Operations Agent

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:

*** For external applicants only:
(1.) Southwest Airlines will consider your interest for this position if you are currently a resident of the State of California.
(2.) Southwest Airlines will not consider your interest for this position if you have been interviewed by phone, virtually, and/or inperson
and not selected for the Operations Agent position at BUR within the last 12 months.***

Pay & Benefits:

Pay of $21.01 per hour*, with the opportunity for future increase per applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale based on time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

Benefits you’ll love:   

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too) 
• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution up to 10% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• Explore more benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits.

Looking for a role where you help flights take off safely and on time? Join our Operations Agents at the gate and be the reason flights run smoothly. You’ll help Customers board, check flight details like weight and balance, and talk with other airport Teams to keep things running smoothly. Every day, you’ll help our flights stay on schedule and make sure our Customers feel cared for and our Crews have what they need. Whether you’re new to aviation or looking to grow, this role gives you the chance to learn and be part of something big. See what a day as an Operations Agent looks like: swa.is/DayWithOpsAgent

Additional details

• This is a part-time opportunity. At Southwest, Part-Time Employees generally work 32 hours over 5 days, but schedules are determined in accordance with a seniority-based bidding process. 

• New Hires will complete 4-6 weeks of training. Training will consist of 8-hours of classroom or on-the-job training over 5 days each week. 

• After completing training, Part-Time New Hire work weeks will consist of 6.5-hour shifts over 5 days, with the potential for mandatory overtime.

• This role is part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which means pay, schedules, and other job details are set through an agreement with the labor union.

• Work schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. There may be times when mandatory overtime is required to support flight operations, but there are also opportunities to trade shifts and find a schedule that works for you.

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.  

• Learn more about becoming an Operations Agent and the FAQs: careers.southwestair.com/operations-agent-workgroup

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. 

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 Ops Suite 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

*The pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period. **401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.

***Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Pay Rate:

$21.01

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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