JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Location
Line Manager
HIAL
AMSL
DAL

Ground Security Operative
Inverness Airport
Ground Security Supervisor (GSS) – but reporting to the appropriate supervisory
manager on shift
Role Description and Purpose
As a Ground Security Operative (GSO) your main role is to ensure that no prohibited item, vehicle or
person enters the Critical Part (CP) at the Airport. You will also maintain aviation security standards
and provide general security for the airport.
You will do this whilst working closely alongside colleagues and it is therefore essential that you have
strong interpersonal skills and are a positive team player.
You are also representing the airport at all times and a large element of your role is therefore about
providing a high level of customer service to ensure that all of our passengers have a pleasant as well
as efficient journey through our airport.
Main Areas of Responsibility
The role of Ground Security Operative covers a range of tasks and responsibilities. You will
undertake a number of procedures regularly, all of which must be done using the correct technique
and in line with Department for Transport Regulations. Main responsibilities include:
1. Assisting passengers and customers of the Airport with any security related queries and assisting
them on their journey through the airport.
2. Controlling of access by checking information or travel documents for all passengers, staff and
airport users requiring access.
3. Undertaking physical body searches of passengers and staff by hand and through the use of
Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMD).
4. Performing hand searches of passengers’ hold and cabin baggage.
5. Screening passengers’ baggage using x-ray equipment.
6. Screening passengers using the Advanced Walk through Metal Detector (AWTMD).
7. Undertaking trace tests of passengers’ items and luggage using Liquid Explosive Detection
equipment.
8. Undertaking routine testing of all equipment.
9. Remaining vigilant at all times and reporting any suspicious, prohibited or dangerous items
immediately to the supervisor.
10. Staffing the Vehicle check point and any other terminal areas as required.
11. Undertaking routine patrols of internal and external areas of the airport.
12. Undertaking vehicle checks and policing of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED)
regulations.
13. Completing and maintaining current incident reporting procedures.
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Job Description & Person Specification - 2015
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14. Working as a positive, reliable and supportive colleague to ensure harmonious team working
and ensuring a high standard of customer care at all times s.
15. Responding to emergencies such as terminal evacuations, security incidents etc.
16. Wearing the required uniform and PPE at all times ensuring you maintain a smart appearance
and a high standard of both personal and workplace cleanliness whilst on duty.
17. Providing support as required to the Supervisor in any unusual circumstances.
18. Any other extraneous duties as advised by the GSS or other members of the Airport
Management Team.
Please note – the above is intended to provide a clear and concise overview of the present MAJOR
TASKS and ACTIVITIES of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all its detailed duties and all tasks
are subject to change. All staff are expected to be flexible and undertake in their approach to
duties.
Working Hours
This role involves working on a shift basis which includes early mornings and evenings as well as
weekends. You will be required to work on a shift pattern coving various shifts and, given the nature
of our work, you might have to stay late on occasion, for example where a flight is delayed. A
flexible approach to working hours is therefore also essential.
Please also bear in mind, that your working hours may not fit in with available public transport so
you will need to consider how you will get to and from work at the required times.
Physical Requirements
As the role involves operating an x-ray, it’s essential that you have normal colour vision.
In addition, there are some physical aspects to the role – such as lifting bags (in line with health and
safety guidance), bending down to undertake searches and spending long periods on your feet, such
as patrolling the airport or when processing passengers through the search comb. A preemployment medical is therefore also undertaken before commencing employment.
In addition, please bear in mind that a big part of this role involves undertaking body searches of
passengers which does necessitate working closely with customers and touching them by hand
through clothing.
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY
Right to work in the UK
To apply, you must be eligible to work in the UK (we do not have a sponsor license for migrant
workers). You will be required to provide evidence of this as part of the selection process.
If you are unsure regarding your eligibility, please check at www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Age
Under SIA legislation, only those 18 years or older may control access to airside or restricted areas.
As these are key duties for this position, we are therefore only able to accept applications from
those aged 18 or over.
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References and Criminal Records Check
Given the nature of our work, it is essential that you are able to obtain a satisfactory Standard
Disclosure check and a Counter Terrorist Check. If you have lived overseas within the past 5 years,
you will be required to provide a suitable check from the country(s) you have resided in.
We also require references to cover the last 5 years. It’s therefore essential that you provide a full
employment history with referees and provide character references for any periods of
unemployment or education without any gaps exceeding 28 days.
Please also be aware that you must have lived within the UK for a sufficient period of time, to enable
appropriate checks to be carried out, usually for 3 years within the last 5 years.
HIAL
AMSL
DAL
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE
1. Qualifications
2. Skills
Abilities
and 




3. Experience
Sound grasp of written and aural 
English

Able to communicate clearly, 
including the ability to be assertive
when required
Ability to influence members of the
travelling public positively through
reason, logic and persuasion
Ability to work with confidentiality
and integrity
Able to adhere to policy and
procedure



Basic numeracy skills
Basic literacy skills
Computer literate
Experience and knowledge of
the civil aviation industry
Military aviation experience
Previous experience in a
customer service environment
4. Knowledge
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Job Description & Person Specification - 2015
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5. Personal
Qualities








Positive and flexible approach to
duties
Calm and approachable
Strong team player
Strong customer focus
Professional
and
smart
appearance*
Able to pass the Company medical
which includes a vision test
including colour perception and
acuity
Ability to obtain a satisfactory
Standard Disclosure Scotland Check
Able to pass a Counter Terrorist
Check
Please note that under SIA legislation, only those 18 years or older may control access to airside or
restricted areas. As these are key duties for this position, we are only able to accept applications
from those aged 18 or over.
*Full uniform is provided, which you are required to wear at all times
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Job Description & Person Specification - 2015
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