Aircraft Ground Handling Assistant

Job Title:                     Aircraft Ground Handling Assistant

Location:                     Carterton, Oxfordshire

Compensation:           £32,178 + 10% Shift Allowance

Role Type:                   Full Time / Permanent

Role ID:                        SF76338

Help keep critical aviation operations moving safely and efficiently.

At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as an Aircraft Ground Handling Assistant at the AirTanker Hub, near Carterton, Oxfordshire.

Working in a fast-paced aviation environment, you'll support the safe operation and turnaround of the Voyager A330 fleet, helping ensure aircraft remain mission-ready and available to support vital operational and training commitments. This is an exciting opportunity to launch or develop a career in aviation, defence and engineering, with full training provided and the chance to work alongside highly skilled aviation professionals.

The role

As an Aircraft Ground Handling Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting aircraft operations at RAF Brize Norton. From aircraft arrival through to departure, you'll be part of a team responsible for delivering essential ground handling services that directly contribute to aircraft availability, operational performance and safety.

No previous experience is required. If you're motivated, safety-focused and eager to learn, we'll provide the training and support you need to build a rewarding career in aviation.

Day-to-day, you’ll be required to:

• Marshalling aircraft and supporting the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of Voyager A330 aircraft.


• Operating vehicles, Ground Support Equipment and ancillary equipment to support aircraft operations.


• Carrying out aircraft servicing activities including potable water replenishment, toilet servicing and water system sterilisation.


• Performing aircraft de-icing activities, including operating specialist de-icing equipment and applying de-icing fluids.


• Using specialist equipment such as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms and forklifts to support ground handling and maintenance activities.

This role is based on site at the AirTanker Hub, RAF Brize Norton and works 42.5 hours per week on a shift pattern of four 12-hour shifts followed by four days off.

Essential experience of the Aircraft Ground Handling Assistant:

• A strong commitment to safety and following procedures.


• The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy operational environment.


• A proactive and reliable approach to work.


• Willingness to learn new skills and undertake training.


• Previous aviation or military aviation experience would be advantageous but is not essential. Full training will be provided.

Qualifications for the Aircraft Ground Handling Assistant:

• Full UK driving licence, preferably including Category C1.


• Ability to obtain Colour Perception CP2 (safe) certification for airfield use.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance


• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance


• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+


• Employee shopping savings portal


• Payment of Professional Fees


• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave


• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.


• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity

Babcock

We’re Babcock — a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 29,000 people working together to make a difference.

Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.

We call that lifetime engineering.

Join us and see how far we can go, together.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [email protected] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 17/11/2026

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