Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member
Location: North Kingstown, RI
Department: Ground Operations
Reporting To: Ground Operations/PPE Manager
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Position Available: Part-Time (15-30 hours per week)
Shift Schedule: The work schedule varies week to week to support operational needs while promoting adequate rest and equitable distribution of shifts among team members. Employees may be assigned staggered start times, including early morning or later morning report times, with corresponding shift end times extending into the afternoon or evening. While many shifts begin between 04:00–04:30 and end between 14:00–15:00, actual schedules may vary significantly based on flight activity, weather conditions, and operational demands, with duty days commonly ranging from 10–12 hours. Ground Operators are required to report for duty approximately 1.5 hours prior to the first scheduled flight of the day, with early report times averaging 03:00.
Company Description & Position Summary:
HeliService USA is proud to be the first and only helicopter operator supporting the development of offshore wind in the United States. We have a proven track record of performance having been ready for our customers on-time and are currently serving all developers and major tier-1 suppliers. HeliService USA is a Veteran owned and operated business, staffed locally, with over fifty percent of our employees having served in the military. HeliService USA has been able to build off their over three decades in operation, supporting offshore wind customers with crew-transfer, hoisting, cargo, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).
HeliService USA is looking for dynamic personnel to support offshore windfarm construction, operations, and maintenance. Ground operations staff support a fleet of AW-169 helicopters and associated flight operations. They perform loading and unloading of baggage and freight as well as other duties in relation to preparing aircraft for flight. Responsibilities will also include passenger check-in, outdoor ramp operations, aircraft cleaning, daily facility cleaning/general upkeep, and commissary duties as required.
Duties & Responsibilities
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Loading & Unloading Cargo: Managing passenger baggage, freight, and equipment.
Communication with Dispatch & Flight Crew: Coordinating ground support and relaying important information.
Safety and Security Compliance: Adhering to aviation regulations and emergency procedures.
Weather Monitoring: Keeping track of conditions that may affect flight operations.
Passenger Assistance/Check-In: Helping with boarding process, baggage checks, safety briefings, and special accommodations.
Record Keeping: Maintaining logs of safety and no cellphone policies for procedures for boarding the helicopter as requested by our customers.
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Facility Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in passenger terminal, company hangar, and ramp areas, while ensuring stock is organized and products are properly displayed and readily available.
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Passenger PPE Handling: Assisting with the cleaning and inspection of suits upon return to service and instructing passengers on the proper donning and use of PPE for the duration of their rental.
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Pre-Flight Inspections: Conducting routine checks to verify aircraft readiness.
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Additional Duties: Performing other duties as assigned, while maintaining a high level of productivity throughout the shift. During periods without passenger activity, employees are expected to support terminal cleanliness and assist in the PPE area within the hangar.
Qualifications
Required:
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Strong customer service and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively interact with passengers of diverse language backgrounds.
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Able to effectively manage multiple tasks and communication streams simultaneously.
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Highly organized with a strong commitment to maintaining cleanliness and order.
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Physically able to push/pull/lift, unload, and maneuver heavy luggage and/or equipment in excess of 70 pounds for extended periods of time; must have physical dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive tasks and motions, including bending at the waist and knees, climbing, balancing, squatting, kneeling, crawling, twisting and sustaining those positions for extended amounts of time in aircraft cargo holds and baggage bins. The employee must have sufficient hearing and vision and ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position.
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Comfortable working in an airport environment, both indoors and outdoors, including exposure to varying and potentially extreme weather conditions during colder months.
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Willing to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Available to work a minimum of 2 shifts per week.
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Maintain a professional and business-appropriate appearance at all times, adhering to company dress code standards.
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Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Preferred:
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Prior experience with aircraft handling and/or helicopter operations.
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Customer service experience.
Training/Specific Activities Required
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Complete annual training as required by company policy and law on an annual basis in a timely manner.
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Read all newsletters and bulletins to remain current on policies, procedures, and developments as well as to meet all company compliance standards.
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Employment at HeliService USA is contingent on successful completion of training and release to the line by the Ground Operations/PPE Manager at the completion of the required line training period.
Measurements of Success
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Consistently meets company customer satisfaction and safety standards.
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Meets all safety standards to achieve zero aircraft mishaps or incidents.
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Routinely meets all aircraft scheduling demands.
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Ability to meet the essential functions outlined in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Environment & Demands
Work Modality: In Person (No hybrid or work from home opportunity)
Possible work hazards:
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Exposure to high noise levels from aircraft operations.
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Proximity to moving aircraft, ground support equipment, and vehicles.
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Potential exposure to aviation fuel, fumes, oils, and other chemicals.
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Slip, trip, and fall hazards within hangar and ramp areas.
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Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, including repetitive motion tasks.
Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling, keyboarding, speaking. Additional physical demands may be required as these are a general description.
Other Considerations /Disclaimers
Job Description Disclaimer:
This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
HeliService USA LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Benefits: This position offers access to voluntary benefits, including life insurance, short-term disability, accident, and cancer coverage. Employees are also eligible to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan after the standard waiting period, effective the first of the month following date of hire. Additionally, employees receive 40 hours of sick leave annually. Part-time employees are not eligible to participate in group medical, dental, or vision insurance coverage and do not accrue paid time off (PTO).
