General Equipment Operator II

Compensation Grade:

T16

Salary Range:

$28.58-$37.15

Opening Date:

November 2, 2026

Closing Date:

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a General Equipment Operator II, you will operate a variety of motorized equipment used in sweeping, construction, maintenance, groundskeeping and snow removal activities to help keep the airport’s runways, taxiways, taxilanes, ramp areas, parking lots and roadways, and other operational areas safe, free of debris, and in serviceable condition. You will operate a broad range of general construction and maintenance equipment in support of airfield, roadway, and grounds maintenance activities; perform inspections; assist with roadway, parking lot, and sidewalk repair and resurfacing projects; support excavation, grading, vegetation management; assist with traffic control and work zone safety operations; perform operational checks on equipment; and provide on-the-job training and guidance to supplemental workers and employees while supporting the safe and efficient operation of airport facilities and infrastructure.


Works under the direct supervision of the Heavy Equipment Operator Supervisor or Roadway and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor.


Serves in the Structures and Grounds Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Operates a broader range of general construction and maintenance equipment, including front-end loaders, forklifts, hydroseeders, sweepers, snow removal equipment, tractors, and related equipment used in airport maintenance operations.

Escorts, trains, and guides supplemental workers and lower-level employees performing Air Operations Area (AOA) foreign object debris (FOD) cleanup, mowing and other assigned work activities.

Operates tandem sweeper to sweep the runways, taxiways, taxilanes and ramp areas.

Maintains awareness of hydraulic pressure gauge in equipment that is being used, and takes appropriate action when readings are abnormally high.

Uses snow brooms in addition to scrubbing and de-rubberizing on the runways. (DCA only)

Uses magnetic tow-behind sweeper attachment on roadways and taxiways to remove metal objects.

Will use tools such as jackhammers, drills, sledgers, hoes, chain saws, shovels and rakes to assist in pavement patching, construction, and gardening tasks.

Operates smaller sweeper and scrubber to clean taxi holding area and parking structures.

Performs inspections on the airport landside roadways, runways, and taxiways.

Clears roadway or performs emergency repairs with team.

Assists in setting up Management of Traffic (MOT) for roadway lane closures and work zones.

Properly implements the use of highway speed attenuator, variable message boards, and proper wording and arrow board placement when affecting changes to traffic patterns.

Makes precise adjustments on computer, electric over hydraulic, and electronically controlled equipment, or installs or removes accessories on a variety of equipment.

Operates farm tractors with different mower attachments on the airfield and street-side.

Clears the airfield operations area of loose debris and uses a hand-held power saw to cut down heavy brush or trees along roads, creeks, and the riverbank.

Operates slope mower on grassy slopes up to 40 degrees.

Grades areas for seeding and soil erosion control, makes postholes for fences, as well as using a hydro seeder.

 Uses a mini backhoe to dig holes for transplanting shrubbery (DCA Only).

Performs operational checks on equipment and reports equipment malfunctions.

Assists in the repairs or resurfacing of roadways, sidewalks, and other concrete and asphalt ground surfaces.

Uses jackhammer or backhoe to remove damaged asphalt or pavement.

Provides on-the-job training and guidance to employees in the safe operation of grounds and engineering equipment and related work practices.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Four years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of general equipment.

Two of the four years of experience must include operating motorized construction equipment such as trucks, front-end loaders, forklifts, and related equipment to perform functions such as loading, hauling, dumping, plowing, and rolling.

Skill in operating a variety of general construction and maintenance equipment, including sweepers, snow blasts, plows, or other equipment with hydraulic systems, two or more engines, and multiple controls.

Skill as a general equipment operator using manual, hydraulic, and electronic control systems to adjust and calibrate equipment and operate a variety of attachments.

General knowledge of Management of Traffic (MOT) principles, work zone safety practices, and procedures for maintaining safe traffic patterns during roadway maintenance activities.

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

Ability to analyze data and information (including blueprints and schematics).

Ability to speak and write effectively.

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver (CDL).

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Licensed as a Class B Commercial Driver (CDL) within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

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

Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 90 pounds). May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position.

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

May be subject to night/weekend work.

May be subject to adverse weather conditions and dust/grease/dirt.

May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and construction industry. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here. 

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

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.