Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ground Maintenance Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Ground Maintenance Technician is a hands-on maintenance professional responsible for maintaining safe, functional, and attractive outdoor environments across airports, municipal facilities, industrial campuses, and commercial properties. This role focuses on airfield and grounds safety (FOD control, runway/taxiway upkeep), turf and landscape care, pavement repair, irrigation and drainage systems, and operation of light to heavy grounds equipment. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, a safety-first mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to document work and communicate with operations and management teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Groundskeeper / Landscaper with 1–3 years of experience
Airport Operations Specialist or Ramp Agent transitioning to airfield maintenance
Equipment Operator or Maintenance Mechanic focused on outdoor equipment

Advancement To:

Senior Ground Maintenance Technician / Lead Technician
Grounds Supervisor or Airfield Maintenance Supervisor
Facilities Maintenance Manager or Airside Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Turf and Irrigation Specialist
Heavy Equipment Operator (loader, grader)
Pesticide Applicator / Horticulture Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct daily airfield and grounds inspections to identify Foreign Object Debris (FOD), pavement defects, vegetation encroachment, drainage issues, and safety hazards; document and escalate findings to management per FAA/organizational procedures.
Perform routine mowing, edging, trimming, aeration, overseeding, fertilization, and pest management to maintain turf health and meet aeronautical and aesthetic standards on runways, taxiways, and perimeter areas.
Operate, maintain, and perform preventive maintenance on a range of powered equipment including commercial mowers, tractors, brush cutters, backhoes, loaders, sweepers, snow plows, and airfield sweepers; complete equipment logs and service records.
Execute pavement maintenance tasks such as crack sealing, pothole repair, surface patching, line painting, and joint sealing to preserve runway and taxiway integrity and meet safety compliance.
Perform snow and ice control operations during winter months using plows, sweepers, chemical de-icing applications, and coordinated response protocols to maintain safe airfield operations.
Install, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinklers, and drip lines; adjust schedules seasonally to conserve water while protecting turf and landscape assets.
Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with label instructions, state regulations, and company policies; maintain accurate pesticide application records and certifications (where required).
Execute erosion control, grading, and drainage improvements to prevent standing water on airfields and grounds, coordinate with engineering when larger repairs are necessary.
Conduct FOD walks, debris removal, and foreign object collection using approved procedures and tools; maintain chains of custody for removed items as required for safety reporting.
Install and maintain signage, barricades, cones, and temporary fencing to support safe work zones, special events, or runway/taxiway closures.
Perform basic mechanical repairs to small engines, hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, and attachments; coordinate major repairs with fleet or external service providers.
Follow and enforce all applicable safety protocols including OSHA, FAA Part 139 (if applicable), lockout/tagout, confined space awareness, PPE use, and hazardous materials handling.
Maintain inventories of consumables, parts, and supplies; request and reorder parts proactively to avoid equipment downtime and ensure operational readiness.
Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and incident maintenance reports, work orders, and safety documentation through the organization’s maintenance management system or logbooks.
Assist with pavement and paint projects including marking layout, surface prep, and application of durable airfield paint and reflective markings.
Coordinate with operations, air traffic control, or facility management to schedule maintenance windows, runway/taxiway access, and temporary closures with minimal operational impact.
Conduct emergency response and recovery activities for storm damage, spills, or runway contamination, including coordination with emergency services and post-event remediation.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as preventive maintenance programs, energy and water conservation projects, and sustainability efforts for grounds operations.
Train and mentor junior technicians, seasonal staff, and contractors on safe work practices, equipment operation, and company quality standards.
Maintain landscape beds, trees, shrubs, and native plantings including pruning, planting, mulching, staking, and disease management to preserve site aesthetics and safety clearances.
Implement wildlife hazard reduction measures including habitat modification, fencing, and deterrents in compliance with wildlife hazard management plans.
Coordinate and supervise contracted services—such as herbicide contractors, heavy paving crews, and tree services—to ensure quality, compliance, and schedule adherence.

Secondary Functions

Support inventory management by labeling parts, updating stock levels, and assisting with vendor communications for procurement and warranty claims.
Respond to ad-hoc service requests from facilities or airport operations, performing minor repairs, cleanup, and special project support as priorities dictate.
Assist in the development of maintenance plans, SOPs, and checklists to standardize tasks, improve efficiency, and support onboarding.
Support training documentation and safety briefings; participate in safety committees and audit preparations for FAA/OSHA inspections.
Help coordinate temporary utility shut-offs, barricades, and traffic control for repair projects in collaboration with facility management.
Provide seasonal support for landscaping projects, community events, and ad-hoc facility improvements, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Document environmental compliance activities such as spill response, stormwater inspections, and pesticide application records.
Communicate with tenants, stakeholders, and the public in a courteous manner when maintenance activities impact access or services.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven hands-on experience with commercial turf equipment (riding mowers, finish mowers, rotary mowers) and grounds equipment operation.
Pavement repair and maintenance skills including crack sealing, pothole patching, surface prep, and airfield paint application.
Snow and ice control techniques: plowing, de-icing chemicals, anti-icing procedures, and cold-weather equipment operation.
Irrigation system installation, programming, troubleshooting, and seasonal adjustments for water conservation.
Pesticide/herbicide application knowledge and ability to obtain and maintain required state applicator licenses and certifications.
Small engine repair and basic mechanical troubleshooting for hydraulics, belts, filters, and fuel systems.
Heavy equipment operation competence (loaders, skid-steers, backhoes, sweepers) with safety and attachment knowledge.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) identification and removal procedures specific to airfield environments.
Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory frameworks: OSHA, FAA Part 139 (airfield maintenance requirements), and hazardous materials handling.
Preventive maintenance planning and use of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or work order software.
Basic carpentry, fence repair, and concrete patching skills for minor infrastructure repairs.
Competence with power tools, hand tools, and material handling equipment for landscaping and maintenance projects.

Soft Skills

Strong commitment to safety culture with the ability to follow and enforce protocols consistently.
Clear verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with operations, contractors, and supervisors.
Excellent attention to detail to spot small defects that can lead to safety incidents or costly repairs.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance routine maintenance, emergency response, and project work.
Problem-solving orientation with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process failures in the field.
Team player attitude and willingness to mentor seasonal workers and collaborate across departments.
Reliability and accountability: punctual, dependable for shift work, on-call rotations, and weather responses.
Adaptability to changing schedules, weather conditions, and operational priorities.
Customer-service mindset when interacting with tenants, pilots, or facility users impacted by maintenance work.
Documentation focus: accurate logging of maintenance activities, safety incidents, and compliance records.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or associate degree in turf management, horticulture, landscape technology, diesel mechanics, or construction trades
Certifications such as FAA Part 139 operations awareness, CDL Class B, OSHA 10/30, or state pesticide applicator license

Relevant Fields of Study:

Turf Management / Agronomy
Horticulture / Landscape Technology
Mechanical Technology / Diesel Repair
Construction Trades / Heavy Equipment Operation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of grounds, landscaping, airfield, or facilities maintenance experience

Preferred: 3+ years of progressive experience in airfield or industrial grounds maintenance with documented experience operating heavy grounds equipment, performing pavement repairs, and executing FOD control; supervisory or lead experience is a plus.