Specialist, Aircraft De-icing (Multiple Permanent Seasonal Opportunities)

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work. 

What's in it for you!   

As a GTAA employee, you’ll have access to amazing benefits, including retirement planning, comprehensive group health benefits, an employee assistance programs (EAP), paid leave, education and training, as well as recognition and rewards programs. 

What you can expect from this position:

Reporting to the Manager, Deicing Operations, this position is responsible for operating deicing vehicles and auxiliary ground support equipment to facilitate the GTAA Aircraft Ground Deicing Program. The successful candidate will also complete training activities as required and maintain qualifications to operate deicing vehicles and auxiliary ground support equipment to facilitate the GTAA Aircraft Ground Deicing Program. An eligibility list may be used to staff similar positions. This is a permanent seasonal position for 29 weeks starting as early as September and ending as late as May, each season.

As a Specialist, Aircraft Deicing, you will:

• Utilize Deicing equipment to remove ice and snow contamination off aircraft surfaces.


• Perform airfield security detail and escort duties as required.


• Conduct walk about inspections and pick up FOD (Foreign Object Debris) and litter for all approved GTAA deicing operations areas.


• May act as first level response to contain oil and other spills or clean up debris at the areas approved for GTAA deicing operations as required.


• Demonstrate as required to new employees, the proper method of operating aircraft deicing equipment, and other ground service equipment to support deicing operations.


• Conduct daily inspections, maintenance programs and cleaning on all mobile deicing equipment and deicing vehicles being utilized. This includes maintaining cleanliness of assigned facilities for approved GTAA deicing operations.


• Perform landscape maintenance tasks on airside and groundside at approved GTAA deicing operations areas. I.e. grass cutting, maintenance of flower beds, turf maintenance and maintenance of trees, shrubs and other plant materials.


• Operate a variety of deicing equipment designed for airports to control ice and snow contamination at the approved GTAA deicing operations areas.

This unionized position is classified at the Band 5 level, with an hourly wage of $40.17 based on a 40 hour work week. A test may be administered as a part of the competitive process.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Experience in Aircraft Deicing Operations and the operation of heavy equipment is considered an asset.


• Possess a valid Provincial Driver’s License (class G) with a minimum two (2) years’ experience driving a motor vehicle.


• Possess a “D/A” Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP) or have held an AVOP at this airport for 2 consecutive years. If applicant does not currently hold a D/A AVOP permit, the successful applicant must obtain this within thirty (30) days of acceptance of this position.


• No major infractions or accumulative warnings on AVOP record for the last 2 years.


• Ability to obtain confined space certification.


• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.


• Ability to obtain and retain a Transport Security Clearance.

Knowledge and skills you bring, that set-you up for success:

• Ability to multi-task in order to deal with multiple radios and multiple functions on the equipment.


• Ability to work outside in all types of weather and lift varied amounts of weight for extended periods of time.


• Knowledge of Aircraft Deicing and related deicing equipment required to perform deicing tasks and recover spent fluid.


• Knowledge of Aircraft operations, flight surfaces, and basic principles of flight.


• Knowledge of Operation, mechanics, inspection and regular maintenance of deicing equipment, aircraft deicing equipment and glycol recovery equipment and supporting equipment.


• Knowledge of Equipment operation such as trimmers, mowers, power tools.


• Knowledge of situational awareness of practices for operating in a safe environment.


• Knowledge of Airfield and groundside layout and Maneuvering on airfield.


• Knowledge of spills containment procedures and knowledge of reporting process for Asphalt, concrete and gravel repair and maintenance work.


• Knowledge of fence, gate and sign repair practices.


• Knowledge of landscape maintenance techniques for approved GTAA deicing operations areas.


• Knowledge of ISO 14001 related procedures, Hazmat and Transportation of Dangerous Goods.


• Ability to work airside and at heights.


• Demonstrated interpersonal and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work 12-hour rotational shift work (days, nights and weekends) and be on standby.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.