DVR8M,
in response to your question, whats it like in other ops depts?
well I work for HeavyLift Ops at STN and can safely say its pretty good - obviously you get the blame for most things and as im sure other guys from other airlines will say ' its just the nature of the job'
Shifts are good - loadz of time off
12 hour jobs - rolling 24 roster ( example below)
2days, 2 nights 5 off
3days 2nights 5 off
2days 3 nights 4 off
work is certainly varied and you learn a lot.
Pay could be improved - not great & not too bad.
hope that partially answers you question