Operations Agent - MKE (Part-Time)

Southwest Airlines • Milwaukee, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Southwest Airlines is hiring a part-time Operations Agent in Ground Operations. The role supports safe, on-time aircraft departures and quick turnarounds by coordinating aircraft servicing, boarding, flight paperwork, and communications among airport teams. Operations Agents work at the airport operations office, gate area, jetways, and air freight facilities, providing customer service while helping flight crews and other station personnel keep operations running smoothly.

Part-time employees generally work 32 hours over five days, with schedules determined through a seniority-based bidding process. After 4–6 weeks of training, new hires generally work 6.5-hour shifts over five days, with potential mandatory overtime. Schedules may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Pay is $21.01 per hour, with potential future increases under the applicable agreement wage scale, as well as opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

External applicants must currently reside in Wisconsin or Illinois. Southwest will not consider applicants interviewed for the Operations Agent position at MKE within the previous 12 months who were not selected. Applicants must be at least 18, be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, and meet airport requirements. No education is required. Two years of airline- or military-related work experience in ramp, operations, or provisioning functions is preferred.

Requirements

• Ability to work well with others as part of a team, interact with the public, and work under stressful situations.
• Must be GSC qualified.
• Must comply with the Department of Transportation 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 to meet job demands.
• Must successfully complete the Operations Agent training program with an average of 90% or greater and complete the evaluation/probationary period.
• Must recognize hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple functions, and work with different offices and groups.
• Ability to meet tight time constraints to accomplish quick aircraft turnarounds.
• Good written and oral communication skills, including communicating by telephone, face to face, public address system, and radio.
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance in accordance with Company standards and the applicable labor agreement.
• Must remain alert to moving vehicles and aircraft and be able to use radio equipment.
• Must obtain a SIDA badge and meet all local airport requirements.
• Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not available.
• Must comply with Company attendance standards and be able to work shifts and/or overtime.
• 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.
• Must be able to carry heavy items up and down jetway stairs.
• Must maintain the ability to wear prescribed uniforms.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of airline- or military-related work experience in ramp, operations, or provisioning functions.
• Foreign-language skills.
• May be required by Station Leadership to obtain a Customs Seal and meet requirements to work international flights.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly customer service and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers and coworkers.
• Coordinate with Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, and aircraft servicing teams to support on-time departures, quick turnarounds, and recovery from delays.
• Open and close stations and advise Dispatch.
• Handle station AMS and radio communications and answer station operations telephones.
• Coordinate aircraft loading and unloading by monitoring ramp activities.
• Advise Gate Agents when boarding will begin and help expedite check-in and verify boarding counts.
• Prepare dispatch release forms, collect weather reports, and prepare weight and balance forms.
• Arrange aircraft fueling when required and advise Dispatch, FLIFO, and stations of flight departures and arrivals.
• Close out flights and file and maintain accurate flight papers.
• Verify that aircraft are cleaned and provisioned before departure and coordinate services such as lavatory servicing, cabin grooming, wheelchairs, and emergency cleaning.
• Operate the boarding bridge and coordinate customer boarding and deplaning.
• Check baggage when necessary and carry items between the jetway and ramp using jetway stairs.
• Write and submit irregularity reports as required.
• Check cargo, board mail, and Company materials to ensure they are properly accounted for and dispatched.
• Receive, refer, or make paging calls and announcements as appropriate.
• Keep station personnel informed about flight movements, weather, and irregular operations.
• Prepare statistical reports from trip papers and operate and update flight information display systems when needed.
• Follow ground security procedures and help ensure operations comply with security requirements.
• Maintain and wear the uniform according to Company regulations and appearance standards.
• Perform special assignments, Freight Agent duties when required, and other duties as directed by leaders.

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 plan terms and vesting.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, subject to plan terms and Company discretion.
• 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
• Education Level: No Education Listed