Find & Apply For Airfield Operations Specialist Jobs in Des Plaines, Illinois

Lead/Supervisor - Aircraft Repositioning (Pushback)O'Hare International Airport (ORD) | Ground Operations - Ramp ServicesReports to: Ramp Manager /

Duty Manager Status:

Ramp Lead — Non-exempt (hourly) | Ramp Supervisor — Exempt (salary)

Schedule:

Rotating shifts (early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays; OT during irregular ops)

Pay:

Ramp Lead:

$35-40/hour, plus shift differential or lead premium (final scale TBD)

Ramp Supervisor:

[salary range TBD] annually Position Summary Leads the pushback team responsible for safe, on-time aircraft repositioning at every departure — tug drivers, headset (interphone) operators, and wing walkers.

A working supervisor role:

you build and brief crews, run each push, and work the ramp alongside your team while enforcing airline, airport, TSA, FAA, and OSHA standards. Key Responsibilities Must be able to pass Advanced Taxi Test (Blue Stripe) certification for ORD Build and brief a push team for every departure (tug driver, headset operator, wing walkers) Run each pushback: confirm bypass pin, towbar/towbarless connection, doors closed, and equipment clear before brake release Coordinate push timing and clearance with ramp tower and ground control across ORD's congested alleys Position and monitor wing walkers; halt any push for conflicts, FOD, or unclear signals Train, certify, and recertify team members on phraseology, hand signals, and tractor operation Track performance: pushback-related delays, communication quality, damage prevention Operate and inspect pushback tractors and related GSE Support winter operations: deicing coordination and cold-weather staffing adjustments Complete shift/safety reports and respond to incidents per procedure

QualificationsMinimum:

HS diploma/GED; 18+; authorized to work in the

U.S. 1-2

years ramp or ground handling experience Valid driver's license; able to obtain ORD airfield driving permit Pushback and headset qualified, or able to complete certification during training Able to obtain O'Hare SIDA badge (TSA fingerprinting, 10-year criminal history check) Pass pre-employment drug screen and background check Available nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory

OT Preferred:

Experience leading push crews at a hub airport, both towbar and towbarless tractors Prior lead/supervisory experience in airline or ground handling ops Physical Requirements Lift up to 70 lbs; stand/walk 8-10 hour shifts; work outdoors year-round in Chicago conditions; sustained exposure to jet noise (hearing protection required). Equal Opportunity UST is an equal opportunity employer. Safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing program.

Pay:

$35.00 - $40.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person