Ramp Safety Officer

DO•Des Plaines, IL

20d

About The Position

DO & CO is hiring a Ramp Safety Officer in Des Plaines to support safe, compliant, and efficient airline catering ramp operations. The role oversees ramp, ground, and transportation activities; promotes a safety-first culture; and ensures that staff, drivers, vehicles, and equipment comply with company procedures and airport, airline, and regulatory requirements. The officer conducts training, inspections, audits, and risk assessments, addresses hazards and unsafe practices, and investigates incidents and near misses. The position requires airport security clearance and the appropriate airport-issued identification badge. Work may involve long hours on foot in varying temperatures and different shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

At least 1 year of work experience in a related field.
Excellent planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
Strong leadership qualities and outstanding communication skills.
Successfully complete the mandatory airport security clearance process, including meeting applicable TSA and U.S. Customs requirements and obtaining the appropriate airport-issued identification badge, such as SIDA, AOA, or equivalent.
High attention to detail and a strong commitment to customer service.
Solution-oriented mindset and sound decision-making abilities.
Valid driver's license.
Hands-on, can-do mentality and proactive work ethic.
Ability to work long hours on foot and in environments with varying temperatures.
Flexibility to work different shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.

Responsibilities

Ensure airline catering operations in the AOA comply with DO & CO SOPs, airport regulations, and airline requirements.
Oversee ramp, ground, and transportation operations to support safe, efficient, uninterrupted workflows through logistics and supply chain coordination.
Ensure compliance with airport authority regulations, airline requirements, TSA, OSHA, DOT, company policies, and applicable airside and landside safety standards.
Enforce ramp safety policies, procedures, and SOPs.
Supervise drivers’ compliance with airside driving rules, airport permits, vehicle safety standards, and company transportation policies.
Verify that drivers maintain valid airport IDs, airside driving permits, and required certifications.
Conduct driver safety briefings and coaching on safe driving practices on the ramp and airport roadways.
Deliver ramp and driver safety training to team members.
Motivate and supervise team members to promote a safety-first culture and high operational standards.
Monitor daily operations, identify hazards, and immediately address unsafe behaviors, conditions, or procedural deviations.
Conduct safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments of ramp operations, vehicles, and equipment; document findings and implement corrective actions.
Investigate safety incidents, near misses, and non-compliance events; prepare reports and recommend preventative measures.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Ramp Safety Manager and Operations Manager.