At the Airport

We have a continuing requirement to select suitably experienced people with the right attitude to provide ground handling services on the tarmac or airport customer services at the counter at our airports in Nelson, Napier and Palmerston North.

The airline industry is highly competitive and it is the personal service we provide that makes the difference. Our staff have the opportunity to influence our customers perception of the airline, directly or indirectly, through their ability to provide high standards of service, whether on the check-in counter or when handling our customers bags. We strive to give our customers the best journey possible in our uniquely regional New Zealand way, right from the time they book the ticket to the time they reach their destination.

We expect our staff to be of the highest calibre with superior communication and service skills and the ability to put our customer first. They are also selected for their ability to work well as part of a team and present the uniquely New Zealand experience.

Hours of work at the Airport

No two working days are likely to be the same. You will be required to work different hours on a rostered basis. Sometimes you may be working three hours, other days up to eight and a half hours, although in a delay situation the length of a shift may be extended. For example a shift could start as early as 5.30am or finish as late as 10.30pm. Your hours and days may vary from week to week.

We understand that you require time to plan your life outside of work, so the staff at the counter have a six week rotating roster that is set two weeks in advance.

For ground handling services on the tarmac, the roster is a nine week roster set two weeks in advance.

Positions On the Tarmac
Airport Customer Services Positions at the Counter
Current Vacancies
Contact us

Positions On the Tarmac

Assisting with duties in readiness for the aircraft arrival and departure, and for the time the aircraft are on the ground, our Tarmac Hands are responsible for loading and unloading baggage and cargo, refuelling and despatch procedures.

Training

Our training programme consists of training on the job. This initial training takes place over a full week.

Work Gear Provided

Work gear is provided for Tarmac Hands as well as safety equipment for high visibility and hearing.

Minimum Requirements

We look for people for this physically demanding job with:

• The ability to be an active team member in a team environment
• The ability to work under minimal supervision
• The ability to work under pressure
• A dedicated commitment to implementing quality systems
• A high level of flexibility in hours worked and availability is essential, particularly in the weekend

It is an advantage to have the following:

• Previous tarmac/loading/refuelling experience
• HT License with Dangerous Goods endorsement
• Current Forklift Operators Certificate

Because Tarmac Hands work in a high security airport environment, we conduct Aviation Security Clearance on all candidates prior to making offers of employment. A police check is part of this process.

Airport Customer Services Positions at the Counter

This is a front line position checking in both domestic and international passengers for Air New Zealand. This involves flight reservations, ticketing and passenger check-in. Staff in this area are also responsible for ensuring the aircraft weight and balance is correct for despatch, and also assisting customers where required eg meeting and greeting disabled passengers or unaccompanied children.

Training

Initial training is completed in the classroom with the programme progressing to on the job training with a buddy at the airport until the new staff member is confident to work alone. This will include check-in, ticketing and reservations over a period or 4-6 weeks in the classroom and on the job.

Uniforms Provided

A full uniform is provided for Counter Services staff and must be worn to the Air New Zealand standard.

Minimum Requirements

As this position is one of service to the public, it is desirable that an applicant have a positive attitude, is friendly and has had customer service experience. A successful recruit must be able to work as part of a close knit team and be flexible and able to easily adjust to change.

Applicants must meet the requirements as outlined below:

• Strong customer service, particularly face to face
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work as an active team member, with the ability to use their initiative
• An engaging, enthusiastic nature who is passionate about delivering excellent customer service
• A high level of flexibility in hours and availability is essential, particularly in the weekend

It is an advantage to have the following:

• Completed a travel and tourism type course
• Previous airline or travel agent experience
• An interest in the aviation industry

Because Airport Customer Service staff work in a high security airport environment, we conduct Aviation Security Clearance on all candidates prior to making offers of employment. A police check is part of this process.

We have full-time, part-time and casual positions at the airport.

Current Vacancies

Vacancies for the positions at the Airport are advertised in the local paper in Nelson, Palmerston North or Napier. Vacancies are also advertised on the Seek website.