Position Title: Airport Operations Specialist (AOS) – Mechanic (M)

Department: Operations

Reports To: Manager, Airport Operations

Classification Level: Level 4a (Non-Management Wage Grid) – Permanent / Full Time

Salary Range: $91,337 to $100,070 per annum (based on skills, abilities, experience, qualifications, and subject to annual management review).

Benefits: Medical services plan coverage, extended medical benefits, RRSP matching (up to 5%), access to Employee & Family Assistance Program, and opportunities for professional development.

Closing Date: Friday July 25, 2025

Last Updated: July 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Nanaimo Airport Commission (“NAC”) is a not-for-profit airport authority, created in 1990, to manage the Nanaimo Airport (“YCD”). The NAC owns the 224-hectare airport campus located in Cassidy, British Columbia approximately a 15-minute drive south of Nanaimo. Reporting to the Manager, Airport Operations, the Airport Operations Specialist (AOS) – Mechanic (M) is a multi-disciplined role responsible for working closely with co-workers, supervisors, and managers to effectively maintain, preserve, and respond to items typically associated with the management of:

• Airport Operations
• Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Assets
• Environment
• Emergencies
• Safety/Security

Working under the direction of the Manager, Airport Operations the AOS-M primary responsibilities are to repair and maintain the entire fleet of Nanaimo Airport vehicles and equipment, build and maintain asset management programs, provide management with input for budget development, and lead fleet maintenance programs. Additionally, the AOS-M may be responsible for providing Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, responding to medical calls and emergencies on airport property, airport operations including but not limited to; the maintenance, repairs and inspections of YCD facilities and buildings, airfield maintenance and inspections, bird and wildlife control, maintenance and upkeep of grounds, and operating a variety of heavy and light equipment. Winter maintenance including inspections and reporting of surface conditions, applying winter chemicals and conducting snow removal both manually and with a variety of light and heavy equipment, conducts flight security for passengers of commercial aircraft along with a variety of other duties as required.

TRAINING/ORIENTATION

Working in an airport environment is unique and challenging and requires knowledge and adherence to both Provincial and Federal rules and regulations. At the Nanaimo Airport, there are extensive training programs in place to ensure adherence of safety requirements and regulations, and to ensure our employees are confident in their abilities to be successful in their roles. The following are some examples of training provided both internally and externally.

• Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting
• Runway Surface Condition Reporting
• Airside Vehicle Operations Permit (AVOP)
• Restricted Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate
• WHMIS
• Airport Wildlife Management Training
• Canadian Airports Accessibility Training
• Incident Command System (ICS)
• Safety Management System
• Airport Security Training

The following are some examples that may be offered as additional training:

• Small Water Operators Certificate
• Small Wastewater Operators Certificate
• Heavy Machinery Operators Certificate
• Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
• Forklift Certification
• Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification
• Firearms possession and acquisition license
• Commercial Vehicle Inspector Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ABILITIES

• Fire fighting or first responder experience.
• Previous experience operating light and heavy equipment.
• Valid Class 3 driver’s licence.
• Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification.
• Commercial Vehicle Inspector Certification.
• Equipped with own hand tools.
• Strong work ethic with a high level of initiative and enthusiasm.
• A strong focus on health and safety.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including communication and judgment.
• A team player, capable of working both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to work in a professional manner.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable with computers and learning new applications.
• Capable of using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Previous airport work experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Valid Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician (Mechanic) Certificate.
• Must be able pass an RCMP records check.
• Must agree to work according to the Modified Work Agreement.
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s licence with air brakes endorsement.
• Must have a valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C equivalent or higher.
• Willing and physically able to complete training in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.
• Able to obtain an Airside Vehicle Operator Permit
• Able to obtain a Restricted Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate.
• Ability to meet Transport Canada security clearance requirements.

WORK SCHEDULE

The AOS-M position may include day and afternoon shifts, weekends and holidays. During the initial training period the work schedule will change to meet training and organizational needs. Schedule rotation may change from time to time at the discretion of management to accomplish organizational requirements and to allow for vacation and sick day coverage. Successful applicants will be required to sign a Modified Work Agreement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Works in restricted zones, close to active runways and aircraft maneuvering areas.
• Indoor/outdoor work—bending, walking, lifting, pushing, and carrying weights over 25 kgs.
• This position requires you to be mobile for much of the working day.
• No opportunity to work from home.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter in pdf format with the subject line of “Airport Operations Specialist - Mechanic” plus your name to: careers@ycd.ca.

Please include three work-related references (letters of reference preferred).

Applications will be accepted until midnight on Friday, July 25, 2025.

While Nanaimo Airport values all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted.

Nanaimo Airport is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $91,337.00-$100,070.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-25