Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member (Full-Time)

HeliService USA LLC; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

HeliService USA LLC in Norfolk, VA is hiring a Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member for a full-time position. You will load/unload cargo, assist with passenger check-in, and support daily ramp operations, while ensuring safety and compliance in a fast-paced airport environment.

The role requires strong communication, reliability, and physical stamina, with occasional travel to training in Rhode Island. Work hours are Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:00pm, with potential schedule changes based on

Qualifications

• Must live within a one-hour commute of Norfolk base.
• Dependable with consistent attendance and punctuality; reliable transportation.
• Excellent customer service and verbal communication.
• Strong ability to maintain accurate, organized records.
• Comfortable using technology and quickly learn new software.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and communications streams.
• Physically able to push/pull/lift and handle heavy luggage/equipment (>70 lbs).
• Able to work in airport environment year-round weather.
• Willing to work flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays.
• Professional appearance and adherence to dress code.
• Read, write and speak English fluently.

Responsibilities

• Loading & Unloading Cargo: managing passenger baggage, freight, and equipment.
• Coordinate with Dispatch & Flight Crew.
• Ensure Safety and Security Compliance.
• Weather Monitoring.
• Passenger Assistance/Check-In.
• Record Keeping of safety and no cellphone policies.
• Facility Cleanliness and PPE handling.
• Pre-Flight Inspections.
• Additional duties as assigned, supporting terminal cleanliness and PPE area when no passengers.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Record keeping

Technology fluency

Multitasking

Flexibility

English fluency

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Safety awareness

Job description

Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member (Full-Time)

Full Time Norfolk, VA, Norfolk, VA, US

Salary Range: $20.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member

Department: Ground Operations

Reporting To: Ground Operations/PPE Manager

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Position Available:Full-time (At least 40.00 hours per week)

Schedule: The role is primarily Monday - Friday between normal business hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm. However, this schedule is subject to change and can fluctuate week-to-week based on operational needs and varied flight times. Note that Ground Operators are required to report for duty approximately 1.5 hours prior to the first scheduled flight of the day.

Company Description & Position Summary:

HeliService USA is proud to be the first and only helicopter operator supporting the development of offshore wind in the United States. We have a proven track record of performance having been ready for our customers on-time and are currently serving all developers and major tier-1 suppliers. HeliService USA is a Veteran owned and operated business, staffed locally, with over fifty percent of our employees having served in the military. HeliService USA has been able to build off their over three decades in operation, supporting offshore wind customers with crew-transfer, hoisting, cargo, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).

HeliService USA is looking for dynamic personnel to support offshore windfarm construction, operations, and maintenance. Ground operations staff support a fleet of AW-169 helicopters and associated flight operations. They perform loading and unloading of baggage and freight as well as other duties in relation to preparing aircraft for flight. Responsibilities will also include passenger check-in, outdoor ramp operations, aircraft cleaning, daily facility cleaning/general upkeep, security, operations, and commissary duties as required. This position will be locally based in Norfolk, Virginia. The individual hired for this position must be willing to travel for a few days upon hire to our company headquarters located in North Kingstown, RI (Quonset State Airport) for proper training.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Loading & Unloading Cargo: Managing passenger baggage, freight, and equipment.

Communication with Dispatch & Flight Crew: Coordinating ground support and relaying important information.

Safety and Security Compliance: Adhering to aviation regulations and emergency procedures.

Weather Monitoring: Keeping track of conditions that may affect flight operations.

Passenger Assistance/Check-In: Helping with boarding process, baggage checks, safety briefings, and special accommodations.

Record Keeping: Maintaining logs of safety and no cellphone policies for procedures for boarding the helicopter as requested by our customers.

• Facility Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in passenger terminal, company hangar, and ramp areas, while ensuring stock is organized and products are properly displayed and readily available.
• Passenger PPE Handling: Assisting with the cleaning and inspection of suits upon return to service and instructing passengers on the proper donning and use of PPE for the duration of their rental.
• Pre-Flight Inspections: Conducting routine checks to verify aircraft readiness.
• Additional Duties:Performing other duties as assigned, while maintaining a high level of productivity throughout the shift. During periods without passenger activity, employees are expected to support terminal cleanliness and assist in the PPE area within the hangar.

Qualifications

Required:

• Must live within a one-hour commute of our Norfolk, Virginia base operations.
• We are seeking a dependable team member who demonstrates consistent attendance and punctuality. Candidates must also have reliable transportation to ensure they can consistently report to work as scheduled and on time.
• Possess excellent customer service and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date records within company systems, ensuring information is entered correctly and consistently.
• Comfortable using technology and digital tools, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software, systems, and processes without supervision.
• Have quick thinking and flexible to ensure task completion.
• Ability to manage several tasks and communications streams at once.
• Must be physically able to push/pull/lift, unload, and maneuver heavy luggage and/or equipment in excess of 70 pounds for extended periods of time; must have physical dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive tasks and motions, including bending at the waist and knees, climbing, balancing, squatting, kneeling, crawling, twisting and sustaining those positions for extended amounts of time in aircraft cargo holds and baggage bins. The employee must have sufficient hearing and vision and ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to work in the airport environment, both indoors and outdoors, and in year-round weather conditions.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and occasional holidays (Sunday hours and holiday pay is paid at 1.5x regular rate).
• Must maintain a professional and business-appropriate appearance at all times, adhering to company dress code standards.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Preferred but not Required:

• Prior experience with aircraft handling.
• Experience with helicopter operations.

Training/Specific Activities Required

• Complete annual training as required by company policy and law on an annual basis in a timely manner.
• Read all safety bulletins and applicable company manuals to remain current on policies, procedures, and developments as well as to meet all company compliance standards.
• Travel to company headquarters based in Rhode Island for initial position training, HR in-doc, and general company overview.
• Background check and pre-employment drug screening must be completed and approved in accordance with DOT/FAA regulations prior to employment commencement.

Measurements of Success

• Consistently meets company customer satisfaction and safety standards.
• Measures all safety standards to achieve zero aircraft mishaps or incidents.
• Successfully performs the core responsibilities of the position with minimal supervision, guidance, or follow‑up. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks, make routine decisions independently, identify and resolve issues within their scope, and seek assistance appropriately when an issue requires escalation.
• Routinely meets all scheduling demands.
• Ability to meet the essential functionsoutlined in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Modality: In Person (No hybrid or work from home opportunity)

Worker Category: Full-Time

Possible work hazards:Exposure to loud noises, aviation related chemicals, inclement weather, and frequently moving objects at a high velocity.

Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling, keyboarding, speaking. Additional physical demands may be required as these are a general description.

Other Considerations /Disclaimers

Job Description Disclaimer:

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

HeliService USA LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

This position is eligible for comprehensive benefits, including group medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as voluntary coverage options such as life, short-term disability, accident, and cancer insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan following the standard waiting period (effective the first of the month after hire). Paid time off (PTO) accrued and prorated during the first calendar year based on date of hire. Employees on a 5/2 schedule earn 15 days of PTO annually.