Equipment Operator C1A

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Under direct supervision of the Equipment Operator Supervisor and general supervision of the Fleet Manager, this position involves the operating and maintaining of heavy equipment at the Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport.

Here is how the Equipment Operator C1A will help: 

• Develop or participate in the job safety analysis procedures.
• Operate backhoes, front-end loaders and excavators for support of tradesman in excavation and repair of water, sewer, electrical and gas lines.
• Operate high pressure water sewer cleaning equipment.
• Operate pumps for manhole work.
• Operate rubber and paint removal equipment on runways and taxiways.
• Operate forklift for all material handling at Field Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Airline Services and the Central Storeroom with occasional support for the F.A.A., Air Force and outside contractors.
• Operate skid steer and related equipment for all landscape projects.
• Hoisting and material handling to support tenants.
• Operate paving equipment for any in-house paving projects.
• Operate crawler loaders and excavator for landside repairs, drainage projects, building parking lots and opening of emergency roads.
• Operate loader for loading and stockpiling all sand, salt and construction material such as slag, stone and pipe.
• Excavate and install catch basin and storm sewer pipes.
• Operate all snow removal equipment with the exception of trucks with plows for the A.O.A. and landside requirements, including brooms, blowers and loaders with 20’ and 24’ ramp hog blades.
• Operate graders and loaders to clear ice and hard packed snow on runways, taxiways, ramps and roadways.
• Performs equipment preventative maintenance.
• Work safely and abide by all ACAA safety guidelines.
• Maintain good working relations with management and co-workers, representing the ACAA in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned or required.

Qualifications

Requirements to apply for the role of Equipment Operator C1A are:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in the operation of heavy mobile road and off-road construction and maintenance equipment.
• Must possess a current, valid Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

We also expect that candidates will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities in most cases: 

• Knowledge of F.A.A. ground control and radio procedures.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and techniques of safety precautions and injury prevention programs.
• Ability to work under adverse climatic conditions for extended hours.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member for snow removal or other projects.
• Ability to learn airfield and safe driving procedures for independent movement on the airfield.
• Knowledge of the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
• Serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of the Authority's Ethics Policy.
• Exhibit behavior reflective of the Authority’s Values.
• Ability to work all shifts scheduled or assigned in a 24/7 operation.

Don’t meet every requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. As a Smarter Airport, we recognize that talent is not always related job history and skills come from valuable experiences that aren’t always shown on a resume. If you are excited to make a positive change for our region, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for our organization, whether it be this role or another.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Considerable ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, and vibration.. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.  Employee may be assigned to additional shifts, which encompass a twenty-four hour day, seven day per week operation, including holidays.  Subject to remain on duty beyond assigned working hours to provide assistance during emergency situations, peak periods or extenuating circumstances.

Medical Examination

Employment is contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination and respirator medical clearance performed by the Authority’s examining physician.

Drug Testing

Employment is contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening.  Continued employment may be subject to drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and without individualized suspicion.

Pre-Employment Investigation

Must pass a thorough investigation, consisting of a criminal history check (including but not limited to the requirements of CFR 1542.209 and 1542.3), verification of prior employment and performance, reference and credentials checks.

Caring For Our Crew

At ACAA, we’ve got you covered. That applies to how we equip, empower, and enable our people to do their jobs. It also applies to our benefits, which are broader and more valuable than what many other employers offer:

• We offer two plan options for healthcare coverage from high-quality insurance carriers, as well as an ACAA-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that will help offset the cost of many medical expenses.

• ACAA employees pay almost $1,200 less per year in healthcare payroll contributions than the average employee in other companies, according to market surveys.
• When HRA funding is included, the health-plan deductibles paid by ACAA employees are about $1,200 lower on average than the costs paid by employees of other companies.
• ACAA does not require that employees meet a separate deductible for pharmacy expenses before prescription-drug coverage kicks in.

• ACAA’s dental plans (included with healthcare coverage) offer an option covering children’s orthodontia.
• Employees also can take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help pay for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
• All eligible full-time ACAA employees participate in the Allegheny County Employees Pension Plan, a defined-benefit plan that vests after 10 years of service.
• Employees also may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, which allows them to contribute part of their pay on a pre-tax basis into long-term retirement investments.
• A robust Employee Assistance Program (including access to free counselling sessions, financial guidance, and care coordination), life insurance options, a wellness program, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program round out ACAA’s exemplary benefits.

About the Allegheny County Airport Authority

The Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC), is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect, connect and serve the community, inspire the industry and advance the region’s role as a world leader.

Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly 10 million passengers annually to 63 direct routes. PIT’s CEO Christina Cassotis has been recognized for numerous leadership awards. In 2025, she was named Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh Magazine. 

PIT recently opened a new, modernized pre-security terminal and Terminal Garage, designed for and by the people of the Pittsburgh region. This new airport represents more than a decade of planning, preparation and work from the ACAA team. It serves as the region’s front door to the world, connecting the world to Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh to the world.

ACAA is an equal-opportunity workplace. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, and veteran status