Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member (Full-Time)

HeliService USA; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

HeliService USA is seeking a Ground Operations Crew Member to support offshore wind-related helicopter services from our Norfolk base. You will manage baggage and cargo, assist with passenger check-in, and perform pre-flight duties, safety checks, and routine cleaning of facilities.

The role requires occasional travel to company HQ in Rhode Island for initial training. A strict schedule, security clearances, and a strong focus on safety are expected to deliver reliable, on-time operations.

Qualifications

• Must live within a one-hour commute of our Norfolk, Virginia base operations.
• Reliable transportation to ensure consistent reporting to work as scheduled.
• Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to maintain accurate, organized records within company systems.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload baggage, freight, and equipment.
• Coordinate ground support with dispatch and flight crew.
• Ensure safety and security compliance per aviation regulations.
• Monitor weather conditions affecting operations.
• Assist passengers with check-in and PPE handling and briefings.
• Maintain logs of safety and boarding procedures.
• Keep terminal, hangar, and ramp areas clean and organized.
• Support PPE inspection and preparation for returns.

Skills

Customer service

Punctuality

Documentation

English fluency

Multi-tasking

Safety awareness

Job description

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.

Driver’s License and Airport Driving Requirements

Must currently possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license in good standing. This position requires the Ground Operator to transport passengers in the company vehicle on airport property, complete the airport’s required driver education and runway safety training, and successfully pass the airport’s written driving examination.

Airport Security Clearance

Must be able to successfully complete the airport’s required background check and obtain/maintain a valid airport-issued security badge.

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.
• Meets 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) is 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.