Email Opening Title Airport Operations/ARFF Specialist  Category Airport   Description Application closing date: 1/31/2026 Hiring pay range: $27.64 - $33.86 Full pay range: $27.64 - $40.08 SUPERVISION: Non-Supervisory. GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Performs a variety of airport operational duties, including vegetation and wildlife management and maintenance activities. Performs maintenance on the Air Operations Area and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) responsibilities, including firefighting, hazardous material mitigation, emergency medical services and rescue work. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment) Airport Operations: Performs daily inspections of airport property to ensure compliance with FAA/Airport Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards. Reports discrepancies and assists with any corrective actions. Performs Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) duties. Performs monthly recurrent FAR Part 139 recommended ARFF training and maintenance of equipment. Annual live burn certification and training. Maintains the safe operation of the airport facilities, runway, ramp, taxiways, airfield areas, navigational aids, and airport lighting. Completes airport’s self-inspection program, ensuring the safe operational condition of the airfield and identifying and documenting damages, deterioration, debris, and other unsafe or non-compliant conditions. Issues notices to Airmen (NOTAM’s) to report all conditions that impact safe operation of aircraft, and ensures they are properly received by the appropriate agencies and canceled in a timely manner. Performs maintenance on asphalt-concrete pavement, fuel farm, fencing, gates and airfield lighting. Assists with aircraft and other non-aviation emergency situations. Assists the Airport Operations Coordinator in emergency response coordination activities as needed. Airport Grounds Maintenance: Responsible for managing wildlife and vegetation hazards on airport grounds, mowing grass, trimming trees and shrubs, and implementing wildlife management measures in FAA & state airport compliance. Performs cleaning, painting, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical duties. Performs landscape maintenance and installation, planting, and transplanting. Installs and maintains irrigation systems. Ensures proper storage and disposal of all hazardous materials. Assists with inspections, maintenance, repair, and services on Airport light and heavy-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles. Performs snow removal and other weather-related maintenance activities. Operates heavy equipment. Other duties as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES: (Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position) Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do. Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customers’ needs. Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiency. Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others. Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies. Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position. Airport Regulations: Knowledge of statutes, regulations, and guidelines regarding airport planning/land use activities. Understands Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) pertaining to the airport and airfield operations. Maintenance and Repair: Knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair techniques typically gained through a course of study at a trade school in heavy equipment maintenance and repair. Knows basic techniques and practices in carpentry, electrical systems, and plumbing systems. BENEFITS: Medical, Vision, Dental Disability & Life Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Vacation & Sick Time Employee Wellness Programs Employee Gyms To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/   Position Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by Garfield County may be substituted for the following requirements.) Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience: Three years of progressive experience in construction maintenance, equipment operation, vehicle maintenance and facility maintenance. Licenses & Certifications: Valid Driver’s License. The following certifications must be obtained within the first year of employment: Basic and Advanced FAA Airport Safety and Operations Specialist, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, and First Aid and CPR. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical activities and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. REQUIRED PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Lifting, moving, pushing and pulling: Must be capable of lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds, such as equipment and materials as part of snow removal, maintenance, and operational tasks. Balancing: Should be able to maintain balance while on a ladder when conducting inspections, performing maintenance checks, or accessing elevated areas. Climbing: Proficient in climbing in and out of large equipment and vehicles, such as snowplows, maintenance trucks, or utility vehicles, during operational duties. Bending, Stooping, and Crawling: Must be capable of bending, stooping, crawling, and kneeling. Physical Stamina: Maintain physical stamina to perform tasks related to snow removal, vegetation control, animal control, and general maintenance in various weather conditions and environments. Visual Acuity: Must possess clear vision to inspect airport facilities, identify safety hazards, and monitor operational activities effectively. Hearing: Possess excellent hearing to communicate with colleagues, respond to radio transmissions, and identify potential safety concerns during airport operations. Walking and Standing: Able to walk and stand for extended periods while patrolling airport grounds, conducting inspections, and overseeing operational activities. Fine Motor Skills: Display precise fine motor skills when operating equipment controls, handling tools, and performing intricate maintenance tasks. WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to vibration from equipment and the possibility of bodily injury from electrical shock and moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools, or machinery. The employee occasionally works in and around high-volume traffic, high, precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to intense noise, vibrations, smoke, fumes, lights, radio emissions or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is required to wear safety equipment to perform some of the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the indoor work environment is moderate; in the outdoor environment can occasionally be extremely loud. There are frequent interruptions and multiple demands. ON CALL: This position is responsible for being available to address issues in a timely manner after regular business hours. An employee who is on on-call status is required to: Remain within a geographical area so that they can arrive at the employer’s premises within the department’s maximum response time. Be available to take calls, respond to emails or website inquiries, or otherwise respond to inquiries at all times while on on-call status. Be fit for duty at all times while on on-call status. Employees assigned this responsibility must respond to calls within a reasonable timeframe. Safe, professional business practices are required of all employees assigned to on-call duty. WORK HOURS: Regular Full-Time position, 40 hours per week. Work is completed during irregular hours and shifts. There may be times when an employee may need to work outside the established work week, such as after hours or on the weekend. REQUIRED TRAVEL: The employee is frequently required to travel throughout the County, state-wide, and occasionally nation-wide. TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT: Computer and relevant software applications, spreadsheets, calendars, and word processing. Will also work with calculators, telephone systems, and mobile phones. Will work with a variety of light and heavy equipment (e.g. mower, snow removal equipment, tractor, backhoe, front end loader, four-wheel drive service vehicle) used in the maintenance of the airport grounds and facilities. NOTE: This position requires a pre-employment background check which will include a Criminal Background Check, Employment Verification, and Motor Vehicle Record. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these items. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Nothing in this job description restricts Garfield County’s ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description describes the County’s current assignment of essential functions. Those functions may change at any time as the needs of the County change or for other reasons deemed appropriate by the County.   Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time   Location Rifle, Colorado.   Benefit Information To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/   Hiring Range $27.64 - $33.86   Full Pay Range $27.64 - $40.08   Driving Classification Essential   Number of Openings 1   Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt   Req Number AIR-26-00001   Open Date 1/12/2026   About the Organization Garfield County, Colorado consists of rugged alpine vistas and high desert mountains in the Rocky Mountain region, which dwells along the Continental Divide. Garfield County is located in western Colorado, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. It is home to the second largest designated wilderness area in Colorado - the Flattops Wilderness, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, a popular family ski resort, and Hanging Lake, designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011.   EOE Statement Garfield County is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.   This position is currently not accepting applications. 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