Department: Ground Operations
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
The People of Southwest Airlines come together to deliver on our Purpose, which is to connect People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. Our Operations Agents carry out important tasks “above the wing” in the airport , including finalizing details of the weight and balance of aircraft, providing an efficient and hospitable boarding experience for Customers, and coordinating with other workgroups to facilitate a flight’s departure. They play a quarterback role in readying a flight for departure while providing Southwest Hospitality to both Internal and External Customers daily. Operations Agents are strong communicators who enjoy working as a part of a Team in a dynamic , safe environment.
As an Indianapolis (IND) Operations Agent , you can expect:
A union-based role that includes working assigned shifts based on seniority. Shifts can include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Opportunities for overtime and shift pick-ups. Mandatory overtime is a possibility based on operational need. *
U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.
Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights—your eligible dependents too.
Up to a 9.3% 401(k) Company match, dollar for dollar, per paycheck. **
Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement - when Southwest profits, you profit. ***
Explore more Benefits you’ll love: swa.is/benefits
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.
Responsibilities
Provides friendly service to and maintains positive relationships with all internal and external Customers
Works in a cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
Responsible for providing legendary Customer Service to people boarding the aircraft by coordinating Ramp, Operations, Provisioning and servicing aircraft to ensure on-time departures and quick turnarounds and to make up time on delayed flights
Works in airport operation office, gate area, jetways and air freight facilities. May be exposed to a wide variety of weather conditions and jet and machinery noise and fumes. Opens and closes the stations, advising Dispatch of same
Handles Station AMS and radio communications traffic as needed
Coordinates loading and unloading of aircraft by monitoring ramp activities
Answers station operations' telephones
Advises Gate Agents when boarding will begin
Prepares dispatch release forms and collects weather reports from OTIS for the Crew
Arranges for fueling of aircraft as required
Prepares weight and balance forms. Advises Dispatch, FLIFO and Stations of flight departures / arrivals
Closes out flights; files and maintains accurate flight papers. Ascertains that aircraft are properly cleaned and provisioned prior to departure
Coordinates special services needed on aircraft such as servicing lavatories, cabin grooming, wheelchairs for Customers and special emergency cleaning
Operates boarding bridge, coordinates boarding and deplaning Customers
Works with Gate Agents in expediting the check-in process, collects boarding passes and/or electronic boarding data, and verifies boarding counts
Checks baggage, when necessary. Uses jetway stairs frequently to carry items from jetway to ramp
Writes and submits irregularity reports as required. Checks cargo on hand to see that it is properly logged and accounted for. Checks that all board mail and Company material is dispatched and sent to indicated Stations
Receives, refers, or makes paging calls and makes paging announcements, as appropriate. Keeps other station personnel advised of flight movements, weather conditions, and irregular operations
Prepares statistical reports to record information from trip papers. Operates equipment for flight information display systems and updates system when operationally necessary
Properly maintains and wears the uniform by Company regulations and presents a neat and professional appearance while on duty
Provides friendly service to all co-workers and Customers. Performs special task or assignments as delegated by Supervisor or Station Management personnel
Responsible for ground security and assuring operations follow security procedures
May perform the duties of a Freight Agent. Further information can be found in the Freight Agent PAQ
Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to work well with others as part of a team, meet the public, and work under stressful situations
Must be GSC qualified
Must comply with DOT drug and alcohol testing program
Ability to read documents, follow instructions, learn and understand ramp operations procedures, rules and regulations
Ability to type and/or use a computer keyboard with sufficient speed to meet demands of the job
Must successfully complete Operations Agent training program with a 90% or greater average and evaluation / probationary period
Must be aware of hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies as needed
Able to work under pressure and handle many functions at once with many different offices and/or groups of people
Must work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick turns of aircraft
Must possess good written and oral skills
Must present a well-groomed appearance in accordance with the Ground Operations Employee Handbook and Labor Agreement
Must be able to effectively communicate verbally by telephone, face to face and public address systems
Must be able to be alert to moving vehicles or aircraft and use radio equipment
Must be able to communicate information and instructions verbally or via radio equipment
Education
No education requirement
Experience
Preferred: Two years of airline/military related work experience in ramp/operations/provisioning functions
Licensing/Certification
Must be able to obtain a SIDA badge and meet all local airport requirements
Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license
May be required by Station Leadership to obtain a Customs Seal and meet all requirements to work international flights
Physical Abilities
Must be able to lift and move items of 70 pounds and/or more
Must be able to climb, bend, kneel and stand on a frequent basis and for extended periods
Must be able to carry heavy items up and down jetway stairs
Must maintain the ability to wear prescribed uniforms
Other Qualifications
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Ability to work shift work and/or overtime
Foreign language skills are desirable, but not required
- Overtime pay is computed solely on base pay rate
**401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company
Pay Rate: $17.41
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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