Lighting Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Compensation Grade:

AT19

Salary Range:

$21.01-$33.26

Opening Date:

July 24, 2026

Closing Date:

August 8, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an Electrician Apprentice in the Airports Authority's Trades Apprentice Employment Program, you will have the opportunity to gain the experience and training that can lead to becoming a licensed, journey level Electrician.
Electrician Apprentice
This is a non-career, term job.
Serves in the Airport Maintenance Department (Department) at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Participates in a state-approved Airports Authority Trades Apprentice Employment Program to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a licensed, journey level Electrician. Performs progressively complex and responsible electrical work as knowledge, skills and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on-the-job and in the classroom. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Learns to troubleshoot, repair, maintain, install/replace, and perform preventive maintenance on various airfield lighting systems, faulty transformers, cable and fixtures, portable light plants, and electrical portions of stationary and portable generators.

Monitors electrical systems by reading and recording gauges, meters, dials, and protective relays; and locates and isolates faults in cables, switchgear units, and control systems.

Learns to proficiently use manuals, technical guides, wiring/operation diagrams and schematics; to use a two-way radio, various hand and power tools of the trade; and to recognize the kinds/sizes of supplies such as conduit, junction boxes, wires and screws, required to install, maintain, and repair equipment.

Assists full performance (journey) level Electricians in their work by assembling and transporting tools and materials to the job site, supplying requested tools and parts as work is performed, lifting and holding the work object(s), and performing thorough clean up.

Guided by a full performance (journey) level Electrician, learns to interpret, troubleshoot and repair faulty electric and electronic components; to maintain, troubleshoot, and replace electrical motors and kWh meters; to maintain and record readings on electric revenue meters for tenant billing; to program, set time, and install systems for traffic signal controls and twelve ring National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) controllers; and to program, install, repair, and calibrate vehicle security gates.

Learns and uses knowledge of building, fire, Federal Aviation Administration airport lighting, and other codes and regulations pertinent to the trade, in general, and in an airport environment.

Assists in preparing and maintaining work orders, trouble calls, and preventive maintenance, using the Airports Authority's computerized work order system.

Drives a pick-up truck or similar vehicle on the airport complex, landside and airside to work sites and to/from suppliers with tools, parts, etc.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Ability to learn bodies of knowledge and gain skills in the Electrical trade, consistent with the schedule for progression as an Apprentice in the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

Ability to drive a pick-up truck and learn to use similar vehicle (with tools, parts, etc.).

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, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

Ability to successfully complete an Airports Authority background investigation.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) at the time of hire.

Completion of at least one trades course (such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics) in high school, OR be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a trades school accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Labor.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver's license in good standing at the time of hire.

[DCA Only] Depending on assignment, may be required to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is physically demanding and requires bending, stooping, crouching, or otherwise positioning oneself to access confined spaces, hard-to-reach places, and high structures. Work requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Work is typically performed on an active airfield around large operating aircraft and inside and outside in all types of weather.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Work may require the ability to lift, push/pull, or position items weighing up to 45 pounds.

Subject to working night hours and weekends.

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

Operates a vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

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.