Ramp Staff

About South West Aviation Services (SWAS)

South West Aviation Services (SWAS) is a professional aviation ground handling company contracted to deliver passenger experience and ramp handling services for several airlines at the Busselton Margaret River Airport in Busselton, Western Australia.

Servicing both Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flights, as well as private and ad hoc charter flights, our team of highly trained staff has established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service over 15 years in the industry. SWAS is a division of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) which also operates caves, lighthouses, a high ropes adventure course, a bird of prey sanctuary, multi-site retail outlets, and visitor centres with a total workforce of over 160 staff.

About the Role

The Ramp Team provides services to a variety of airlines and aircraft types at Busselton Margaret River Airport.

Each day, you will perform a range of diverse and interesting tasks — from loading and unloading baggage, driving ramp tugs and belt loaders, to operating high-tech specialised equipment such as deck loaders for servicing containerised aircraft. You will also be trained to carry out critical tasks such as aircraft marshalling and dispatch, working directly with flight crews to ensure the safe arrival and departure of a wide range of commercial aircraft.

No two days are the same. Each shift brings its own unique challenges, from managing delays and off-schedule flights to working in adverse weather conditions such as high winds and storms. You will be part of a close-knit team that strives every day to deliver on-time performance and service excellence to our customers, while always maintaining the highest standards of safety.

Rostered hours are likely to amount to around 25 to 30 hours per week. Aircraft movements occur 7 days per week, 365 days per year. A typical part-time RAMP roster might be as below:

Week 1

• Monday Off
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday Off
• Saturday
• Sunday

Week 2

• Monday Off
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday Off
• Sunday Off

The ramp handler role gives you the opportunity to get hands on in the aviation industry, being on the front line in an evolving, challenging and rewarding environment.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Secure aircraft on arrival
• Load and unload aircraft
• Transport baggage to and from the aircraft
• Operate specialist ground service equipment

Whilst previous experience in ground handling / aviation industry is an advantage, it is not essential, as on-the-job training is provided. The successful applicant should:

• Be able to follow procedures precisely and consistently
• Demonstrate excellent organisational skills
• Understand that safety and security are of the highest priority
• Be calm and confident whilst working in high pressure situations
• Have the ability to work autonomously and meet strict time constraints
• Possess good communication skills
• Display good computer literacy skills
• Present professionally with a positive approach and attitude
• Demonstrate an ability to contribute positively to a strong, open, and supportive team ethos
• Be available to work any shifts as rostered according to flight schedules, which might fall on any day of the week
• Display a level of fitness necessary to lift 32kg unassisted
• Undertake a full pre-employment medical and be willing to be screened for drug and alcohol use as required

How to Apply

Please apply online via Seek, submitting a CV and a cover letter that outlines how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this role, as detailed in the duties and skills listed above. Your cover letter should also demonstrate how you would contribute to a team culture that prioritises safety. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, 28 November. For any questions or further information, please contact our Operations Manager, Ben Forster,