IAD Ramp Loader Operator

Swissport; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Job summary

Swissport is hiring a Ramp Loader Operator to safely marshal aircraft, load baggage and cargo, and operate a range of ground support equipment. You will coordinate with ground crew to ensure on-time departures and adhere to safety, security, and FOD prevention standards.

The role requires outdoor work in all weather, flexibility across shifts, and lifting up to 70 pounds. Swissport offers competitive benefits including health, 401(k) with match, vacation, sick time, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Previous ramp experience is a plus.
• Valid driver's license.
• Good communication skills.
• Language skills.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather.
• Flexible to work on various shifts 32-40 hours a week (days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Excellent Health & Safety awareness.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team under time-sensitive conditions.
• Basic understanding of aviation safety and security regulations is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Marshal aircraft during arrival and departure.
• Unload passenger luggage and air cargo, bulk and/or containers/pallets, onto carts and/or dollies.
• Unload wheelchairs and child strollers and deliver to designated location.
• Provide special handling of luggage/cargo as required/directed.
• Deliver passenger luggage to claim area and unload onto conveyor system.
• Deliver air cargo to appropriate recipient.
• Drive and/or operate ground support equipment (tow tractors, belt loaders, etc.).
• Balance weights and ensure proper load distribution for flight safety.
• Inspect shipments, tags, and manifests for damage.

Skills

Ramp operations

Teamwork

Communication skills

Weather resilience

Safety awareness

Job description

Are you ready to take flight in a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger Services to over 300 million passengers annually. Our mission is simple - “To provide the aviation industry with consistent and tailor‑made solutions around the globe, for a better customer experience.”

We believe that our people are what differentiates us from our competition. At Swissport, we are driven by our core values of Show You Care, Do the Right Things and Win as a Team, and we are currently seeking dedicated individuals, who align with these values, to join our team at various locations across the globe.

Job Summary

The Ramp Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling of aircraft, baggage, cargo, and ground support equipment during arrival and departure operations. Key duties include marshalling aircraft, loading and unloading passenger luggage and air cargo, operating a range of ground support equipment, and ensuring proper weight distribution and load balancing to maintain flight safety. The role also involves servicing aircraft water and lavatory systems, inspecting ramp areas for debris, and supporting aircraft push‑back and towing operations. This position requires strict adherence to airport safety, security, and FOD prevention protocols, as well as close coordination with ground crew and flight personnel to ensure on‑time departures.

The expected pay rate is $18.50/hour with a $1.00/hour premium differential. Full-time employees are offered a range of health and wellness benefits as well as 401(k) with company match, paid vacation time, sick time, and company paid holidays.

Your activities

• Marshall aircraft during arrival and departure
• Unload passenger luggage and air cargo, bulk and/or containers/pallets, onto carts and/or dollies
• Unload wheelchairs and child strollers and deliver to designated location
• Provide special handling of luggage/cargo as required/directed
• Deliver passenger luggage to claim area and unload onto conveyor system
• Deliver air cargo to appropriate recipient
• Drive and/or operate ground support equipment to include tow tractors, tow bars, belt loaders, container loaders, baggage tugs, water/lavatory service trucks, aircraft ground power units, aircraft air start units, air stairs, aircraft de‑icing units, baggage carts, cargo dollies, and passenger vans
• Operate Equipment: Drive and maneuvers high loaders, conveyor belts, baggage tugs, and forklifts
• Collect and load mail, live animals, wheelchairs, and child strollers onto aircraft
• Handle Cargo & Baggage: Load, secure, and unload passenger luggage, mail, and freight in aircraft cargo holds
• Balance Weights: Ensure correct weight distribution and load balancing to maintain flight safety
• Inspect Shipments: Check cargo tags, verify manifests, and inspect goods for damage before loading
• Service aircraft water and lavatories
• Inspect ramp areas adjacent to gate and aircraft for debris and remove/dispose of when found
• Report all equipment malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor/manager
• Follow Safety Rules: Adhere strictly to airport runway safety, security protocols, and OSHA regulations
• Comply with all federal, state, municipal, airport authority and carrier security requirements
• Load and unload aircraft in accordance with weight and balance restrictions
• Ensure correct positioning and securing of cargo and baggage to prevent shifting during flight
• Perform pre‑ and post‑flight checks on ground support equipment to ensure safe operating condition
• Assist with aircraft push‑back and towing operations as required
• Coordinate Ground Crew: Communicate with pilots, wingwalkers, and ramp agents for on‑time departures
• Follow all FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention procedures
• Adhere to all applicable safety protocols, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Participate in training and recertification program as required
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of ramp equipment and work areas
• Other duties as assigned

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee might occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Your profile

• Previous ramp experience is a plus
• Valid driver's license
• Good communication skills
• Language skills
• Must be able to work in inclement weather
• Flexible to work on various shifts 32-40 hours a week (days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Excellent Health & Safety awareness
• Ability to lift heavy objects that could reach 70 pounds (32 kilograms)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team under time‑sensitive conditions
• Basic understanding of aviation safety and security regulations is beneficial
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in a fast-paced environment

What We Offer

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

At Swissport, we believe in diversity, equal opportunity, and the power of our values to drive our success. We are committed to providing a workplace that fosters inclusion and where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Visit our website at https://careers.swissport.com to learn more about Life at Swissport.

Join Swissport today and be part of a team that connects the world of aviation!