Ground Operations Crew Member

Helicopter Ground Operations Crew Member 

Location: Norfolk, Virginia 

Position Available: Part-time to start, likely full-time upgrade soon after. 

Schedule: Flexible days and hours to start, approximately 15-30 hours per week. Schedule will fluctuate week-to-week based on operational needs and varied flight times.

Compensation & FLSA Status: Paid Hourly, Non-Exempt 

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, security, operations, and commissary duties as required. This position will be locally based in Norfolk, Virginia. This wind farm project will begin operations approximately at the end of October, which is when this position is ideally set to begin. The individual hired for this position may have possible travel for a few days to our company headquarters located in North Kingstown, RI (Quonset State Airport) for training before the Virginia base start up.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• 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. 

• 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.
• 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.
• Pre-Flight Inspections: Conducting routine checks to verify aircraft readiness.
• 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: 

• Must live within a one-hour commute of our Norfolk, Virginia base operations. 
• Must have reliable transportation. 
• Possess excellent customer service, verbal communication skills, and organizational skills.
• Have quick thinking and flexible to ensure task completion.
• Ability to manage several tasks and communications streams at once.
• Must be 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.
• Must be able to work in the airport environment, both indoors and outdoors, and in year-round weather conditions. 
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. 
• Must maintain a professional and business-appropriate appearance at all times, adhering to company dress code standards.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. 

Preferred but not Required: 

• Prior experience with aircraft handling.
• Experience with helicopter operations.
• Customer service experience. 

Training/Specific Activities Required 

• Complete annual training as required by company policy and law on an annual basis in a timely manner.
• Read all newsletters and bulletins to remain current on policies, procedures, and developments as well as to meet all company compliance standards.
• Possible travel to company headquarters based in Rhode Island for initial position training, HR in-doc, and general company overview.
• Background check must be completed and approved in accordance with DOT/FAA regulations prior to hire.

Measurements of Success 

• Consistently meets company customer satisfaction and safety standards.
• Meets all safety standards to achieve zero aircraft mishaps or incidents.
• Routinely meets all scheduling demands.
• 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)

Worker Category: Part-Time (to begin)

Possible work hazards: Exposure to loud noises, aviation related chemicals, inclement weather, and frequently moving objects at a high velocity. 

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:

Part-time employees are eligible for voluntary benefits coverage options such as life, short-term disability, accident, and cancer insurance. Part-time employees are also eligible to enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan following the standard waiting period (effective the first of the month after hire).