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Ground Handling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Swissport International AG

IAD Ramp Manager

Dulles, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple - "To provide the ...

Swissport International AG

IAD Ramp Manager

Dulles, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple - "To provide the ...

Atlantic Aviation

Ramp Agent - Full Time

Dulles, VA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

You will perform in all facets of the ground handling operation including but not limited to aircraft fueling/defueling, baggage/cargo handling, aircraft towing, using marshalling signals for ...

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Ground Handling information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do ground handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground handling in Virginia is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ground handling?

A Ground Handling job involves providing various services to ensure the smooth operation of aircraft while on the ground. This includes baggage handling, aircraft refueling, passenger assistance, marshaling, and aircraft cleaning. Ground handlers work closely with airline and airport staff to facilitate on-time departures and arrivals. The role requires physical stamina, teamwork, and attention to safety regulations. It is a crucial part of airport operations to maintain efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

What skills and qualifications are needed for ground handling?

To thrive in Ground Handling, strong physical fitness, attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude are typically required, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ground support equipment, airline software systems, and certifications such as airport safety or equipment operation are commonly needed. Excellent teamwork, time management, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this fast-paced environment. These abilities are critical to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth coordination of airport ground operations.

What are the typical work shifts and work environment for ground handling?

Ground Handling staff often work in shifts that cover early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays since airports operate around the clock. The work environment can be fast-paced and outdoors, sometimes involving exposure to varying weather conditions and loud noises from aircraft. Teamwork is crucial, as ground handlers coordinate closely with flight crews, baggage handlers, and other airport personnel to ensure smooth operations. Adaptability and punctuality are highly valued, as flight schedules can change quickly and require immediate response. If you enjoy hands-on work in a dynamic setting, ground handling can be a rewarding role with opportunities for advancement into supervisory or specialized airport operations positions.

What are the 5 major categories of ground handling services?

Ground handling services for airline operations are typically divided into five major categories: passenger services, baggage handling, cargo handling, aircraft servicing, and ramp services. These categories encompass tasks such as check-in, baggage loading, cargo logistics, aircraft refueling, cleaning, and marshaling. Professionals in ground handling need to coordinate these services efficiently to ensure safe and timely flight operations.

What qualifications do you need to be a ground handling team?

To join a ground handling team, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Some roles may require safety training, certification in ground handling operations, or familiarity with airport security procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Ground Handling jobs in Virginia?

For Ground Handling jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ground Handling jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Ground Handling jobs in Virginia are:

Ground Handling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ground Handling job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,083 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

IAD Ramp Manager

Swissport International AG

Dulles, VA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Swissport International AG rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 67 rated aviation services

Job description

Are you ready to take flight in a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple - "To provide the aviation industry with consistent and tailor-made solutions around the globe, for a better customer experience."
We believe that our people are what differentiates us from our competition. At Swissport, we are driven by our core values of Show You Care, Do the Right Things and Win as a Team, and we are currently seeking dedicated individuals, who align with these values, to join our team at various locations across the globe.
Job Summary
The Ramp Manager efficiently and profitably manages and direct ramp activities by providing a safe, quality product covering a range of ground handling services to its customers.
The expected pay rate is $100,000-$120,000/year. Full-time employees are offered a range of health and wellness benefits as well as 401(k) with company match paid vacation time, sick time, and company paid holidays.
Eligibility Requirement: Candidates who are currently employed by Hallmark Aviation Services are not eligible for consideration for this position.
Your activities
Planning
  • Assist in the preparation of the operating budgets for the following year for prior approval by the General Manager
  • Efficient Resource Planning (manpower, equipment).
  • Must comply with Swissport's standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies

Quality Management
  • Ensure service levels are achieved
  • Maintain close and effective business relationships with customer, and various control authorities such as Airport Management, Customs, Immigration
  • Establish strong leadership within all supervisors and ramp employees through excellent communication skills and a positive work environment

Controlling & Reporting
  • Monitor and control performance KPIs such as baggage delivery/handling, on time arrivals/departures, etc. and ensure they are within established goals
  • Ensure that all records of all transactions relating to the operation are maintained
  • Ensure that administrative and control policies and procedures are maintained
  • Assures all employees comply with company rules and procedures and other authority requirements
  • Take disciplinary action with subordinates as needed

Supporting
  • Ensure that there are effective planning methods and procedures in place to ensure that there are adequate resources, both manpower and equipment, to meet operational needs
  • Implement, maintain and closely supervise all safety and security measures related to people, equipment, facilities and aircraft involved in the operation
  • Solves conflicts/irregularities and takes appropriate action
  • Participate in meetings internally and externally as may be required
  • Implements and monitors the local emergency plan

Your profile
  • Bachelor's or Associate's degree a plus, but not required
  • 3-5 years of managerial experience in the ground handling operations with strong focus on procedural compliance, safety practices and continuous improvement processes
  • Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Highly motivated self-starter, who can effectively prioritize, multi-task and manage to accomplish objectives within prescribed deadlines
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Strong knowledge of ground handling operations and services
  • Outstanding communication skills including written, oral, interpersonal and presentation
  • Ability to be "on call" 24/7 for emergencies
  • The nature of this position demands discretion, good judgment and prompt, accurate decision-making, as well as the management of complex situations
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft suite of programs, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Must be able to work in inclement weather

What we offer
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Visit our website at www.careers.swissport.com to learn more about Life at Swissport.
Join Swissport today and be part of a team that connects the world of aviation!

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