Job Information
Missoula County Airport Authority Ground Handling Agent in Missoula, Montana
SALARY: $15.25/HR + Flight BenefitsDEPARTMENT: Ground HandlingSCHEDULING/HOURS OF WORK: Part TimeCLOSING DATE: Open Until FilledThe Missoula County Airport Authority owns and operates the Missoula Montana Airport (MSO). Missoula Montana Airport serves the western area of Montana, with a population of approximately 175,256. Commercial passenger services are provided by Alaska, American, United, Delta, Allegiant, Frontier, and Sun Country Airlines. The Airport has direct service to Dallas, Portland, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Mesa, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Denver and Minneapolis with nonstop departures and seasonal service to Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta, and San Francisco. The airport has an estimated 50/50 mix of business and leisure travelers. Missoula is located at the confluence of three rivers and the convergence of 5 mountain ranges in the heart of Western Montana. It is home to the University of Montana and Missoula College, which provide diverse cultural opportunities, including fine arts, theater, dance, and NCAA Division athletics. Missoula is one of Outside Magazine's "Best River Towns in America" and America's Promise Alliance's "100 Best Communities for Young People."JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Ground handling manager performs all aspects of airport and contracted airline passenger/aircraft service functions for the Missoula Montana Airport.Ground Handling Agents are responsible for providing exceptional service in both ramp and customer-facing roles. They play a crucial part in ensuring the smooth operation of ground handling services for airlines and their passengers. The Ground Handling Department for the Missoula Montana Airport provides contracted services for multiple airlines serving MSO. The employer for this role is the Missoula County Airport Authority.Ground Handling Agents are instrumental in maintaining high standards of safety, security, and customer satisfaction. Ground Handling Agents may provide both Above Wing (customer service) and Below Wing (ramp service) functions. This is a fast-paced, safety sensitive and customer service driven position.ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (The following are intended to illustrate typical duties; they are not meant to be all inclusive or restrictive.)BELOW WING:Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.Load, unload, sort, and transfer passenger baggage on the ramp. Some of these items can weigh up to 99 lbs.Guide incoming and outgoing aircraft to ensure that they are entering or leaving their gate safely and on time.Drive ground equipment such as tugs, to help the plane push in/out of the gate, belt loaders to help load baggage, and bag carts to deliver baggage to the claim area.Collaborate with the internal team to ensure a safe and on-time departure.Perform aircraft grooming (aircraft interior seats, lavatories, refuse, floors), and servicing (lavatories and potable water).While performing push-pull functions, engages in the proper specific cockpit communication via hand signals and voice commands with and without the use of visual aids.De-ice aircraft at heights of up to 80 feet lifting and holding hose, spray exterior of plane wings and fuselage with glycol in compliance with specific air carrier deicing programs.ABOVE WING:Create a positive start to a passenger’s trip by being the first to greet the passenger and providing a seamless check-in and ticketing experience.Use appropriate reservation/ticketing software to rebook itineraries, issue boarding passes, calculate and collect any appropriate fees.Inform passengers through all aspects of their experience with our airline partners by communicating appropriate information about their trips and belongings.Collaborate with the internal team to ensure passenger information is processed accurately and flights are sent out on time.Listen to passengers and resolve their issues in accordance with company policies and procedures because of flight interruption in a timely and friendly manner.Reports to work on a regular and timely basis.Participates in continuous training and completes within the assigned timelines. OTHER DUTIES:The completion of forms and messages related to and necessary for the performance of cargo handling.Daily checks on ground service equipment, including checking oil, radiator, tire pressure, washer fluid, changing flat tires, etc. Must wear uniform and insignia as prescribed by the company. Personal appearance and grooming should present a favorable company image. Assists customers between gate and curb with baggage and wheelchair assistance as needed. Provides Air Carrier Access Act accommodations. Performs related duties as required or directed.SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the Ground Handling Manager.SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: Work environment is dictated by the activities of the airport, duties will occur both indoors and outdoors, under adverse weather conditions. The work requires the ability to walk over rough, uneven terrain. Extended periods in difficult work environments may occur because of emergency conditions. The position may intermittently be subject to stress because of critical time schedules, human behavior, and emergency conditions.Position is subject to shift work outside traditional hours, emergency call out, and extended operating days. Position will be part time and experience short notice shift changes.Requires ability to consistently lift 50-99 pounds. Ability to work in a high noise environment.Requires standing for extended periods of time, climbing, walking, reaching, stooping, crouching, kneeling, and crawling. Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, reach, and grasp. Work environment noise level is frequently loud. Requires hearing which falls within normal limits for both pure tone and speech, per audiogram.May be exposed to toxic chemicals, noxious odors, and vibrations due to the nature of the job.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. SKILLS: Skill in the use of a personal computer and related software (word-processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, internet, and web-based applications). Strong written and verbal communication skills. Skill in keyboarding demonstrated by typing skill at 25 WPM. Basic mathematics skills.ABILITIES: Ability to read, write and fluently speak the English language. Ability to communicate with others in a clear, polite, and friendly manner. Ability to understand and react to verbal commands and safety warnings, with and without, assistance of sight or visual aids. Ability to judge distances. Ability to confront and question unauthorized personnel in secured areas and report their presence to authorities as necessary. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Ability to learn and operate a computerized reservation system. Ability to participate in paid training that may require overnight travel. Driving vehicles with gross weights up to 80,000 lbs. in congested areas, position equipment up to aircraft requiring depth perception and the ability to distinguish colors red, green and yellow. Transport cargo to and from aircraft using depth perception to negotiate vehicle with attached carts through congested areas. Read off and on load sheets to determine cargo destination.MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:EDUCATION: High School Diploma, GED, or international equivalent preferred.EXPERIENCE: None. Customer service experience preferred.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Prefer to be at least 18 years of age. Requires a valid MT Driver’s License. Ability to work rotating shifts including weekends, nights, and holidays. Must be flexible to work additional hours with short notice when operationally necessary. Must be able to commit to working at least 2 days a week. Must complete a criminal history records check conducted by the FBI through the fingerprinting process and a successful security threat assessment conducted by TSA. Must be authorized to work in the United States.