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Ground Operations Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Purpose The Operations Agent is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and on-time ... ground handling teams, airport authorities, and other operational departments to deliver ...

Operations Agent DEPARTMENT: Operations REPORTS TO: Operations Manager EFFECTIVE DATE: 2026 SUMMARY ... The role involves handling documentation, coordinating with ground handlers, airlines, freight ...

Role Purpose The Operations Agent is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and on-time ... ground handling teams, airport authorities, and other operational departments to deliver ...

Ground Operations Our Company Promise We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work ... Learn more about becoming a Ramp Agent and check out the FAQs: careers.southwestair.com/southwest ...

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Ground Operations Agent information

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How much do ground operations agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground operations agent in the United States is $24.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Ground Operations Agents face during irregular operations or flight delays?

Ground Operations Agents often encounter unique challenges during irregular operations, such as flight delays or cancellations. These situations require quick problem-solving skills, effective communication with both passengers and crew, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities. Agents may need to coordinate with multiple teams, including ramp, baggage, and customer service, to manage logistics and ensure safety. Remaining calm under pressure and delivering clear, timely information to travelers are essential for maintaining smooth operations and customer satisfaction during these disruptions.

What does a ground operations agent do?

A ground operations agent is responsible for coordinating and managing activities on the ground at airports, including baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and coordinating with flight crews. They ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with airline and airport regulations, often working with tools like radios and safety equipment. The role typically requires good communication skills and attention to detail.

What are Ground Operations Agents?

Ground Operations Agents are professionals who manage and coordinate various activities on the ground at airports, ensuring the safe and efficient turnaround of aircraft between flights. Their responsibilities include handling baggage, guiding aircraft to and from gates, coordinating refueling and catering, and communicating with flight and cabin crews. These agents play a vital role in maintaining on-time departures and arrivals, safety compliance, and customer service during ground operations.

How much is the salary of a ground attendant?

The salary of a ground operations agent, often called a ground attendant, typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced agents or those working for major airlines can earn higher wages and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ground Operations Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ground Operations Agent, you need knowledge of airport operations, safety regulations, and basic logistics, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with ground service equipment, baggage handling systems, and airline-specific software is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for efficiently coordinating tasks and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining smooth airport operations, preventing delays, and upholding safety standards.

What is the difference between Ground Operations Agent vs Baggage Handler?

AspectGround Operations AgentBaggage Handler
CredentialsHigh school diploma, possibly some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentAirports, ground support areas, customer service pointsAirports, baggage claim areas, cargo zones
Employer & IndustryAirlines, ground service companiesAirlines, baggage handling companies
Job FocusCoordinate ground operations, assist passengers, ensure safetyHandle, load, unload baggage and cargo

While both roles operate within airport environments and support airline operations, Ground Operations Agents have broader responsibilities including customer service and ground coordination, whereas Baggage Handlers focus primarily on baggage handling tasks.

How much does a ground service agent get paid?

Ground operations agents typically earn an average hourly wage between $12 and $20, depending on experience, location, and employer. Annual salaries generally range from $25,000 to $40,000, with opportunities for overtime and tips in some roles. Certifications in safety and customer service skills can enhance earning potential.

How to become a ground handling agent?

To become a ground handling agent, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers prefer prior customer service or logistics experience. Training is often provided on the job, covering safety procedures, airline policies, and use of ground support equipment. Good communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work flexible hours are important for this role.
More about Ground Operations Agent jobs
What cities are hiring for Ground Operations Agent jobs? Cities with the most Ground Operations Agent job openings:
What states have the most Ground Operations Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Ground Operations Agent jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ground Operations Agent job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,415 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Airport FBO Operations Agent

Airport FBO Operations Agent

The City of Morgantown

Morgantown, WV • On-site

$18.60/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


City Of Morgantown (West Virginia) rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

