Air Cargo Operations Specialist

Worldwide-Flight-Services-3e56de5d; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DailyPay prepaid pay

On-the-spot awards

Medical options for employees

Wellness programs

401k program

Internal mobility opportunities

Job summary

Worldwide Flight Services in Chicago seeks an Air Cargo Operations Specialist to oversee cargo duties, documentation, and safety compliance while coordinating warehouse and ramp activities across locations. The role supports on-time delivery and secure handling of goods.

You will work within a union environment, applying industry standards and company safety policies to ensure efficient operations and quality customer service.

Qualifications

• Fluent English: read, write, speak and understand.
• Experience in air cargo operations or related logistics.
• Ability to meet station-specific requirements and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Ensure duties are completed efficiently and professionally by assigned personnel.
• Perform export/import cargo handling, tracing, and warehouse inventory checks.
• Prepare import/export flight documentation and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate safe ramp operations, equipment use, and cargo movement between terminals and aircraft.
• Adhere to TSA and carrier safety/security programs and report issues.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

HS Diploma/GED or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Pushback equipment

Dock Master

Job description

Career Opportunities: Air Cargo Operations Specialist (15252)

Join our Worldwide Flight Services family and contribute to the timely delivery of cargo shipments, luggage, business to customer delivery, and on‑time flights while operating safely and securely. We perform at the highest level for our customers every day, and strive to be an exceptional leader in our industry with our teams of cargo, passenger, ramp handling, and technical service experts in 227 airport locations, 27 countries, and on 5 continents. Are you ready to take off on your next career with us?

Job Summary

Performs safe and efficient cargo duties through direction, coordination, observation, and hands‑on assistance while handling the operation.

This job is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all duties performed by assigned personnel are completed in the most efficient and professional manner.
• Performs export cargo build‑up, import/export cargo tracing, forklift operation, monitors the utilization of dock offload/loading, and completes warehouse cargo inventory assessments.
• Prepares import/export flight documentation, accepts/distributes cargo in accordance with applicable air carrier and Department of Transportation regulations, provides outstanding customer service to resolve customer issues.
• Ensures the compliance of all ramp safety regulations, performs loading/un‑loading of aircraft, performs visual Foreign Object Debris (FOD) checks and checks of aircraft condition before and after loading, operates ramp equipment, and coordinates the transporting of cargo between terminals and aircraft.
• Comply with all WFS safety and security policies and procedures, and all air carrier TSA Security Programs. Never participate in fraudulent activities with regard to safety and security.
• Remain aware of WFS staff, contractors, and visitors’ activities. Report security breaches, suspicious occurrences, or non‑compliances with security processes or procedures, including access controls, badging, and security screening to the Manager or through the WFS reporting system, Pulse, or through the Company “See Something, Say Something” Program.
• Serves as a technical operational expert coordinating the safe and efficient movement of cargo, addressing both warehouse and ramp needs simultaneously.
• Is responsible for providing insight on the staffing structure and tasks needed to ensure on‑time, safe, and high‑quality delivery.
• Assignments may vary by customer. Employees will be assigned a primary assignment and can expect to support other customers based on their training and experience.
• HS Diploma, GED or Equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be certified to operate multiple pieces of equipment and able to perform the following: WAREHOUSE : Builder, Dock Master (Import/ Export/ Oversize/ VUN) Cargo Screener and Forklift operator. RAMP : (min. Advanced GSE, tug/ belt loader/ GPU/ASU) Pushback, Loader Operator, Load Master, Marshaling, Forklift and Operator/ Tug Operator.
• 5+ years of Air Cargo operations experience, performing advanced levels of warehouse and ramp responsibilities.
• Experience in training and coaching employees.
• Experience supporting safety improvement projects.
• Must meet customer station‑specific requirements.

**This job is covered by a collective bargaining agreement of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), a labor union which requires joining the TWU and paying union dues.**

Preferred Skills

• Ability to work rotating shifts including weekends (i.e., Friday, Saturday and Sunday), holidays, and days off.
• Ability to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds.
• Want your pay in advance? Access your pay when you need it through DailyPay app!
• Are you a top performer who thrives on recognition? On the spot awards offered through the Awardco Platform including gift cards and more!
• Need quality medical care? Multiple options for both full and part‑time employees!
• Want WFS Employee Extras? Travel Discounts, Pet insurance, Discount Shopping & More!
• Looking to stay healthy and improve your life? Wellness Programs offered to all employees!
• Want to invest in your future? 401k program offered!
• Looking to grow and have a career with us? Opportunity for Internal Mobility and transfers available!

WFS is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity and inclusion. We accept applications from all qualified individuals.