Question 1

What does ground staff do at an airport?

Accepted Answer

Ground staff, also known as ramp agents or ground handlers, are responsible for aircraft servicing on the tarmac. Their duties include aircraft marshalling, loading and unloading baggage and cargo, refuelling support, equipment operation, safety compliance, and coordinating aircraft turnarounds to ensure on-time departures.

Question 2

What award covers ground staff in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Many ground staff positions are covered by the Airport Employees Award (MA000048). This award applies to employees working at airports including ground handling, ramp services and aircraft servicing. Some ground crew positions may fall under other awards depending on the employer and specific duties.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for ground staff?

Accepted Answer

Under the Airport Employees Award, ground staff are typically classified based on their duties, qualifications and responsibilities. Entry-level ramp agents may start at Grade 1 or 2, while experienced staff with additional licences and certifications may be classified at higher grades. See our Airport Employees Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a ground staff job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract qualified candidates. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Above award rates' or 'Competitive hourly rate based on experience and qualifications.' Check the current Airport Employees Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do ground staff need?

Accepted Answer

Essential qualifications include an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), which is mandatory for airside work. Many positions also require an Airside Vehicle Driving Permit, relevant forklift or tug licences, and completion of company-specific training programs. Dangerous goods awareness training is often required for cargo handling roles. Use HR software to track ASIC and licence expiry dates.

Question 6

What is an ASIC and how do staff obtain one?

Accepted Answer

An Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) is a government-issued security pass required to work in secure airport areas. Applicants must undergo an extensive background check by the Australian Federal Police. The employer or recruitment agency typically assists with the ASIC application process, which can take several weeks.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in ground staff?

Accepted Answer

For experienced roles, look for previous airport or aviation experience, familiarity with aircraft types and ground support equipment, understanding of safety protocols, experience working in high-pressure turnaround environments, and proven ability to work in all weather conditions. Customer service experience is valuable for passenger-facing duties.

Question 8

Can I hire trainee ground staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many airlines and ground handling companies recruit entry-level staff and provide comprehensive on-the-job training. Trainees must still obtain their ASIC and pass medical assessments. Most employers provide paid training covering safety procedures, equipment operation, and aircraft-specific protocols.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent ground staff?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your operational needs. Permanent staff provide consistency and reduce training costs, particularly important for safety-critical roles. Casuals offer flexibility for peak periods and seasonal demand. Many airports use a core permanent team supplemented by casuals during busy periods. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to ground staff?

Accepted Answer

Under the Airport Employees Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays (150%), Sundays (175%), public holidays (250%), and shift work penalties for afternoon and night shifts. Casual employees receive a 25% loading. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for ground staff?

Accepted Answer

Under the Airport Employees Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 3 hours per shift. Part-time employees have guaranteed minimum hours. Check the specific award provisions as they can vary based on the type of work and shift patterns.

Question 12

What should I include in a ground staff employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification grade, employment type, hourly rate, applicable award, ASIC requirements, main duties, work location, shift patterns including potential for night and weekend work, uniform and PPE requirements, and physical fitness requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to ground staff?

Accepted Answer

Under the Airport Employees Award, rosters should be provided at least 7 days in advance where practicable. Changes require reasonable notice unless due to unforeseen circumstances like flight delays or weather disruptions. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I require ground staff to work night shifts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, airport operations run 24/7 and night shift requirements should be clearly communicated in the job description. Many airports have early morning and late night flights requiring ground staff coverage. Under the award, employees are entitled to shift penalties for night work. Be clear about shift expectations during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are ground staff entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Airport Employees Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break of 30-60 minutes. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. Breaks must be scheduled to maintain continuous operations and aircraft servicing coverage. Use break planning tools to manage coverage.

Question 16

How do I manage ground staff coverage for flight delays?

Accepted Answer

Build flexibility into your rosters to handle irregular operations. Consider having on-call staff for extended delays, implement clear communication protocols for schedule changes, and ensure adequate coverage during peak periods. Use rostering software to quickly adjust staffing levels when flights are delayed or cancelled.

Ground staff job description