Heavy Equipment Specialist

Do you want to work for an organization with a purpose? Come work for the Metropolitan Airports Commission! Our award-winning Field Maintenance team is committed to providing exceptional airport experiences so Minnesota thrives.

Heavy Equipment Specialists are responsible for the operation of heavy equipment which can include front-end loaders with various attachments, skid steers, motor graders, asphalt rollers, back/track hoes and other equipment. Heavy Equipment Specialists also conduct light maintenance, oil changes, lubrication, and repair of equipment operated.

For a look at our award-winning team in action and to see some of the types of equipment they operate during winter events, click the following link: MSP Winter Snow Event.

Pay Differentials/Incentives

• +$0.35/hour for Class A CDL -OR- MAC Forklift Certification
• +$1.10/hour - 2nd Shift (Afternoon, Weekend Afternoon)
• +$2.00/hour - 3rd Shift (Night)

Current Shifts*ShiftWork DaysWorking HoursDayMonday - Friday6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.AfternoonMonday - Friday2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.NightSunday - Thursday10:00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.Weekend DaySaturday - Wednesday6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Weekend AfternoonSaturday - Wednesday2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.* Shift assignments are bid twice each calendar year, based on seniority. Note that new employees typically start on the day shift, then transfer to the night shift for the training period before moving to their assigned shift.

In addition to competitive hourly wages, workers can also earn overtime.

This is a safety-sensitive position which will require a pre-employment drug screen.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Alaina Reede at alaina.reede@ mspmac.org or at (612) 725-4690.

Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.

MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process because of a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or Tekia.Jefferson@ mspmac.org.

MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability.

Snow and Ice Control

• Operate front-end loader equipment with plow, rotary snow blower and broom attachments within the airport security area, air operations area and in public areas as assigned.
• Operate skid steer equipment with plow, bucket, and broom attachments within the airport security area, air operations area and in public areas as assigned.
• Operate motor grader equipment for the removal of snow or compacted snow and ice.
• Operate equipment in material storage facilities moving material within enclosed spaces.

Bituminous and Concrete Repair

• Operate skid steer equipment with hydraulic jackhammer and bucket attachments to prepare bituminous and concrete surfaces for new paving materials.
• Operate bituminous paving and surface milling equipment, including rollers, backhoe, skid steer, loader, and paver.

General Maintenance

• Load snow, sand, dirt, debris and fill material into trucks or other vehicles.
• Level ground in preparation for construction, sign or fence installation.
• Perform excavation duties including backfilling excavations, ruts, and washouts.
• Remove debris from waterways and drainage areas.
• Remove concrete, rocks, stumps, and other material.
• Movement and storage of material within enclosed spaces.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform preventative maintenance service on assigned equipment, including oil changes and lubrication and maintaining fluid levels.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, cleaning, and care.

General Duties

• Assist other MAC Department personnel and contractors as assigned.
• Operate mobile and base-station radio equipment; maintain contact with air traffic control while performing airfield duties according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations and Airport Operations Area movement area procedures.
• Train co-workers on the safe and proper use of equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Individual Contributor (IC) Competencies

• Customer Focus -Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
• Decision Quality-Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
• Action Oriented -Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm
• Optimizes Work Processes -Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ensures Accountability -Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Collaborates-Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Values Differences -Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively-Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of unique needs of different audiences
• Courage-Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Instills Trust-Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity
• Self-Development-Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels
• Situational Adaptability- Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations

Education Requirements

• Possession of a valid state-issued driver’s license.

Minimum Requirements

• Two years of work experience operating commercial-rated vehicles, heavy equipment, and/or large agricultural machinery including front-end loaders, skid steers, motor graders, back/track hoes, and rollers OR two years of experience as an Airport Maintenance Worker.
• Satisfactory driving record (see definition under 'Other Information').
• Ability to successfully demonstrate proficiency with the following equipment: front-end loader, skid steer, backhoe and motor grader.
• Knowledge of general maintenance of gas and diesel engines.
• Ability to estimate inventory of material.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work outdoors under severe and varying weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, position and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb in and out of equipment.
• Ability to pass a criminal history and employment background check.
• Ability to pass a physical examination.
• Ability to obtain an MSP Driver’s license including a Movement Area runway and taxiway endorsement within six (6) months of employment and maintain the license throughout employment in this position.
• Ability to obtain MAC forklift certification within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification throughout employment in this position.

Desirable Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Class A or B state-issued driver's license.
• Professional experience using bituminous milling machines including pavers.
• Professional experience in snow removal.
• Professional experience in pavement construction or repair.
• Professional experience in landscape excavation or grading.
• Experience in the use of two-way radio equipment.
• Experience with GPS enhanced equipment.

Motor Vehicle Record Evaluation Guideline

Safe driving habits are critical for individuals employed in MAC occupations that require extensive driving of equipment on the aircraft operating area. As a result, external applicants for the Airport Maintenance Worker position must meet the MAC's standard of safe driving in order to be hired.

A contingent offer of employment shall be withdrawn if the motor vehicle record contains:
1. Three (3) or more minor moving violations within the last three (3) years from date of offer.

Minor violations include, but not limited to:

• Failure to wear a seat belt
• Speeding
• Failure to stop at a stop sign
• Failure to yield

2. Any major violation within the past three (3) years from date of offer including, but not limited to:

• Driving under influence of alcohol/drugs
• Open bottle or allowing open bottle
• Failure to stop/report an accident
• Violations as a result of an accident
• Reckless driving/speeding contest
• Making a false accident report
• Homicide, manslaughter or assault arising out of the use of a vehicle
• Driving while license is suspended/revoked
• Careless driving
• Attempting to elude a police officer
• Excessive speed

Any pending criminal matter for a serious traffic offense will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Felony: A crime for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year and a fine of more than $3,000 may be imposed. (Examples: criminal vehicular operations resulting in injury or death, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle resulting in an injury or death.)

Gross Misdemeanor: Any crime which is not a felony or misdemeanor, the maximum fine for which is $3,000.00, and imprisonment for up to one year. (Examples: fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, subsequent DWI violations within five and ten years.)

Misdemeanor: A crime for which a sentence of not more than 90 days or a fine of $1,000.00, or both, may be imposed. (Examples: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving After Suspension/Driving After Revocation (DAS/DAR), reckless/careless driving, no insurance, open bottle, parking in a handicapped area, third moving violation in a year, petty misdemeanor violations with enhancements.)

Petty Misdemeanor: A petty offense which is prohibited by statute, which does not constitute a crime, for which a fine of not more than $100.00 may be imposed, unless the violation was originally a misdemeanor, whereupon the fine may not exceed $200.00. (Examples: speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign, failure to yield.)