Airfield Equipment Operator Lead Hand, Airside
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Salary: Band 9 ($103,701.00)
Status: Full-Time, Permanent - Unionized
Number of positions available: 1
Closing Date: May 6th, 2026
WHY CALGARY AIRPORTS
Powered by heart and dedicated to excellence, we’re the team that keeps Calgary connected – and you could be our newest member.
We’re in the business of uplifting people, and every day, we create runways to new places and possibilities, building a better airport experience for everyone.
WHAT’S THE TEAM LIKE
The Airside Lead Hands at the Calgary Airport Authority provide direct oversight and supervision to the team of Airfield Equipment Operators (AEOs), ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of airport facilities. They coordinate and supervise the use of machinery such as, but not limited to runway sweepers, snowplows, and mowers and other maintenance equipment, while ensuring adherence to safety protocols. The Lead Hand role is responsible for understanding and anticipating the needs of Nav Canada and the IOC; focusing on efficiency, continuous improvement and industry best practice in the delivery of the programs.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Responsible for the day-of oversight and productivity outcomes of the Airfield Equipment Operators
- Deploy and direct work priorities of individual Airfield Equipment Operators in alignment with each individual’s training, proficiency and development plan
- Schedule, deploy and direct the work priorities of a team of Airfield Equipment Operators in accordance with the operations and maintenance program
- Responsible to address and document Airfield Equipment Operator training and performance progression, and any behavioral concerns.
- Carry out Airfield Equipment Operator duties as required including, operation of heavy, medium and light equipment to maintain all airport surface structures and groundside surfaces on and annual basis
- Perform labour work such changing broom cores, replacing plow blades, and preparing equipment for its next use
- Ensure the operational maintenance of heavy equipment and shop area to standards as set by General Manager and/or Director
- Ensure staff complete appropriate safety programs (walk arounds, snags and other equipment related inspections).
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP) and a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC)
- Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)
- 3-5 years’ experience and competency in heavy equipment operation
- 3-5 years" experience in airport operations and/or a leadership role
- Minimum Class 3 driver"s license with Q endorsement (Air Brake Certification)
- Proven ability to lead, supervise, train and mentor a team
- Ability to effectively deploy teams to achieve day-of maintenance and operations program requirements
- Demonstrated ability to take direction and implement instructions in a timely manner
- Strong safety focus, as shown in your decisions and behaviours
- Ability to work a rotating shift and be on call
- Ability to sit in and operate equipment for potentially extended periods of time
- Ability to build and maintain positive and respectful working relationships
- Ability to navigate a fast-paced work environment and make critical decisions
- Basic Microsoft computer skills, including but not limited to, Outlook, Teams, Forms, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
WHAT ADDITIONAL SKILLS ARE AN ASSET
- Bilingual in English and French
WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO US
We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines, and our crew thrive both at work and at home. We believe that deliberate steps such as creating a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, equitable to all, and actively and diligently taking steps along the path to reconciliation are the keys to making this a reality.
OUR VALUES
We prioritize genuine concern and compassion for everyone we engage with, from our team members to our partners and guests, always striving to help and support one another.
We actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making and collaboratively tackle challenges.
We work together with trust and transparency, supporting one another to achieve the collective goals of our organization.
We grow, evolve, and adapt with purpose, continually aligning our actions with our vision.
We embrace curiosity and boldly challenge the status quo, exploring new opportunities and taking thoughtful, responsible risks that drive purposeful innovation.
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