Ramp Agent

Job Description - Ramp Agent

Business Unit: HPN - Airline Services
Reports To: Ramp Supervisor / Ramp Manager
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Job Category: Regular, full-time
Primary Work Location: On-Site, Airport Airside Operations
Country: USA

Job Summary

Ramp Agents play a critical role in supporting the safe, efficient, and timely movement of aircraft through the performance of essential ground handling duties. Includes loading and unloading baggage, operating ground service equipment, conducting FOD inspections, and completing aircraft servicing such as water, lavatory, and cabin preparation. Agents assist with marshalling, pushbacks, and wing walking to ensure aircraft arrive and depart safely while maintaining clear, hazard-free movement areas and supporting passenger needs, including wheelchair assistance and gate preparation.

Requires a minimum high school diploma or GED, with prior customer service or ramp/aviation experience preferred. Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions and apply technical skills such as aircraft marshalling, hand-signal communication, pushback, chocking and securing aircraft, time-critical turnaround coordination, and basic aircraft type recognition. Ability to safely operate ground service equipment and follow established procedures is essential to ensuring compliance and operational accuracy.

Shift work is required, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as operational demands dictate.

Essential Job Functions

• Load and unload passenger baggage.
• Park and dispatch aircraft, including marshalling, pushback, wing walking, chocking and cone placement.
• Operate ground service equipment such as belt loaders, tugs, GPUs, and de-icing vehicles.
• Provide water and lavatory servicing for aircraft.
• Clean, prepare, and restock aircraft cabins on overnight aircraft
• Conduct aircraft deicing operations in accordance with airline procedures.
• Perform Foreign Object Debris (FOD) inspections to maintain a hazard-free ramp.
• Provide aisle chair assistance to passengers as needed.
• Prepare ramp equipment and gate areas for arriving and departing aircraft.
• Maintain clear obstacle-free areas for all aircraft movements.
• Ensure proper loading of baggage, gate-checked items, and security-screened bags.
• Support ramp team members to ensure safe on time departures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support station operations.

Competencies

• Maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Work effectively in a high-coordination environment and supports team goals.
• Demonstrate alertness and evaluates conditions in a dynamic airside environment.
• Functions effectively in adverse weather, fluctuating schedules, and high-pressure situations.
• Interact respectfully with passengers and airline partners, including accessibility support.
• Ensures accuracy in baggage handling, equipment placement, and compliance steps.
• Communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and flight crews.
• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and consistency in shift-based operations.
• Make timely decisions when options are clear, escalating appropriately for higher risk or ambiguity

• Accept ownership and accountability, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality results with a sense of urgency

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum high school diploma or GED required.
• Prior customer service or ramp/aviation experience preferred.

Technical Skills / Expertise

• Aircraft marshaling and hand-signal communication
• Aircraft pushback operations
• Chocking, cone placement, and aircraft securing
• Time-critical turnaround coordination
• Basic aircraft types and configurations (A320, A220 etc.)
• Load control basics (weight & balance awareness) and use of baggage scanners
• Ability to operate ground service equipment (training provided)
• Ground power unit (GPU) and air start unit operation
• Use of handheld radios and dispatch systems
• Safe loading and unloading of baggage
• Reading load sheets and flight documentation
• Aircraft servicing (lavatory, potable water, cabin cleaning coordination)
• Manual handling techniques to prevent injury
• Knowledge of ramp safety procedures and aircraft movement areas
• Hazardous materials recognition (IATA DGR awareness)

Other Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's US license.
• Work flexible schedules: evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime.
• Able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Maintain required airport/airline clearances and certifications.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform under pressure, work in extreme weather conditions, and have physical stamina for lifting and working long shifts
• Noise and jet blast awareness
• Must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English language.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in aviation, transportation, logistics, or airport operations.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety checklists.

Work Authorization & Travel Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must comply with airport credentialing requirements to work in secure areas.
• Travel is not typically required beyond local airport access.

Work Environment, Physical Demands & Requirements

• Work performed primarily outdoors on airport ramps and aircraft service areas.
• Exposure to extreme weather (heat, cold, snow, rain, wind) and high-noise conditions.
• Requires use of hearing and visual protection, safety vests, gloves, and other PPE.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods, bending, kneeling, stooping, and lifting up to 50+ pounds.
• Requires visual acuity and awareness for safe movement around aircraft and ground equipment.
• Requires ability to work variable schedules aligned with flight operations.
• Must be able to navigate and work safely around aircraft, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• This job description is not intended to list every duty. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice.

The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company. will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.


Compensation and Benefits Overview

Benefits may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Life and AD\&D Insurance Options
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Company Holidays
• Training and Career Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.