Bodywork Apprentice Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Grade:
T19
Salary Range:
$35.01-$45.50
Opening Date:
September 4, 2026
Closing Date:
September 19, 2026
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.
As a Heavy Equipment Mechanic, you will maintain and repair the Airports Authority's fleet of trucks, vehicles and ground transportation equipment.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
This is a journey (full performance) level job in the Heavy Equipment Mechanic series.
Serves in a Heavy Equipment Maintenance Shop in the Airport Maintenance Department at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Troubleshoots, operates, repairs, overhauls, and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of mobile and stationary equipment, including diesel, multi-fuel, and gasoline engines; automatic and manual transmissions; hydraulic systems; and HVAC systems. Performs related functions.
Examines equipment, traces/locates defects, identifies replacement parts, and repairs/modifies mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems on heavy equipment and/or HVAC systems.
Performs preventive maintenance and inspections on vehicles and heavy mobile equipment.
Changes oil and filters, checks hose connections, performs major tune-ups, etc.
Test-drives/operates equipment to ensure it is operating correctly/according to standards.
Makes service calls to stalled or inoperative vehicles and equipment. Performs on-site repairs. May operate a wrecker to recover and transport vehicles and equipment.
May research new suppliers or substitutions for unavailable parts; may fabricate part(s).
May perform inspections of vehicles and equipment and prepare labor, parts, and materials requirements for itemized estimates.
May perform minor bodywork on vehicles and equipment.
May perform minor welding and cutting of metals and metalwork.
Performs recurring duties such as cleaning shop/work area as required.
Enters information into the computerized maintenance management system and completes work orders for equipment maintained, overhauled, or repaired.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Four years of progressively responsible experience in the repair and maintenance of heavy mobile gasoline and diesel-fueled equipment that includes substantive work in mechanical and hydraulic systems and components, and electrical troubleshooting
OR four years of approved apprenticeship training in repair and maintenance of heavy mobile gasoline and diesel-fueled equipment, and one year of experience in repair and maintenance of heavy mobile gasoline and diesel-fueled equipment
OR four years of vehicle repair and maintenance experience and 240 hours of heavy mechanical equipment vocational training.
Ability to apply journey-level knowledge of heavy industrial, commercial, and light automotive equipment to the maintenance and repair of equipment and associated systems, subsystems, assemblies, and parts.
Journey-level skill in troubleshooting, modifying, and making repairs; and fitting, installing, and adjusting system/vehicle components.
Ability to analyze data and information (diagrams and schematics) to perform work.
Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.
Ability to speak and write effectively.
Skill in using a computer and computerized work order and time and attendance systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
A Class B or Class A Commercial Driver's License.
Licensure by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a State Safety Inspector.
Certification as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Act Section 609 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) Technician.
Certification(s) from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) from the Automobile and Light Truck Test Series (A Series), the Medium-Heavy Truck Series (T Series) or another series applicable to this job.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED
A state driver's license in good standing.
For Heavy Equipment Mechanic (IAD): Class B Commercial Driver's License within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
State Safety Inspector License by the Commonwealth of Virginia may be required.
For Heavy Equipment Mechanic (DCA): Class A Commercial Driver's License with HAZMAT endorsement within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
EPA's MVAC Technician Certification within 30 days of hire, promotion, or placement into the job.
NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS
Operates vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).
May bend, crouch, and work in cramped positions; carries/moves objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
Is subject to possible electrical shock, falls from large mobile equipment, slips on oily flooring, and hazardous fumes and substances. May work for prolonged periods of time in noise levels in excess of 105db. Wears personal protective equipment as necessary.
Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies, such as snow removal, to include operating equipment to clear snow on runways and roadways.
Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.
Ability to communicate clearly with the Air Traffic Control Tower and interpret instructions from the ATCT.
WHAT WE OFFER
A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family's health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.
A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.