Operations Agent - STL (Part-Time)

Southwest Airlines • St. Louis, MO

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Agent supports safe, timely flight operations at the gate and across airport facilities. The role coordinates aircraft loading and servicing, boarding and deplaning, flight paperwork, weight and balance information, and communications among airport teams, Dispatch, Gate Agents, Crews, and other stations. Operations Agents provide customer service while helping ensure on-time departures and quick turnarounds.

This is a part-time position at STL. Part-time employees generally work 32 hours over five days, with schedules determined by a seniority-based bidding process. After 4–6 weeks of training, new hires generally work 6.5-hour shifts over five days, with possible mandatory overtime. Schedules may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. The role is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Work takes place in the airport operations office, gate area, jetways, and air freight facilities, with possible exposure to varied weather, aircraft and machinery noise, and fumes.

The position pays $21.01 per hour, with potential future increases under the applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale, as well as opportunities for overtime and shift premiums. Applicants must be Missouri or Illinois residents if applying externally. U.S. citizenship or current U.S. work authorization is required; sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• Ability to work well with others, serve the public, and work under stressful conditions.
• Must be GSC qualified.
• Must comply with the DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
• Ability to read documents, follow instructions, and learn and understand ramp operations procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to type or use a computer keyboard at a speed sufficient for job demands.
• Must successfully complete the Operations Agent training program with an average of 90% or greater, as well as the evaluation and probationary period.
• Ability to recognize hazardous situations and handle emergencies as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple functions and coordinate with different offices or groups, and meet tight time constraints for quick aircraft turnarounds.
• Good written and oral communication skills, including effective communication by telephone, face to face, public address system, and radio equipment.
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance in accordance with Company standards and the Ground Operations Employee Handbook and Labor Agreement.
• Must remain alert to moving vehicles and aircraft and be able to use radio equipment.
• Must be able to obtain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements.
• Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
• Must be able to lift and move items weighing 70 pounds or more.
• Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, and stand frequently and for extended periods, and carry heavy items up and down jetway stairs.
• Must be able to wear prescribed uniforms.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States, and at least 18 years of age.
• Must comply with Company attendance standards and be able to work shifts and/or overtime.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of airline- or military-related work experience in ramp, operations, or provisioning functions.
• Foreign language skills are desirable but not required.
• May be required by Station Leadership to obtain a Customs Seal and meet requirements for working international flights.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly service and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Work cooperatively with others to support the success of the company.
• Coordinate ramp, operations, provisioning, and aircraft servicing to support customer boarding, on-time departures, quick turnarounds, and recovery of time on delayed flights.
• Open and close stations and advise Dispatch.
• Handle station AMS and radio communications as needed, and answer station operations telephones.
• Advise Gate Agents when boarding will begin; coordinate boarding and deplaning using the boarding bridge; and help expedite check-in and verify boarding counts.
• Coordinate aircraft loading and unloading by monitoring ramp activities.
• Prepare dispatch release forms, collect weather reports for the Crew, and prepare weight and balance forms.
• Advise Dispatch, FLIFO, and stations of flight departures and arrivals; close out flights and maintain accurate flight papers.
• Arrange aircraft fueling as required and ensure aircraft are properly cleaned and provisioned before departure.
• Coordinate aircraft services, including lavatory servicing, cabin grooming, customer wheelchairs, and special emergency cleaning.
• Check baggage when necessary and carry items between the jetway and ramp using jetway stairs.
• Write and submit irregularity reports as required; check cargo records; and ensure board mail and Company materials are dispatched to the indicated stations.
• Receive, refer, or make paging calls and announcements, and keep station personnel informed of flight movements, weather, and irregular operations.
• Prepare statistical reports from trip papers and operate and update flight information display systems as operationally necessary.
• Maintain and wear the uniform in accordance with Company requirements and present a neat, professional appearance.
• Support ground security and ensure operations follow security procedures.
• Perform Freight Agent duties when required and other duties as directed by leaders.
• Perform special tasks or assignments delegated by a Supervisor or Station Management personnel.

Benefits

• Free travel on any open seat on Southwest flights for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Company dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match contribution up to 10% of eligible earnings, subject to the plan’s vesting schedule; match may vary by position.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, at Company discretion and subject to the plan’s vesting schedule.
• Competitive health insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, with coverage options starting from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed