Job Summary

Heavy Equipment Operator – Purdue University Airport 

Overview
Purdue University Airport Operations maintains the second busiest airport in Indiana and the “largest classroom on campus”.  This commercial service airport is open 24/7/365, served by United Airlines, and supports the aviation education & research missions of Purdue.  Join a team that takes pride in ensuring airport safety and delivering exceptional service to our tenants and passengers.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment for snow removal and turf/grounds care
• Perform airfield inspections and corrective maintenance to meet FAA standards
• Implement wildlife hazard control measures
• Assist with emergency operations and on-call responses
• Keep accurate maintenance and inspection records

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in regulated environments; prior airfield experience preferred
• Ability to learn FAA standards and airport practices
• Comfortable with on-call shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Strong communication and leadership skills; relevant certifications/licenses as required
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/commercial driver’s license and equipment certs preferred

Schedule and Environment

• 24/7/365 airport operation with varying shifts and on-call requirements
• Work outdoors in all weather; emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and benefits; professional development opportunities
• Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement within a university setting

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE)
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience required; two in heavy equipment operation and two (2) in general maintenance
• Must have and maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license

Preferred:

• Commercial Driver’s License

Skills Needed:

• Capability to:
  • work independently on the airfield and communicate with Air Traffic Control
  • complete required training
• Ability to pass a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) as warranted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and disposition towards teamwork

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3

• Pay Band S050
  Job Code #20003897

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.