About this role
METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 88-years in service to the East Tennessee area. Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.
The Position:
The MKAA is seeking an Airfield Maintenance Technician to help maintain and repair airport properties, including airfields, aircraft movement areas, access roads, terminal-area roads, grounds, and other facilities. In this role, you will perform a variety of maintenance and repair tasks to support the safe, efficient, and well-maintained operation of airport property. Responsibilities include conducting preventative maintenance on tools and light equipment, as well as operating hand tools, passenger vehicles, light and medium-duty trucks and trailers, on- and off-road construction equipment, specialty equipment, agricultural equipment, pavement maintenance and repair equipment, and commercial mowing equipment. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, operating equipment, and contributing to the safety and appearance of airport facilities.
Responsibilities:
• Performs mowing and landscaping maintenance on airport property using various tools and equipment.
• Safely operates a variety of heavy and light duty equipment and vehicles on-and-around airport operating areas and public roads. Tows heavy duty equipment and machinery. Operates equipment around buildings, vehicles, and other structures.
• Maintains all paved surfaces on the airfield and airport roads, including painted surfaces. Performs repairs to concrete and asphalt and completes new construction as assigned. Ensures the pleasant appearance of the airfield, terminal area, and other airport property.
• Completes assigned training sessions and on-the-job training to ensure safe worksites and compliance with all safety rules and regulations.
• Removes rubber from runways using a chemical application to maintain the safe operation of aircraft.
• Performs snow removal operations to the airfield and airport roads via trucks and tractors with sprayers and spreaders. Plows snow, ice and slush off paved surfaces to maintain a safe environment for aircraft, employees, passengers, and emergency responders.
• Performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs on tools and equipment.
• Performs regular inspections of the airfield, gates/fences, and drainage areas.
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of zero-turn mower operation, basic hand tools, airfield terminology, air traffic control communication practices, and workplace safety standards. They should be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, safely operate vehicles and equipment around aircraft and within the airfield environment during both day and night operations, and work effectively as part of a team while learning new skills and techniques on the job. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to identify potential hazards, sound problem-solving and decision-making skills, and effective verbal and written communication. Candidates should also be able to understand and follow Department of Transportation regulations, standard operating procedures, and FAA specifications. Much will be learned on the job. Must like working outdoors. ***Class B commercial driver's license, with Air Brakes endorsement, preferred.
Minimum Qualifications:
• High School diploma or equivalent. Much will be learned on the job. Must like working outdoors.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in commercial mowing, snow removal operations, concrete maintenance, and/or use of related equipment, preferred.
Salary and Compensation:
The salary rate for this position is $17.00- $17.75/hour. Final salary will depend on experience (DOE). MKAA offers a very competitive benefit package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a) retirement program. Final salary offer will be dependent upon experience.
Application Deadline:
For best consideration, apply by Sunday, August 30, 2026. ***Position open until filled.
Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600 | Knoxville, TN 37901 | Attention: HR. Resumes/Applications must be received by the stated deadline, or postmarked by the deadline date, to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.
Applicants must submit ALL the following in order to be considered: Official Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Application or resume (Applicants submitting resumes must submit a completed signed copy of the MKAA application prior to being interviewed).
Selection Process:
Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.
The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority complies with the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act and federal law by participating in E-Verify. All post-offer new hires are verified electronically to confirm authorization to work in the United States.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long‑term basis.
• MKAA conducts random employee drug screenings.
• MKAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
$17.00 - $17.75/hour (DOE)