Ground Security Operative

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd; Bowmore; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd is seeking a part-time Ground Security Operative at Islay Airport. The role involves controlling access to airside areas, hand-searching passengers and baggage, and performing routine security duties with training provided.

Applicants must be 18+, hold a full clean driving licence, and be able to spend long periods on their feet. PVG checks will be carried out; Gaelic language skills welcomed; shifts include early starts, late finishes, and weekends.

Qualifications

• You’ll be the first point of contact for passengers and customers.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Control access to airside areas.
• Search passengers by hand as required.
• Conduct baggage searches and operate X-ray equipment.
• Perform outdoor security patrols.
• Work shifts including early starts, late finishes and weekends.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Education

Age 18+

Tools

Full clean driving licence

PVG Scheme

Job description

ISLAY AIRPORT

GROUND SECURITY OPERATIVE

PART TIME – 31.5 HOURS

Key Information

• £31,734 pro rata, increasing to £32,401 pro rata after one year service.
• Shift & Weekend Allowances may also apply.

Some important things you need to know are

• You’ll be controlling access to airside areas so must be aged 18 or over within the next 3 months.
• Must have a full clean driving licence.
• There are physical elements to this role, so you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet, whilst also bending,reaching, and lifting bags.
• You’ll need to be comfortable searching passengers by hand – sometimes this will be colleagues or other people you know.
• You’ll also need to have normal colour vision as the role involves viewing an X-ray.
• Various background checks will be carried out before you can start.

• This job requires contact with vulnerable groups therefore; you will be required to obtain PVG Scheme membership prior to your commencement of employment at HIAL.

You’ll be the first point of contact helping passengers and customers so patience, good interpersonal and communication skills are key. You’ll also ensure all processes and procedures are followed correctly.You’ll be representing the airport at all times so a smart and professional appearance is crucial – we will provide you with full uniform to wear at all times.

Tasks are varied and involve searching passengers by hand, searching and carrying out tests on baggage, using X-ray equipment as well as undertaking outdoor security patrols.It’s really important that you have a flexible approach and attitude to your work and are willing to work shifts which include early starts, late finishes and weekends. Sometimes flights can be delayed and of course the weather can disrupt things, so your flexibility will also involve you working late at short notice.There are also opportunities to undertake detachments to other airports to cover leave, and we are always particularly keen to hear from individuals who are willing and able to do this.

When you join us, we’ll provide you with full training in the range of security rules and regulations you need to work to. We focus on career long learning and provide other opportunities to learn and develop new skills.

The closing date for all applications is midnight 18 October 2026

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality of opportunity at all our airports.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people and aim to provide support to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and their employment.

In support of our commitment to the Gaelic language and culture, as demonstrated in our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from those with Gaelic language skills.

Please note that all salaries are subject to review through the Company’s evaluation process.