Airport Ground Services Operator in Retford

Our unique dual‑operations site in Gamston is home to Gamston Aviation Limited (GAL), a fully operational private Airport with an onsite restaurant and automotive track testing for Thatcham Research. If you’re looking for a role where no two days will be the same, then look no further! Based on‑site at Gamston, reporting to the AGSO Team Leader, you’ll work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of ground aviation activities. Your previous experience in a similar role will enable you to prioritise activities that maximise customer experience and maintain safe operations. You will also receive training as a member of Gamston’s Rescue and Fire Fighting team to respond to an aviation emergency, should the need arise.

As the Airport Ground Services Operator, you’ll:

• 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 that will set you up for success in this role:

• 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.

This role is based on‑site, at Retford Gamston Airport, Nottinghamshire DN22 0QL.

Perks & Benefits:

• Salary – Circa £28,000 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.
• 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 x basic salary).
• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service).
• 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).
• Benenden Health Care (opt‑in benefit).
• Reward & Recognition Programme.

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).

Our Values:

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, 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.

Our Commitment to 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.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.