Airside Operations Sweeper

To apply for this role, you must be experienced and licenced to drive an airfield sweeper vehicle and hold an airside driving permit at the airfield at which you are currently employed.

Team:                                    

Airside Operations

Role Title:                          

Sweeper Driver

Location:                            

Fairford, Gloucestershire

Role Grade:                       

Volunteer

Personnel Group:         

Volunteer

RIAT Manager:                 

Air Operations Manager

 

About us:

We are the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises. We will Promote the RAF by placing it at the heart of a programme of world-class events and activities, with the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) as our unique centrepiece. We will Inspire young people, inside the RAF and wider UK society, to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology by delivering, with and through partners, access to and involvement in forward-looking air and space activities, including highly stimulating personal development opportunities.  

About the role:

The Airside Operations Team are responsible for the enabling safe, effective and regulatory compliant airfield operations at RIAT, including general oversight (but not supervision) all airfield activities, ensuring the safety of aircraft and personnel. They will work closely with both the Fairford Air Traffic Control team, and Aircraft Engineering team, under the direction of the Aerodrome Group Manager. Airside Operations vehicles will provide a ‘Follow-Me’ service for all participating aircraft at RIAT 2024. In addition, they will conduct inspections of all operational aircraft operating surfaces including runway inspection, inspection of the condition of airfield signs and markings, the placement of temporary obstructions adjacent to airfield operating surfaces for compliance with safety distances, declaration of runway surface condition, assisting with observation of birds, FOD control, policing of access to operational aprons, and promotion of safe airfield operation procedures.  As part of the Airside Operations Team, the Sweeper Drivers will be responsible for driving an Airfield Sweeper vehicle (USAF supplied) on the airfield operating surfaces to ensure are clean and FOD free. The Airside Operations Manager will exercise day-to-day management of the Sweeper Team with routine sweeper tasking undertaken via ATC. 

 

Main Responsibilities will include:

  • Driving an airfield sweeper vehicle, both in routine operations and ad-hoc tasking in response to any FOD incidents
  • Ensuring all operational areas remain safe for aircraft movements, including FOD prevention
  • Liaising and working with all airfield users (particularly the the Aircraft Engineering, Aircraft Fuels and Aircrew Transport), maintaining a good relationship to enable effective aircraft operations
  • Maintaining a high level of situational awareness, such as the aircraft arrivals schedule and parking plan, to identify issues with the efficiency of the plan or potential hazards to aircraft operations
  • Maintaining a high level of situational awareness, such as the aircraft arrivals schedule and parking plan, to identify issues with the efficiency of the plan or potential hazards to aircraft, persons or infrastructure
  • Promoting the RIAT 'Total Safety' culture and reporting potential hazards
  • Engaging with traders/volunteers/contractors who are working on the airfield, ensuring they do not conflict with aircraft operations and educating them on hazards

What commitment is required?

This role requires attendance at the Airside Operations Training Day, held in June.

Volunteering from Tuesday 16th - Monday 22nd July inclusive.

What you get in return for volunteering:  

  • An opportunity to learn new skills and be part of a fantastic team of over 1,250 volunteers
  • Support the work of the RAF Charitable Trust
  • Two complimentary tickets (General Admission Friday or Sunday) to give to family or friends
  • Discount on official merchandise
  • Camping or temporary accommodation, if required
  • Freshly prepared meals in our onsite Airfield Diner
  • Access to our Volunteer Village, to include evening entertainment

Travel:

In line with our sustainability commitment, we strongly encourage volunteers to car share wherever possible and/or to utilise public transport.

The following is in place to support our volunteers with any out-of-pocket expenses.   

  • Motor Mileage: Claim 45p per mile (maximum 315 miles) return mileage to RIAT and to encourage car sharing, an additional 5p per additional passenger may be claimed by the vehicle driver.   
  • Train Fare: Travel should be standard class; reimbursement will be made up to the maximum claim amount (£100.00) on the production of receipts, tickets, or confirmation email.  

Next steps

Interested applicants should complete an application form which can be found on our website here.