At Rochester International Airport (RST), every role helps create a welcoming experience for travelers, many of whom are visiting for important, and sometimes emotional, reasons.
“For the people that work at RST, it’s not just a job,” said Caleb Wyman, Vice President and General Manager of Great Planes, one of the companies that helps staff the airport. “People who work at RST are friendly, enjoy being here, and feel that their work matters.”
Job seekers who are interested in employment with one of the airport’s on-site hiring partners – Great Planes, Unifi, and Tailwind Concessions – can explore a wide range of fulfilling positions. From assisting passengers to serving food to supporting aircraft operations, jobs at RST offer meaningful work in a close-knit, community-focused environment.
Is a skycap role right for you?
At RST, Great Planes employs approximately 25 skycaps who assist passengers with wheelchair and luggage support, helping them navigate from curbside through the terminal to the aircraft, and vice versa on arrival. It’s a highly visible, people-centered role that requires awareness, compassion, and a strong customer service mindset.
Skycap service plays an especially important role at RST, given the number of travelers coming to Rochester for care at Mayo Clinic. Many passengers are navigating stressful, unfamiliar situations, and a little extra support can go a long way. “Even just a friendly face and someone who can help them from the curb to the aircraft – or back again – in a caring, encouraging way can make a real difference,” Wyman said.
The role is also designed with flexibility in mind. Shifts are scheduled around flight arrivals and departures, typically lasting three to four hours, including early morning options like 4-7 a.m., and employees can choose to work just a few shifts a week or more.
For many, that flexibility is part of the appeal.
“For people who want a second or retirement job, or just a way to connect with people and feel like they’re helping, it’s a great opportunity,” Wyman said.
In addition to skycaps, Great Planes hires less frequently for roles like line technicians, dispatchers, flight instructors, and maintenance professionals.
Find Great Planes job postings here (and check back often!).
Want to be a ramp or passenger service agent?
Unifi hires for a variety of positions supporting both airlines serving RST, including ramp agents, passenger service agents and supervisors. These roles support everything from assisting passengers at the ticket counter and gate to handling baggage and servicing aircraft on the ground.
The team looks for caring people with a strong work ethic and a customer-first mindset, which is especially important in a community like Rochester.
Training is provided to help employees succeed, combining classroom or computer-based learning with hands-on, on-the-job experience depending on the airline.
RST’s smaller size helps create a close-knit, supportive work environment where many employees stay for years. Teams often build strong relationships, helping each other on the job and even spending time together outside of work.
Because of strong retention, openings don’t always come up frequently, but when they do, it’s often for night shift positions for below-wing (ramp) agents.
Another standout benefit: eligible employees may have the opportunity to fly standby on the two airlines operating at RST, adding a unique perk for those who enjoy travel.
View Unifi job postings here.
Looking for work as a barista, bartender, or cook?
Tailwind Concessions hires baristas, bartenders, and kitchen staff to serve travelers throughout the day (4 a.m.–6:30 p.m.), offering a mix of restaurant service and meaningful customer interaction.
“We’re looking for that ‘people person’ who just enjoys interacting with others,” said General Manager Eric Cremeans. Because RST is a smaller, more relaxed airport, travelers often have time to sit and chat, he added – making that people-first personality key.
“All we hear from passengers is that RST is such a pleasant place and not chaotic like larger airports,” Cremeans said. “It’s a place where people can actually enjoy their time.”
That atmosphere can also bring moments of energy and fun. During busy travel times or major events like football games, passengers gather around TVs, creating a shared experience that adds to the lively, community feel.
Another advantage of a job at Tailwind is that employees are often cross-trained, allowing them to move between roles like barista, bartender, and kitchen support. That flexibility not only helps the team adapt to changing passenger flow but also gives employees the chance to build a broader set of skills.
For those who enjoy hospitality, conversation and being part of a positive travel experience, Tailwind offers a role where no two days feel exactly the same.
View Tailwind job postings here.
