Airport Maintenance Internship

The Mission: Why This Role Matters:

At Columbus Municipal Airport, our grounds are more than just grass—they are a critical part of our operational infrastructure. We are looking for a high-energy, disciplined worker to join our maintenance team. While the primary focus of this role is precision mowing and vegetation control, you will be doing it in a rapid moving aviation environment. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys physical work, takes pride in high-visibility results, and wants to gain "behind-the-scenes" knowledge of airport operations and FAA-regulated grounds standards.

What You Will Do (Aviation Infrastructure Support- Essential Functions):

• Precision Grounds Management: Operate professional-grade mowers and equipment to maintain airfield vegetation at specific heights required for airport operations.
• Active Airfield Navigation: Learn and follow strict protocols for moving equipment across runways and taxiways, maintaining constant awareness of aircraft movement.
• Facility Restoration: Use power and hand tools for ground restoration to ensure the airport remains a top-tier facility for pilots and the public.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily checks and basic upkeep (greasing, cleaning, blade inspections) on tractors and commercial mowing equipment.
• FOD Prevention: Identify and remove Foreign Object Debris (FOD) from grounds to ensure a clean operational environment.
• Other Duties As Assigned: Adaptability is key; other assignments may be given by supervisors to meet the needs of the department.

The Aviation Knowledge You Will Gain:

Even though your hands are on a mower, your head will be in the industry. This internship provides:

• Airfield Navigation: Learn to read and navigate with aviation signs and pavement markings.
• Aviation Communication: Exposure to professional two-way radio communication protocols.
• Regulatory Exposure: Understand how FAA standards dictate the way an Airport’s physical environment is managed.
• Networking: Work directly under the Maintenance Manager and interact with Airport staff.
• Part 139 Operations: Including Wildlife Operations, ARFF, Inspections, Safety procedures, Record keeping, etc.

Qualifications:

We need someone with grit who doesn’t mind the Indiana heat.

• Self-Starter: You see a patch of weeds and handle it without being asked.
• Disciplined: You show up on time, every time, ready for 40 hours of physical labor.
• Industry Focused: Priority is given to those pursuing a degree in the Aviation Industry
• Requirements: High School Diploma/GED and a valid Indiana Driver’s License with a clean record.
• Essential Physical Requirements:
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away and more than a few feet away.
• Work for extended periods outside without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Sufficient balance to climb and remain on ladders and other equipment safely.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Working Conditions:

• The Grind: This is an outdoor job. You will be exposed to summer temperatures, loud engines, and moving mechanical parts.
• The Gear: You must wear functional outdoor work clothes and durable work shoes.
• If the internship lasts beyond six months, you must reside in Bartholomew County or an adjoining county by the end of six months. During the course of the internship, you must reside in close enough proximity to the Airport to be able to arrive on time for shifts during any weather condition.

Pre-Employment:

Pre-employment Drug Testing: Because we operate in a high-visibility aviation environment, this is a Safety-Sensitive position. We maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace to ensure team reliability. This includes pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing.

Pre-Employment Physical Examination: A task-focused evaluation used to confirm a candidate’s ability to meet specific physical demands, such as heavy lifting, bending, and stamina requirements as well as being in compliance with industry safety standards and reduce the risk of workplace injury.

How to Apply:

Ready to join the crew? Submit your application through the City of Columbus Career Portal.

Questions? Contact Human Resources at 812.376.2570 or email humanresources@columbus.in.gov.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

M/F/D/V

*all potential applicants are encouraged to apply, and if you need accommodation or help applying online, please call 812.376.2570 to make an appointment or email humanresources@columbus.in.gov

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person