622nd of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position: Airport Operations Agent
Department: Airport
Employment Status: Permanent - Full Time - Non-Exempt
Schedule:
Workdays and shifts may vary based on coverage. Example shifts are listed below.
5:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Compensation: Grade 3; Salary Range starting at $18.60/hour
POSITION SUMMARY
The Airport Operations Agent works to ensure the safety, security, and maintenance of Airport grounds, equipment, buildings, and facilities as directed. The employee responds to Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) situations. The employee is also responsible for performing all Fixed Based Operator (FBO) services as necessary, including providing excellent customer service to all airport guests such as pilots, passengers, tenants, and the public.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES - KNOWLEDGE - SKILLS - ABILITIES
  • Respond to any aircraft emergencies within the allotted 3 min time window and provide firefighting and rescue services.
  • Test the firefighting foam to verify it is within regulatory specifications.
  • Load dry chemical powder when needed to the fire truck.
  • Refill the water tanks to maintain readiness.
  • Perform visual inspections on ARFF truck to maintain readiness.
  • Keep ARFF truck clean and waxed for readiness.
  • Marshal aircraft on apron for proper parking.
  • Provide pilots and passengers with any customer service needs, i.e.. coffee, ice water, rental cars, baggage handling, etc.
  • Provide aircraft pilots services such as fuel request, ground auxiliary power unit, lavatory service, tie down services, deicing services, and any other aircraft services as necessary.
  • Verify that the aircraft is taking correct type of fuel and if not have the customer fill out a "Fuel grade confirmation" form.
  • Ensure the correct fuel amount is put into the aircraft to ensure the aircraft is still within the weight and balance window.
  • Tow the aircraft to better suit the airport's needs.
  • Obtain aircraft information and pilot information for invoice and billing procedures.
  • Answer incoming calls on the FBO phone.
  • Use proper communication on radio for other staff and air traffic control tower.
  • Perform nightly settlements on the AV Fuel hub.
  • Complete truck sheets nightly, Fuel Truck inspection records, and airport runway inspection paperwork.
  • Complete fuel farm reports.
  • Receive fuel loads for fuel farm and complete proper paperwork for fuel loads. Make sure paperwork is accurate and tanker driver performs sump test on fuel load before receiving the load.
  • Keep all airport training and certificates up to date such as A.R.F.F, FAR 139, NFPA 407, ATA, first aid training, and all other training requirements as may be required.
  • Perform runway inspections 30 min prior to airline landing for wildlife, F.O.D, pavement conditions, taxiway and runway lights, and other items as required by 14 CFR 139.
  • Perform wildlife management to ward off wildlife to ensure all aircraft have a safe and secure runway and document those actions.
  • Replace any damaged, burnt out, missing light fixture which includes but is not limited to, the rotating beacon, PAPI lights, runway/taxiway ground lights, ramp lights, signs, parking lot, and streetlights.
  • Patch holes in the airfield pavements from lighting strikes
  • Issue NOTAMs for items that pilots need to know that they are non-operational or closed.
  • Paint pavement markings and coat the painted areas with glass beads to ensure maximum visibility.
  • Assist with mowing and weed eating airport areas as needed for appearance and wildlife management.
  • Perform snow removal on runway and taxiways along with apron and parking lots and sidewalks.
  • Perform friction tests and update NOTAMS (Notices to Airmen) during adverse weather conditions.
  • Perform PAPI light calibration for vertical guidance for aircraft
  • Ensure security of the airport by maintaining fence integrity, ensuring no unauthorized vehicles are within airport perimeter fenced areas, and keep all access points secured. Monitor security of airport through use of video surveillance system.
  • Communicate with ground and tower frequency to access movement areas.
  • Escort vehicles onto the ramp for passenger and crew pickup
  • Clean airport terminal, ARFF, Hangars, and Maintenance buildings by performing such duties as sweeping, dusting, mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, cleaning windows, cleaning bathrooms, empty all trashcans inside and outside buildings, and any other janitorial needs.
  • Perform maintenance of all airport grounds including, but limited to mowing, weeding, snow removal, and landscaping.
  • Perform basic equipment maintenance, daily/weekly/monthly inspections, and keeping all vehicles & equipment clean.
  • Perform refueling fuel trucks and performing proper vehicle inspections and tests such as sump of fuel trucks, fuel farm, and daily equipment inspections.
  • Remove F.O.D (Foreign Object Debris) throughout the airfield and grounds of airport.
  • Assist with projects such as painting, remodeling, construction, and basic electrical and plumbing duties, etc.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment daily.
  • Clean and maintain storm drainage around airport property, both inside and outside of fence.
  • Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Working Conditions:
  • Regular exposure to particularly physically demanding, unpleasant, strenuous, odorous, and/or hazardous elements such as inclement weather, operation of heavy equipment, etc.
  • The work environment may be inside or outside. Conditions encountered may include dirt, dust, noise, fumes, low/high temperatures, severe precipitation, wind hazards, vibration, etc. Hazardous conditions may include working from ladders, elevated locations, mechanical hazards, airport traffic hazards, and electrical/fire hazards, potentially explosive materials, and aircraft accidents/incidents that may require an ARFF response.
  • Work as part of a twenty-four-hour, day-to-day operation to ensure the safety and security of all individuals and aircraft using the Airport facilities.
  • Employees must be able to work different shifts as may be assigned and be able to respond to the airport for call outs for aircraft servicing and maintenance of property.

Physical Requirements:
  • The performance of job duties may require repeated standing, sitting, climbing, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, crawling, and occasionally prolonged standing or visual concentration.
  • Daily operations may require unaided lifting of objects weighing as much as fifty (50) pounds, with occasional lifting of more than one hundred (100) pounds.
  • The employee spends the majority of work time using equipment and tools requiring fine hand-eye coordination.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT
  • Daily use of computers for data entry and use of the telephone, radios, fax machine, copier, etc.
  • Daily use of light equipment such as push mowers, trimmers, pole saws, janitorial equipment, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing tools for routine maintenance of facilities, equipment, and machinery, etc.
  • Regular use of larger equipment such as tractors, mowers, snow plows, snow blowers, etc.

CONTACT & SUPERVISION
Contact:
  • Position involves frequent internal and external contact, but generally only on routine matters such as providing or obtaining information.

Supervision:
  • This position reports to the Airport Superintendent and the Airport Director.
  • This position does not supervise any employees.

The City of Morgantown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education:
  • High school degree or equivalent (GED).

Certification/License:
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Must be able to obtain ARFF certification for Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue (ARFF) within 6 months of employment.
  • Must be able to obtain CPR & First Aid certification within 6 months of employment.

Experience:
  • One year of labor experience is required.

Other:
  • Must be able to pass a 10-year background check.
  • Must possess effective and efficient communication skills, both oral and written.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • More than one year of relevant experience, specifically in airport operations.
  • Current CPR and first aid training and/or certificates.
  • Previous customer service experience.

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