(SPOKANE) Spokane airport officials are hiring now for the 2025–2026 winter, seeking about 30 seasonal workers to run snow removal equipment on the airfield and keep flights moving when storms hit. Recruitment began in late summer and remains open as of September 10, 2025, with the winter season set for November 2025 through March 2026.
The airport is offering $36 per hour for equipment operators and a $1,000 bonus for applicants who already hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Positions are on-call with 12-hour shifts, and crews are usually given about 24 hours’ notice based on weather forecasts, airport officials said.
Purpose and importance of the hiring push
The effort reflects the central role of Spokane International Airport’s snow team in keeping runways, taxiways, and ramps clear to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards and avoid flight disruptions. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions are common in the region, and airport leaders say strong staffing is essential to maintain safe, reliable service for both passenger and cargo operations.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, well-staffed snow removal teams are key to reducing delays and cancellations during winter months. The airport’s Airfield Maintenance Department coordinates the snow plan, which includes plowing, sweeping, and de-icing to keep the airfield open and compliant with safety rules.
“It’s doing something really important for your community. Being out here, being an integral part of the team, making sure that folks can travel and return home safely,” said airport spokesperson Ryan Sheehan.
Who they’re looking for
Airport leaders are prioritizing candidates with experience handling heavy equipment and are encouraging people who are seasonally laid off from construction or agriculture to apply. Applicants without a CDL will be considered for smaller equipment roles alongside CDL-qualified operators on larger machinery.
Selected candidates must pass a physical and drug screening before starting. Applicants must be ready for physically demanding work and long stretches on the airfield during storms. The schedule is driven by weather systems, meaning shifts can come with short notice and may run back-to-back during heavy snowfall.
Key qualifications and work conditions
- Preferred: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Accepted: Non-CDL applicants for smaller equipment roles
- Screening: Physical and drug screening required
- Workload: Physically demanding, long hours outdoors, attention around active aircraft
- Team skills: Strong communication and teamwork are critical for safe coordination across wide airfield areas
Pay, bonus, and shift details
- Number of positions: approximately 30
- Season dates: November 2025 – March 2026
- Pay: $36/hour
- CDL bonus: $1,000
- Shifts: On-call, 12-hour blocks; typically with 24 hours’ notice
- Requirement: Physical and drug screening
Application process and key details
Spokane International Airport is directing all candidates to its official website for applications and job information. To apply:
- Visit the airport’s site at https://spokaneairports.net.
- Open the Employment tab to find current postings and the application portal.
- Apply for the “Seasonal Snow Removal Equipment Operator” position.
- Indicate CDL status; CDL holders are prioritized for heavy equipment, while non-CDL hires may run smaller equipment.
- Complete required screenings if contacted for next steps.
- Watch for follow-up from airport staff, and allow time for processing.
Airport officials emphasize that both CDL and non-CDL candidates are welcome and that on-the-job training supports team performance. Experience with trucks, loaders, sweepers, or de-icing systems is a strong plus. For direct questions, applicants can use the contact details posted on the airport’s website.
Operational outlook and broader context
Hiring continues into fall as managers monitor forecasts and local labor conditions. The pay and bonus structure—higher than in past years—aims to attract workers in a tight market and prepare for stronger, more frequent winter weather. Spokane airport’s approach—recruiting early, offering competitive pay, and stressing reliability—aims to prevent closures and keep passenger and cargo flights on schedule.
In practice, snow teams:
- Get crews onto the airfield as storms arrive
- Clear priority surfaces in cycles
- Coordinate with air traffic control and airlines
- Strive to keep at least one runway open, safe taxi routes, and usable gate areas
Aviation safety planners say this work supports regional commerce and helps travelers return home on time. VisaVerge.com reports that airports with strong winter staffing plans tend to limit delays by getting ahead of storms and keeping equipment ready between weather events. Spokane airport’s model fits that playbook, with an on-call roster that can expand quickly when forecasts point to heavy snow.
Managers expect the season to stretch across five months and plan to adjust staffing if forecasts or labor conditions change. They also anticipate ongoing investments in training and equipment, and may explore technology that improves airfield efficiency.
Important warnings and recommendations for applicants
- The work is physically demanding and performed in cold, long-night conditions.
- Shifts can arrive with short notice and run consecutively during heavy storms.
- Reliability—showing up ready when called—is critical.
- Selected candidates must pass a physical and drug screening.
Final notes and next steps
The hiring window is open now, and managers encourage early applications to allow enough time for screenings and coordination before major storms. Spokane airport will continue recruiting into fall, with training scheduled before snow becomes steady.
For the latest updates on openings and timelines, check the Employment section on the airport’s official site: https://spokaneairports.net. The airport urges anyone with relevant equipment experience—or a desire to support safe winter travel—to consider applying now.
This Article in a Nutshell
Spokane International Airport is actively hiring roughly 30 seasonal snow removal equipment operators for November 2025 through March 2026. Recruitment began in late summer and continued through September 10, 2025. The roles pay $36 per hour and include a $1,000 bonus for applicants with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Positions are on-call in 12-hour shifts, usually with about 24 hours’ notice; candidates must pass a physical and drug screening. The Airfield Maintenance Department will coordinate plowing, sweeping, and de-icing to meet FAA standards and minimize flight disruptions. The airport prioritizes experienced heavy-equipment operators and encourages workers from construction and agriculture to apply. Non-CDL applicants can fill smaller-equipment roles. Hiring earlier, offering competitive pay, and providing on-the-job training aim to ensure readiness for heavy winter weather and reduce delays and cancellations.
