About us
Hot Air Balloon Cairns is the region's exclusive hot air balloon operator, delivering a unique, bucket-list experience for guests from around the world. We pride ourselves on professionalism, safety, and quality service, supported by a reliable and experienced operations team.
We are currently seeking a capable and dependable driver to join our early-morning balloon ground crew in Cairns.
About the role
This is a hands-on, early-morning role supporting our hot air balloon operations in Cairns. Our driving team provides guest transfers from Cairns, the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas to launch sites in the Mareeba region.
You will be the first point of contact for our guests, meeting and greeting them in the early morning as they begin their hot air balloon experience. Working with a high level of initiative, you will independently collect passengers and travel to the launch site, where the broader operations team comes together.
At the launch site, you'll work as part of an efficient, safety-conscious ground crew, assisting with balloon preparation for take-off. Once the balloons are airborne, you'll follow the flight to the landing site, assist guests on disembarkation, support balloon pack-down, and then transport guests to their onward destinations.
Workdays start early (typically 2:00–4:00 am) and finish by mid-morning.
This is a casual role within a tourism-based operation, with hours varying based on tourist demand and seasonal conditions. It suits applicants seeking flexible, supplementary work alongside other commitments.
You'll need to be a reliable early riser, enjoy working outdoors, and be comfortable with hands-on work as part of a supportive, professional team.
Qualifications & experience
* MANDATORY - Open Driver Licence - minimum LR
* Queensland Driver Authorisation (DA) - (or meet the requirements and be willing to obtain one)
* Mandatory - Excellence in customer service
* Mandatory - Exceptional communication skills
* Mandatory - Proven reliability and punctuality, with the ability to adhere to early morning start times as critical to our operations.
* Tourism experience is favourable but not essential; a bright, outgoing, and professional attitude is important.
Tasks & responsibilities
* Greeting guests at Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation with a bright, outgoing, and professional attitude
* Driving LR-class vehicles, including buses seating up to 27 passengers
* Providing clear safety briefings and confidently guiding guests throughout their ballooning experience
* Coordinating closely with other drivers and team members to deliver a smooth and efficient operation in a dynamic environment
* Following instructions from pilots and ground crew at all times
* Assisting with balloon setup, landing support, and pack-down, including physical lifting and outdoor teamwork
* Washing and cleaning vehicles upon completion of shifts
Benefits
* Early start, early finish
* Great supportive and experienced team
* Unique work environment - no day is the same
* Uniform provided