Careers in Airport Snow Management

Effective snow management is therefore critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations during winter weather. Without proper snow removal, safety hazards such as decreased visibility and slippery surfaces can lead to flight delays, cancellations, and stranded travelers.

Airport snow management is a complex and dynamic operation. Teams of workers coordinate efforts including deicing, snow removal, and weather forecasting. The individual jobs can be challenging but are also exciting and rewarding. Here is what you need to know about working in airport snow management.

Snowfall can create many challenges and dangers at airports. 

Rapid snowfall

Sudden and heavy snowfall can pose problems for aircraft. For planes in the air around the airport, rapid changes in visibility and weather conditions create challenges for pilots trying to takeoff, navigate, and land. Quickly changing surface conditions on the ground can also lead to reduced traction during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.

Given the challenges posed by snowfall, it is important for airports to be properly equipped to manage and remove snow rapidly and efficiently.

Limited visibility

Ongoing snowfall can significantly reduce the visibility at airports. There are certain visibility requirements for aircraft to take off and land at an airport, with the exact figures varying depending on aircraft type, available technology, and the airport. If the weather at an airport prevents planes from taking off and landing, flights will be delayed, diverted, or canceled.

Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to improve visibility during heavy snowfall. However, there is technology like Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) that allows aircraft to operate safely in some reduced visibility conditions.

Ground crew safety

Not only can snow cause problems for aircraft, but it can also be a hazard for workers as well. Many people at the airport work outdoors, and snowfall can put their safety at risk. For example, limited visibility affects workers on the ground since they need to be able to move around the tarmac and operate specialized equipment.

Snowfall can also affect the ability of ground crew to safely and efficiently operate vehicles and equipment. Workers who are exposed to the elements also need to be prepared for the weather, as winter weather can be hazardous to their health and safety. There is an increased risk for slips, falls, and vehicle accidents during snowy and icy weather.

Snow removal

Airports have vast surfaces that need to be cleared of snow. Runways, taxiways, and aprons are significantly larger and wider than most roads. As such, airports that receive snow have heavy-duty snow removal vehicles.

Snowplows and sweepers move snow off runways and other maneuvering surfaces. Blowers are vehicles that blast snow away. These are sometimes used to clear equipment like airport lighting. Airports also have standard snow-clearing vehicles for areas such as roads and sidewalks on the airport property.

Deicing

While falling and accumulated snow on the ground can be safety hazards for aircraft, snow and ice on aircraft surfaces can also be extremely dangerous. Aircraft are designed and built to very detailed specifications, and any changes to their shape caused by accumulated ice or snow can affect a plane’s performance.

During the winter months, aircraft at many airports have to undergo deicing before they can take off. Deicing removes accumulated snow and ice and can also include the application of anti-icing fluid that prevents further buildup. Specialized equipment is used by airports, airlines, and contractors to carry out deicing processes.

Forecasting and monitoring

Weather forecasts and reports are critical pieces of information for pilots and airports. Government agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and FAA provide weather services for the aviation industry.

Forecasts help pilots and dispatchers plan their flights and make decisions about routing, diversions, and cancellations. Meanwhile, real-time observations aid airports, pilots, and air traffic control (ATC) to make decisions about flying decisions and airport operations. 

Communication and coordination

Since airport snow management is a complex task involving numerous stakeholders, communication and coordination is important. Meteorologists and weather services prepare weather products for airlines and airports. Pilots make important safety decisions in conjunction with their dispatchers and air traffic control.

At the airport, snow removal operations have to be coordinated through an operational manager. Individual snow removal vehicle operators must also communicate with each other to effectively carry out their tasks. Airports are also in constant contact with ATC and airlines about changing operational conditions.

There are a variety of ways to work in airport snow management.

Snow removal

Airport snow removal operations are conducted either directly by airport operators or through third-party contractors. These employers hire workers to operate their snow removal equipment and coordinate operations. At some airports, snow removal is part of the duties of airfield operations staff, which also has other responsibilities like infrastructure maintenance and wildlife management.

Deicing

Another way to be employed at the airport during the winter months is to work in deicing. Depending on the airport, deicing crews can work for the airport, individual airlines, or deicing companies. Deicing workers apply fluids to aircraft to ensure they are safe to fly.

Airport operations management

Airports that receive snow consistently plan extensively for winter weather operations. Management personnel and airport planners play a key role in these preparations.

Meteorology and weather forecasting

Although these jobs are not exclusively related to snow, meteorologists and other weather forecasting staff also play a key role in the aviation industry. These positions often require specialized education.

How do you find jobs in airport snow management?

Most job postings are now available online. For some snow management roles, you may need to enter the field in a more generalized way before working directly with winter weather operations. This can be the case in areas such as meteorology and airport management. Some jobs in airport snow management—particularly operational ones like deicing—may be seasonal in nature.

What skills and requirements are needed to work in airport snow management?

The answer depends on the type of job that you are seeking. Positions in snow removal and deicing typically require a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to work during evenings, overnight, and on weekends. Heavy equipment experience is also an asset. Meanwhile, jobs in specialized fields like meteorology usually require a relevant degree. 

What is the pay for airport snow management workers?

Again, this will depend on the job. Snow removal and deicing crews are typically paid hourly, with rates generally ranging from $15 to $25. Airport planners and management personnel can earn anywhere from $50,000 to upward of $200,000 per year. Meanwhile, meteorologists make an average of around $93,000 annually.