Job Description – Airport Firefighter

Business Unit: ALB - ARFF

Reports To: ARFF Captain

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Job Category: Regular, Full-Time Union: IAFF

Primary Work Location: On-site; Albany International Airport

Country: United States

The Company

Founded in 1927 as a division of Pan American World Airways, Avports is an experienced and trusted airport manager and operator. Today, the company operates with over 650 staff at 14+ airports across the US and the Caribbean, with that number slated to grow to 800 during the next year with the addition of new airport projects.

Avports has historically managed and operated a portfolio of airport operations and maintenance (O&M) and public-private partnership (P3/PPP) contracts at more than 30 US airports. These airports have diverse operations, encompassing commercial and general aviation airports, passenger terminals, joint-use airports, heliports, NASA facilities, and spaceports. The company is working to integrate electric aviation, hydrogen fuel cells, and zero-emission decarbonization concepts in existing airport environments.

Albany International Airport (ALB) https://www.albanyairport.com/about-alb

Located at the junction of Interstate Highways 90 and 87, Albany International Airport (ALB) serves as the primary air gateway for the Capital Region, Northeastern New York, Western New England, and Southern Vermont. Spanning 1,200 acres, ALB connects the region to destinations across the country while standing as one of Upstate New York's top economic development drivers. With recent terminal improvements and a new parking facility, ALB is committed to delivering a safe, modern, and seamless travel experience, positioning itself as the smart airport of tomorrow through innovative practices and a dedication to operational excellence.

Job Summary

Responds to actual or potential aircraft and/or other Airport emergencies to prevent or extinguish fires and rescue plane crew and passengers, performs emergency medical services (EMS); ensures Airport compliance with FAR Parts 139 and CSR Part 1542, provides assistance to other operational departments and performs safety inspections and other associated safety efforts by performing the following duties.

Essential Job Functions

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  Perform firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services for emergencies involving the Airport, aircraft operations and mutual aid to the surrounding community.
• Participates in ongoing training, drills, certification maintenance, and proficiency evaluations necessary to maintain operational readiness.
• Assists in aircraft salvage operations.
• Inspects, tests, maintains and operates firefighting facilities and equipment during both routine and emergency airport operations.
• Responsibilities include maintaining fire extinguishers and hydrants, ensuring hydrants remain accessible and operational, and supporting the readiness of all firefighting equipment and systems.
• Enforces security and makes ground and facility inspections in compliance with FAR Part 139 and CSR Part 1542.
• Operates within the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), and Unified Command Structure during emergency and planned operations.
• Escorts aircraft and other vehicular traffic on the Airfield Operating Area (AOA). Provides secure escorts to airport personnel, contractors and other airport visitors as needed.
• Assist other operational departments by operating ARFF vehicles and providing ARFF expertise, as necessary.
• Enforces Airport Rules and Regulations. Maintaining a clean environment in the department facilities, participates in fire safety education program; conducts ARFF tours and other ARFF/EMS public relations efforts, as requested.
• Snow removal around ARFF Building.
• Firefighters are expected to maintain professionalism, teamwork, operational readiness and a commitment to safety while interacting with coworkers, partner agencies, tenants, passengers and the public.
• Participate in Total Quality Management programs, Goal Setting and performance appraisals.
• Performs safety efforts including inspection, compliance monitoring and training.
• Must be capable of working scheduled shifts, overtime assignments, emergency callbacks, and extended operations during emergencies, weather events, or operational disruptions.
• Utilizes department software systems and technology platforms for reporting, inspections, scheduling, training and operational documentation.
• Must be capable of functioning effectively during high stress, emotionally challenging and rapidly evolving emergency situations.
• Must be capable of safely operating fire apparatus and emergency vehicles in accordance with departmental policies, training requirements, and airport operating procedures.
• Must meet applicable medical and respiratory protection requirements necessary for SCBA use and emergency response operations.
• May be required to perform any other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

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  Accept ownership and accountability, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality results with a sense of urgency.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Work effectively in a highly coordinated environment and support team goals.
• Demonstrate alertness and evaluate conditions in a dynamic airside environment.
• Function effectively in adverse weather, fluctuating schedules, and high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistency in shift-based operations.
• Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately for higher risk or ambiguity.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and conscientiousness in all work.
• Communicate timelines, expectations, and progress clearly.
• Support team continuity and knowledge sharing.
• Seek, receive, and apply constructive feedback to support ongoing development.
• Drive continuous improvement through innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education & Experience

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  High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED).
• Five years of firefighting experience with ARFF experience preferred.

Licenses, Certifications & Eligibility

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  Must possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License.
• Upon hiring, training will be provided, some of which will require work away from home for an extended time.
• Additional certifications, training requirements or operational qualifications may be required as necessary to meet departmental, regulatory, operational, or safety requirements.
• Successfully completing the listed certification courses in the first year of employment is a condition of employment.
• NYS EMT
• NYS Professional Firefighter
• Aircraft Firefighter (IFSAC or Pro Board Airport Firefighter)
• Hazmat Technician
• Confined Space Technician

Acceptance of previous training will be at the Fire Chief and/or Management’s discretion

Technical & Functional Skills

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  Comply with all OSHA, airport, ARFF, and airfield safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, movement area rules, and required use of PPE.
• Safely handle, store, and work with fuels, oils, solvents, and firefighting agents; routinely inspect equipment and promptly report hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Demonstrate strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills while safely operating heavy equipment and performing preventive maintenance with accurate recordkeeping.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while communicating effectively with operations and maintenance teams to support safe and efficient airport operations.
• Designated as essential personnel; dependable during emergencies and severe weather events, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Preferred Skills

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  Experience in airport operations, aviation services, or regulated environments.
• Experience with ARFF vehicles or fire apparatus.
• Knowledge of pump systems and firefighting equipment.
• Familiarity with airport or aviation operations.

Work Authorization & Travel Requirements

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  Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must comply with airport credentialing requirements to work in secure areas.
• Minimal travel may be required for training or operational support.

Work Environment, Physical & Cognitive Demands

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  Work is performed in active airport environments, including maintenance shops, airfield ramps, and aircraft service areas.
• Regularly exposed to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, snow, rain, and wind), high noise levels, jet blast, moving aircraft, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting of heavy objects, as well as sustained alertness to ensure safe operations.
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
• Position may require 24/7 availability, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and snow removal operations, consistent with airport operational demands.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of tools, parts, and equipment weighing up to and more than 100 pounds, with or without mechanical assistance.
• Authorized to operate airport vehicles and equipment on secured and non-secured airport property in accordance with airport rules and training.
• May be granted limited and express permission to operate airport-owned vehicles off airport property strictly for official business purposes (e.g., transport for service, fueling, inspections, or emergency support).

Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.

The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

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  Benefits may include:

o Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

o Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

o Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

o Life and AD'&D Insurance

o 401(k) Retirement Plan

o Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

o Professional development opportunities