Cargo Operations Agent Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Company Information

Saltchuk Aviation is a family of diversified air cargo and aviation services companies. We operate Part 121, 135, and 145 certificates, creating vital connections by serving customers and communities across the U.S. with reliable and efficient aviation services.

Saltchuk Aviation employs over 900 employees in the air cargo, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, aviation logistics, and air freight on-demand charter sectors across five operating companies, transporting over 380 million pounds of freight annually.

Our Operating Companies & Brands:

• Northern Air Cargo (NAC): The largest all-cargo airline in Alaska since 1956. Operating out of its primary base at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, NAC serves 13 communities throughout the state, providing safe, reliable cargo services and a place for employees to build long-term careers.
• Northern Air Maintenance Services, LLC (NAMS): A Part 145 certified repair station providing year-round maintenance and ground services to a major oil exploration and production company. NAMS handles all below-wing services, including baggage handling, catering, aircraft servicing, and passenger loading.
• Ryan Air, Inc.: A Part 135 air carrier operating a fleet of 23 aircraft (including Cessna 207s, Cessna 208s, Casa 212s, SAAB 340s, and Pilatus PC-12s). Ryan Air utilizes a hub-and-spoke model to deliver bypass mail, general freight, and passenger services to over 70 villages in rural Alaska.
• Aloha Air Cargo (AAC): The largest air freight carrier in the state of Hawaii, moving approximately 350,000 pounds of diverse cargo—including perishables and priority packages—per day to all major Hawaiian destinations.
• Aloha Tech Ops (ATO): Provides aircraft maintenance and repair services to several airlines flying to major destinations in Hawaii, executing over 2,000 pre-departure checks monthly.

Position Summary

The Cargo Service Agent is responsible for freight acceptance, cargo consolidation, and the loading and unloading of aircraft through physical work and the operation of material ground handling equipment. All duties are carried out in a thorough, systematic, and organized manner in strict adherence to Northern Air Cargo policies and procedures. Work assignments are divided between two key environments: the ramp and the warehouse.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Rate: $20.25 / hour
• Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance programs.
• Company-Provided Benefits: Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Retirement: Competitive 401(k) match program with a zero-day vesting period.
• Bonuses: Annual performance bonus and regular salary review programs.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive PTO, personal days, and recognized federal holidays.
• Reimbursements: Wellness/fitness, transportation, and tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually.
• Perks: Extensive employee discount programs with major national retailers.

Key Responsibilities

• Load and unload inbound and outbound air cargo shipments to and from their proper destinations.
• Greet and assist customers with unloading cargo from delivery vehicles using material handling equipment, including non-powered equipment, electric pallet jacks, and forklifts.
• Complete and process required paperwork related to customer shipments in a courteous, accurate, and timely manner.
• Verify customer freight against receiving documents, perform data entry, label shipments, weigh cargo, and conduct required security inspections.
• Process specialized documentation for Dangerous Goods as required, ensuring all cargo is air-eligible and ready for on-time shipment.
• Comply with all cargo acceptance policies and procedures outlined in the Cargo Service Agent Manuals, adhering strictly to regulatory requirements and guidelines.
• Maintain the safety and security of the cargo facility at all times by complying with safety protocols and security policies.
• Proactively communicate and document safety concerns, irregularities, operational challenges, and team successes to management.
• Reference cargo manifests to effectively consolidate, stage, and assemble shipments.
• Build up, break down, and tie down cargo into and out of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) by hand or via forklift.
• Load and unload aircraft using powered and non-powered ground handling equipment, including forklifts, K-loaders, belt loaders, tugs, dollies, and carts.
• Operate company vehicles to safely convey cargo to and from airport facilities.
• Handle the prompt pickup and delivery of standard and priority mail to and from the Airport Mail Facility.
• Perform other operational duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent credential.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Prior basic understanding of air cargo operations is highly preferred.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and a comprehensive 10-year background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must successfully complete Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) training to obtain airport authority security identification.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize daily workloads and manage fast-paced duties.
• Outstanding interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to easily adapt to frequent operational changes in the workplace.
• Strong basic mathematical skills.
• Proven ability to work safely and effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), holidays, and variable days off as operationally required.
• Acute ability to identify safety risks and operational hazards.
• Commitment to completing all required initial basic and recurrent training programs.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and apply federal, state, and local aviation regulations and policies.
• Must comply with company uniform requirements, including high-visibility outerwear (provided) and required safety footwear.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work Environment: Duties are performed in the warehouse, inside aircraft, and outdoors on the active ramp. Employees may be exposed to adverse weather conditions (extreme cold/heat), wet surfaces, icy conditions, high noise levels, dirt, dust, and fumes. Work is regularly performed around stationary and moving aircraft and heavy industrial equipment. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
• Physical Effort: This position is classified as Heavy regarding physical demands. Employees must be able to lift up to 100 lbs occasionally and push/pull up to 100 lbs to load and offload cargo. Excellent hearing and vision are required for safe communication and task execution. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing on ladders/stairs, stooping, kneeling, and crouching are required; minimal crawling may be necessary.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major responsibilities and expected results. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the position. Incumbents may be required to perform other job-related tasks as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Explore transportation and logistics industry job opportunities from Hawaii to Alaska, and Washington State to throughout the Caribbean. Visit saltchukjobboard.com today!