Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice

Compensation Grade: AT19

Salary Range: $21.01-$33.26

Opening Date: May 29, 2026

Closing Date: June 13, 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 Engineering and 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 licensed, journey level Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Performs progressively complex and responsible equipment maintenance and repair work as knowledge, skills and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on-the-job and in the classroom. Performs related functions.

General Responsibilities

Learns to determine causes of operating problems and repair heavy equipment, from elementary to fully proficient levels, as consistent with the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, electrical diagrams and schematics, various hand and power tools, instruments, and devices, used by the trade.

Assists full performance (journey) level Heavy Equipment Mechanics to assemble and transport tools and materials to the job site, and at the job site to complete the work to include handling of tools and cleaning up.

Guided by a full performance (journey) level Heavy Equipment Mechanic, learns to perform preventive maintenance, determine causes of operating problems, trace and locate defects, and make repairs and modifications to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems for light and heavy mobile gasoline and diesel-fueled equipment.

Performs other tasks as assigned including storing and stocking materials and equipment, removing debris, and cleaning shop/work areas, shop keeping tasks common to the trade requiring elementary to fully proficient levels of Heavy Equipment Mechanic knowledge and skill consistent with the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

Learns and applies knowledge of US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for proper handling of refrigerants, and other codes and regulations pertinent to the trade or airport environment.

Assists in preparing and maintaining work orders, trouble calls, and preventive maintenance; utilizing the Airports Authority's computerized work order system.

Drives a pick-up truck or similar vehicle (with tools, parts, etc.) on the airport complex, to landside and airside, and to/from suppliers with tools, parts, etc.

Assist in the diagnosis and repair of Plug-in Hybrid (EV) and Gas Hybrid vehicles.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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 Equipment Maintenance 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 (with tools, parts, etc.).

Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority background investigation.

Preferred Qualification

Plug-in Hybrid (EV) and Gas Hybrid Vehicle diagnosis and repair.

Education

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) at the time of hire.

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.

Certifications and Licenses Required

A state driver's license in good standing.

Depending on assignment, may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

Necessary Special Factors

Work is physically demanding and requires stooping, crouching or otherwise positioning self to access confined and hard to reach places and requires climbing and ascending large vehicles (such as crash/fire trucks). May work on a slippery surface, particularly when work is performed outside during inclement weather or due to a chemical spill.

Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull or position items weighing up to 100 pounds.

Work is typically performed on an airfield around large operating aircraft and outside in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, ice). May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, temperatures exceeding 115 degrees F; and to the loud operating noise of motors and engines. Uses personal protective equipment.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Subject to night hours and weekends.

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

Operates a vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.