West Des Moines Air Ramp Agent with $24-$28/hr Pay | Hiring
Role Based in West Des Moines
Job Title: Air Ramp Agent Company: UPS Based in: West Des Moines, IA (a central West Des Moines location) Urgency: Immediate consideration in West Des Moines.
Pay: $24-$28/Hour (approx. $54.6k/Year) Benefits: This role offers a competitive benefits package. Clear growth pathways at our West Des Moines office.
What You'll Do
This role centers on your professional skills within the Air Cargo Logistics space in West Des Moines.
- This West Des Moines-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our UPS team in West Des Moines, IA is growing.
- Benefit from working in West Des Moines, a key hub for the Air Cargo Logistics industry.
About UPS & Our Culture
UPS Airlines is one of the largest cargo airlines in the world, and every flight it operates is kept on schedule by the elite Air Ramp teams who load and unload aircraft under strict departure windows. If you are seeking UPS warehouse jobs with an aviation dimension — where your work directly impacts whether a Next Day Air package makes its flight — our Air Ramp Agent positions represent the most high-stakes and prestigious tier of warehouse jobs in the entire UPS network. These are logistics careers built at the intersection of warehousing and aviation operations.
What Our Team Says (Employee Reviews)
"Working on an active aircraft ramp changes how you think about warehouse work entirely. The pressure of an aircraft departure window focuses everyone's mind in a way no standard warehouse job can replicate. UPS provided all my ramp safety and security certifications at zero cost, the union wages are among the highest I have earned, and the pride of knowing a UPS 747 took off on time because of your team is genuinely extraordinary." - Current Air Ramp Agent, Louisville, KY.
Role Overview & Responsibilities
As a UPS Air Ramp Agent, you operate within UPS's air gateway facilities, loading and unloading air cargo containers and bulk-loaded aircraft under strict FAA safety regulations and hard departure-time deadlines that cannot slip.
- ULD Loading & Unloading: Build and break down Unit Load Devices (ULDs) — air cargo containers — packing individual parcels to maximize load density while keeping total container weight within FAA-approved limits for each aircraft type.
- Aircraft Ramp Operations: Drive and operate specialized ramp equipment — aircraft loaders, tugs, and belt loaders — to physically transfer loaded ULDs between the warehouse and the aircraft under active ramp safety protocols.
- TSA Security Compliance: Verify TSA screening documentation for every package entering the air cargo stream, maintaining strict chain-of-custody records and reporting any security anomaly to the ramp supervisor immediately.
Benefits & Perks
UPS Air Ramp Agents earn a premium aviation-ramp differential on top of the Teamsters base wage. All required FAA, TSA, and airport authority certifications and badging are fully funded by UPS. Full Teamsters medical, dental, vision, pension, and the Earn & Learn tuition program are included from day one of union eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the West Des Moines Air Ramp Agent with $24-$28/hr Pay | Hiring position pay at UPS?
This role offers a pay range of $24 - $28. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within West Des Moines.
Where is this West Des Moines Air Ramp Agent with $24-$28/hr Pay | Hiring job located?
This position is based in West Des Moines, IA. UPS has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in West Des Moines.
What benefits does UPS offer for this position?
UPS provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Does UPS offer tuition assistance or education benefits?
Yes, UPS offers fully funded tuition reimbursement programs. Eligible associates can pursue degrees and certifications at no cost through programs like Career Choice, covering tuition, books, and fees.
Does UPS provide training for new hires?
Yes, UPS provides comprehensive paid training for all new associates. This includes safety orientation, equipment operation certification, and role-specific process training.
What does a typical day look like as a West Des Moines Air Ramp Agent with $24-$28/hr Pay | Hiring?
A typical shift involves receiving, picking, packing, and sorting customer orders in UPS's West Des Moines facility. You'll work with a team to meet daily fulfillment targets while following safety protocols.
