At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety at the airport, manage aircraft refuelling, and conduct maintenance.
- Company: Join Gamston Aviation Ltd, a leader in aviation services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic shift pattern with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of airport operations and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience with large equipment and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Airport Ground Services Operator – Gamston Aviation Ltd – Permanent – On‑site – Gamston (Retford) Airport. Base Pay Range £28,000 per annum + excellent benefits.
Responsibilities
- Be the first responder to airport emergencies, ensuring safety and swift action during operational hours.
- Take charge of positioning and refuelling aircraft, always following local rules and regulations for safe, efficient operations.
- Carry out hands‑on maintenance across airport facilities, equipment, and hangars – keeping everything spotless, safe, and reporting any issues promptly.
- Lead runway and manoeuvring area inspections, including fuel sampling and checks for foreign object debris, snow, and more.
- Conduct thorough safety inspections of airport service and support vehicles, upholding our high standards and local SOPs.
- Support fire prevention efforts, from evacuation procedures to responding to alarms and maintaining a secure environment for all.
- Champion site policies, ensuring strict adherence to access control, airside driving, and dual operation procedures.
- Provide humanitarian assistance both on and off the airfield, ready to help in incidents such as road traffic accidents.
- Play a key role in aviation and automotive testing activities, always prepared to act in the event of an emergency.
- Oversee the safe ground movement of aircraft and company vehicles, using approved equipment and procedures.
- Represent Gamston Airport with professionalism and courtesy, prioritising safety and operating procedures while delivering outstanding customer service.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience manoeuvring, towing or tugging large equipment (HGV licence desirable).
- Some experience in a similar role, firefighting and rescue or aviation operations.
- Excellent communication and teamworking skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure and flexible to changing and competing demands.
- Ability and willingness to take the lead in unusual incidents and work on initiative.
- Physically able to complete all firefighting tasks.
- Competent use of Microsoft Office: Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams.
Benefits
- 10% non‑contributory pension.
- 22 days holiday (increasing by 1 day each year up to 27 days) + public holidays.
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 4× basic salary).
- Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme).
- Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure.
- Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform.
- Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments).
- Reward & Recognition Programme.
Shift Pattern
You’ll join a 2‑week shift pattern, based on 4 shifts on and 4 shifts off, covering the Airport opening hours:
- 07:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday.
- 08:30 to 18:00 Saturday/Sunday and Bank Holidays (including overtime pay).
About Thatcham Research
At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on‑site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry. Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.
Values
We ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual’s authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.
Recruitment Process
We’re proud to manage our recruitment in‑house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.
- Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application.
- An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner.
- First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams.
- Second/Final interview, in‑person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!).
- Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
- An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above.
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK. If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application, please let us know: careers@thatcham.org. This role is based on‑site, at Retford Gamston Airport, Nottinghamshire DN22 0QL.
Airport Ground Services Operator employer: Gamston Aviation Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gamston Aviation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Airport Ground Services Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Gamston Aviation Ltd and understand their values and operations. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and even lead to referrals, which can boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle emergencies or unusual incidents, as these are key aspects of the Airport Ground Services Operator role. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Gamston Airport.
We think you need these skills to ace Airport Ground Services Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Aviation: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for aviation shine through! We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about being part of the airport operations team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any previous experience you have in similar roles or with large equipment. If you've got a HGV licence or any firefighting experience, don’t forget to mention it – we love seeing that kind of background!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other exciting opportunities we have available!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gamston Aviation Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of an Airport Ground Services Operator. Brush up on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the local rules for aircraft positioning and refuelling. Showing that you understand the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in high-pressure situations. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a supportive work environment.
✨Show Your Initiative
Prepare to discuss times when you've taken the lead during unusual incidents or emergencies. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet and act decisively, which is vital for the position.
✨Be Professional and Personable
As you'll be representing Gamston Airport, it's important to convey professionalism and courtesy. Practice your customer service skills and be ready to explain how you would handle interactions with passengers and colleagues alike.