal and extended runway—a project that will support thousands of local jobs, strengthen the regional economy, and unlock new opportunities with every destination. As of Summer 2025, the new terminal has reached 60% Design—a key milestone in layout development, systems planning, and architectural design. While many core elements are in place, the design remains subject to change as we refine details and incorporate feedback on the path to final design.

Job Summary

Individual contributor role working with oversight responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of airport vehicles and ground support equipment, including Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) apparatus. Supports safe, continuous airport operations by ensuring all equipment remains reliable, compliant, and operationally ready.

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with technical training preferred, and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, or emergency vehicle maintenance (five years preferred). Must demonstrate a strong working knowledge of automotive and diesel repair practices, including hydraulics, electrical systems, small engines, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance. Requires compliance with OSHA, airport, ARFF, and airfield safety standards; the ability to safely operate heavy equipment; and accurate maintenance documentation.

Position is regular, full-time on-site, reporting to the Airport Maintenance Manager. Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship. Primary work is on-site and based in the Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). Serve as essential personnel; report during emergencies, severe weather events, and critical operational periods, including mandatory overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts to support 24/7 airport operations, as operational demands dictate.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspect, diagnose, service, maintain, and repair airport fleet vehicles, ARFF apparatus, snow removal equipment, and motorized tools, including gasoline‑ and diesel‑powered systems.
• Perform mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pump, and firefighting system repairs to ensure continuous ARFF and operational readiness in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139.
• Conduct scheduled and preventive maintenance; respond to urgent and emergency repairs to minimize equipment downtime.
• Maintain accurate, audit‑ready maintenance records, inspection logs, and inventory to support FAA compliance and airport certification requirements.
• Inspect equipment, tools, and systems for safety hazards; promptly report unsafe conditions and ensure corrective action.
• Operate and maintain heavy airport equipment, including snow and ice control machinery, and support seasonal and inclement weather operations.
• Perform basic facility and infrastructure maintenance, including airfield lighting, signage, groundskeeping, minor carpentry, plumbing, painting, and electrical/mechanical work.
• Coordinate parts procurement and supply management within budget guidelines.
• Work in active airfield environments; maintain situational awareness and comply with movement area rules and airfield driving requirements.
• Safely handle, use, and store fuels, oils, solvents, firefighting agents, and other hazardous materials in accordance with OSHA and airport safety procedures.
• Follow lockout/tagout, PPE, and all applicable OSHA, airport, ARFF, and safety protocols.
• Support FAA inspections and demonstrations of equipment functionality as required; follow airport certification manuals, SOPs, and FAA guidance.
• Communicate effectively with airport personnel using two‑way radio systems to support operational and emergency coordination.
• Participate in required safety training, emergency preparedness drills, and initial and recurrent airfield driver training; maintain required credentials and driving privileges.
• Serve as essential personnel; report during emergencies, severe weather events, and critical operational periods, including mandatory overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts.
• Operate airport vehicles and equipment in compliance with all laws, regulations, and organizational policies; promptly report changes in driving status and adhere to vehicle use requirements.
• Wear required uniform, identification, and personal protective equipment at all times while on duty.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support business objectives.

Core Competencies

• Accept ownership and accountability, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality results with a sense of urgency
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Work effectively in a high-coordinated environment and supports team goals.
• Demonstrate alertness and evaluate conditions in a dynamic airside environment.
• Functions effectively in adverse weather, fluctuating schedules, and high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and consistency in shift-based operations.
• Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately for higher risk or ambiguity
• Manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and conscientiousness in all work
• Communicate timelines, expectations, and progress clearly
• Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately for higher risk or ambiguity
• Support team continuity and knowledge sharing
• Seek, receive, and apply constructive feedback to support ongoing development
• Drive continuous improvement through innovative and cost-effective solutions

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• Minimum: Three (3) years of experience in automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, or emergency vehicle maintenance; five (5) years preferred.
• Demonstrated strong working knowledge of automotive repair methods, materials, tools, and diagnostic practices, hydraulics, electrical systems, and small engines.

Licenses, Certifications & Eligibility

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Valid local driver’s license with acceptable driving record to support equipment needs
• Must successfully pass TSA background screening and security clearance
• Must meet applicable FAR Part 139 training requirements
• Position involves shift work

Technical & Functional Skills

• Comply with all OSHA, airport, ARFF, and airfield safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, movement area rules, and required use of PPE.
• Safely handle, store, and work with fuels, oils, solvents, and firefighting agents; routinely inspect equipment and promptly report hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Demonstrate strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills while safely operating heavy equipment and performing preventive maintenance with accurate recordkeeping.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while communicating effectively with operations and maintenance teams to support safe and efficient airport operations.
• Designated as essential personnel; dependable during emergencies and severe weather events, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in airport operations, aviation services, or regulated environments.
• Experience with ARFF vehicles or fire apparatus.
• Knowledge of pump systems and firefighting equipment.
• ASE certification or similar credentials.
• Welding and fabrication experience.
• Familiarity with airport or aviation operations.

Work Authorization & Travel Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must comply with airport credentialing requirements to work in secure areas.
• Minimal travel may be required for training or operational support

Work Environment, Physical & Cognitive Demands

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in active airport environments, including maintenance shops, airfield ramps, and aircraft service areas.
• Regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, snow, rain, and wind), high noise levels, jet blast, moving aircraft, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting of heavy objects, as well as sustained alertness to ensure safe operations.
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
• Position may require 24/7 availability, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and snow removal operations, consistent with airport operational demands.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of tools, parts, and equipment weighing up to and more than 100 pounds, with or without mechanical assistance.
• Authorized to operate airport vehicles and equipment on secured and non-secured airport property in accordance with airport rules and training.
• May be granted limited and express permission to operate airport-owned vehicles off airport property strictly for official business purposes (e.g., transport for service, fueling, inspections, or emergency support).
• This job description is not intended to list every duty. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice.

Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.

The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company. will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

• Benefits may include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
  • Life and AD &D Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • Professional development opportunities