Job Summary

The Ramp Agent at GAT Airline Ground Support is a foundational operational role at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). As a “Ground Support Specialist,” you are responsible for the “below-wing” logistics that ensure aircraft are serviced, loaded, and dispatched safely and on time. This position requires the “wit” to coordinate complex ground movements and the “grit” to handle heavy physical labor in Richmond’s unpredictable coastal weather.

Job Details

Employer: GAT Airline Ground Support (A major third-party ground handling provider).
Location: Richmond, BC (On-site at YVR).
Position Type: Full-time.
Core Mandate: Baggage handling, aircraft guiding, and ground equipment operation.
Environment: Fast-paced, outdoor, and strictly regulated.

Core Responsibilities

Baggage & Cargo Logistics: Manually load and unload passenger luggage, mail, and freight from aircraft cargo holds, ensuring items are secured for flight.
Aircraft Marshaling: Use hand signals or illuminated wands to guide pilots as they taxi aircraft into or out of gate positions.
Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Operate specialized machinery including baggage tugs, belt loaders, and water/lavatory service trucks.
Pushback Operations: Assist in the “pushback” process, using a tow-bar and tractor to move the aircraft from the gate to the taxiway.
Safety & FOD Checks: Conduct “Foreign Object Debris” (FOD) walks to ensure the ramp is clear of items that could be ingested by jet engines.
Security Compliance: Maintain the integrity of the airport’s restricted areas and adhere to all Transport Canada safety protocols.

Candidate Profile

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Licensing: Must possess a valid Canadian driver’s license to operate heavy ramp equipment.
Physicality: “Grit-heavy”—must be capable of lifting heavy loads repeatedly and working in extreme weather (rain, wind, and heat).
Clearance: Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and drug screening to obtain an Airport Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
Soft Skills: Strong communication and the ability to work as a “Zero-Friction” team member in a high-pressure environment.

Technical Insights: The Tarmac “Turnaround”

Ramp Agents work against a strict clock known as the Turnaround Time, which is the window between an aircraft’s arrival and its next departure.

The Loading Bridge: While passengers use the bridge above, Ramp Agents manage the “belly” of the plane below. Proper weight distribution is calculated to ensure the aircraft’s Center of Gravity (CG) is within safe limits.
Ground Power & Air: Agents often connect the aircraft to Ground Power Units (GPU) or Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) hoses to maintain systems and cabin temperature while engines are off.
Communication: Use of headsets or specific hand signals is vital to communicate with the flight deck over the high-decibel noise of idling jet engines.

Job Description

Do you believe that the heart of an airport beats on the tarmac, not in the terminal? GAT Airline Ground Support is seeking Ramp Agents to join our Richmond operations at YVR. We aren’t just moving suitcases; we are the momentum that keeps the global travel network in motion. If you have the “grit” to tackle the physical demands of the ramp and the “wit” to operate multi-million dollar equipment with precision, you belong in our ground crew.

In this role, you are an “Operations Connector.” You understand that for every passenger, their journey depends on your speed, care, and attention to detail. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Ground Support,” ensuring every aircraft is serviced safely and departs on schedule. We look for “Integrity-first” individuals who are dependable, safety-conscious, and ready to thrive in a team-driven environment.

Joining GAT means joining a leader in airline support that values a drug-free, secure, and professional workplace. We offer a stable career in a dynamic industry where your hard work is the key to our collective success. If you are a motivated professional with a commitment to “Safety and Reliability,” we invite you to apply and help us lead the way at Vancouver International.

GAT Airline Ground Support | YVR Ground Operations

GAT Airline Ground Support (often operating alongside its sister brands Strategic Aviation and Sky Café) is a major third-party ground handling provider at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). In Richmond, GAT serves as a critical operational partner for numerous domestic and international airlines, managing the “below-wing” and “above-wing” logistics that ensure aircraft are turned around safely and on schedule.

Following its acquisition by PrimeFlight Aviation Services in February 2026, GAT is currently integrating into a larger global network, focusing on standardized safety protocols and expanded service capabilities across the YVR hub.

The Richmond Operations Hub: YVR Airside

GAT’s Richmond presence is centered entirely within the Vancouver International Airport complex. Their teams are the “invisible” force on the tarmac, working in all weather conditions to support airline partners.

Primary Location: Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Richmond, BC.
Corporate Support: The company maintains administrative and maintenance facilities nearby in Richmond to service their fleet of Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
Service Scope: GAT provides a full suite of services including ramp handling, passenger assistance, cabin cleaning, and airline catering through Sky Café.

Core Services & 2026 Roles

GAT’s operations in Richmond are divided into specialized teams, each requiring specific training and security clearances.

Role	2026 Estimated Pay (Richmond)	Key Responsibilities
Airport Ramp Agent	$19.00 – $21.50/hr	Loading/unloading baggage, operating tugs and belt loaders, and aircraft marshaling.
GSE Mechanic	$32.00 – $45.00/hr	Maintaining and repairing the fleet of tugs, de-icing trucks, and push-back tractors.
Dispatch Agent	$24.00 – $27.00/hr	Coordinating flight information and ground crew movements to ensure on-time performance (OTP).
Passenger Manager	$60,000+ per year	Overseeing wheelchair assistance and gate-side customer service operations.
Cabin Appearance	$17.85 – $19.00/hr	High-speed aircraft interior cleaning and restocking between flights.

Company Culture: “Safety & Character”

The culture at GAT is defined by its core value: “Live Safe.” This is especially critical in the high-stakes environment of YVR’s active ramp.

Stop-Work Authority: Every employee, regardless of tenure, has the explicit authority to stop an operation if they perceive a safety risk.
Fast-Paced & Social: Employee reviews from 2025–2026 frequently highlight a “productive and easygoing” atmosphere among coworkers, noting that the camaraderie helps manage the stress of tight flight turnarounds.
High Standards of Character: The company explicitly hires for “personal character,” valuing reliability and integrity in an environment where security and punctuality are paramount.

Associate Benefits: “The GAT Rewards Package”

As a contractor, GAT’s benefits are designed to provide essential support while offering a foot in the door to the broader aviation industry:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care packages for full-time employees.
Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and life counseling.
Professional Growth: GAT is a known “career starter.” Many employees use their experience here to transition into roles with major airlines (like Air Canada or WestJet) or the Airport Authority.
Paid Training: All new hires undergo extensive paid online and on-site training, including the process to obtain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) and a Restricted Operator Certificate (Aeronautical).
Work-Life Balance: Offers various shift patterns, though the 24/7 nature of YVR means weekends and holidays are often required.

2026 Strategic Context: The PrimeFlight Integration

The February 2026 acquisition by PrimeFlight is expected to bring modernized tech stacks to the Richmond station, including improved real-time tracking for baggage and cargo. For job seekers, this merger typically signifies increased stability and more standardized paths for internal promotion into regional leadership.

To apply for this job please visit wearegat.net.