Airport Operations Intern

Launch your career in airport operations at the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)! This internship is designed for recent college graduates with a degree in Airport Management or a closely related field. Over the course of 26 weeks, you’ll work full-time alongside the Operations Department staff to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of airport operations at a commercial service airport.

Winter months call for a dedicated commitment, with availability for snowplow shifts that may include weekends, nights, and holidays. To show our appreciation for your dedication during this critical time, you'll be eligible to receive a $560 monthly snow removal bonus from December through March. This is a seasonal position with an anticipated six-month season running November 1 through April 30, with some flexibility in the season dates based on availability.


City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence 

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. In This Role, You Will Assist the Airport Operations Department with the Following: 

• Conducting inspections of airfields, perimeters, security areas, fuel farms, parking lots, and other facilities to ensure compliance with airport regulations. 
  
• Overseeing public relations, marketing, air service development, and construction & planning projects. 
  
• Preparing and maintaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documentation and other documents as assigned, including the Airport Certification Manual, Rules and Regulations Manual, Minimum Operating Standards. 
  
• Reviewing and revising lease agreements, contract documents, rules and regulations, and training programs. 
  
• Participating in snow removal, general grounds maintenance, and wildlife hazard management. 
  
• Enforcing regulations around secured areas, issuing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) as necessary. 
  
• Supervising ground transportation activities. 
  
• Planning and executing special events. 
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You: 

• Know FAA Part 139 and Part 77 regulations, TSA Part 1542 security requirements, and other applicable state, federal, and local laws for operating a commercial air carrier airport. 
  
• Understand airport lighting systems, radio navigational aids, and runway approaches. 
  
• Communicate clearly and effectively over two-way radio equipment with aircraft and the FAA, using proper terminology. 
  
• Stay organized, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through with minimal supervision. 
  

What We Can Offer You: The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees. 

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area 
  
• Free Transit pass 
  
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards 
  

To view the full Airport Operations Intern Winter-Seasonal job description, click here.