Central Plant Mechanic Apprentice (HVAC)

Compensation Grade:

AT19Salary Range:

$21.01-$33.26

Opening Date:

November 13, 2026

Closing Date:

November 28, 2026Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As a Central Plant Mechanic 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 Central Plant Mechanic.

This is a non-career, term job.

Serves in the Airport Maintenance Department at 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 Central Plant Mechanic. Performs progressively complex and responsible maintaining, repairing, and modifying airport heating and cooling systems in the central plant and remote facilities at IAD as knowledge, skills, and abilities in the trade increase. Training received is both on-the-job and in a classroom. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Learns to maintain and repair heating and air-handling systems and related HVAC equipment, ranging from low-pressure boilers to high-temperature hot-water boilers and from small exhaust fans to multi-zoned air-handling units with multi-filtering systems.

Learns to troubleshoot problems with equipment and systems (e.g., observe cracks and metal corrosion; check gauges for pressure, temperature, and level; reviews data and logs).

Assists full performance (journey) level Central Plant Mechanics to dismantle, inspect, clean, repair, or replace equipment, such as pumps, condensers, expansion joints, motors, switches, and timers.

Learns to answer trouble calls and perform preventive maintenance on high-temperature hot water generators, centrifugal chillers, pumps, compressors, and cooling towers.

Works alongside HVAC Mechanics or Air-Conditioning Mechanics.

Learns to use water sampling equipment and various tools, meters, probes, pumps, and other equipment and uses a distributed control system to determine the operational status of equipment.

Assist with keeping records and reports of work completed and materials used.

Learns to set up and clean up the work site and performs ‘shop-keeping’ tasks common to the trade including storing and stocking materials and equipment.

Learns to handle refrigerants and hazardous materials in accordance with regulations and other requirements and works according to building and fire codes.

Keeps abreast of industrial changes in HVAC and refrigeration equipment and systems.

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 Central Plant Mechanics trade consistent with the schedule for progression as an Apprentice in the Trades Apprentice Employment Program.

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.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

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

Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (exerting 20 to 40 pounds; lifts, pushes, and moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds).

May be subject to noise, heat, or electric shock from HVAC equipment; wears personal protective gear, as necessary. May be subject to adverse weather conditions when working outside.

Subject to night hours and weekends.

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.