AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN (INSTRUCTOR) Job in Sioux City, IA

Vacancy No. IA-12845948-AF-26-040 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $67,297.00 to $87,482.00 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/11/2025 Close Date 12/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Sioux City, IA


Summary

IOWA AIR NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
This position is open to current military members of the 185th ARW, Sioux City, Iowa Air National Guard

LOCATION: 185th ARW, Sioux City, Iowa

This job is open to

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current members of the 185th ARW, Sioux City, Iowa Air National Guard

Duties

As a AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN (INSTRUCTOR), GS-2185-10 your duties are below.

  1. Instructor/Evaluator duties and responsibilities include providing ground and flight training to develop and upgrade the skills of assigned Air National Guard and Active Duty aircrew members, administering flight evaluations of aircrew members and instructors, and evaluating the effectiveness of the aircrew training program for the squadron commander. In-Flight Refueling requires knowledge of the full range of crew duties and responsibilities to include knowledge of methods of instruction; knowledge of aircrew training program requirements, procedures, and standards of performance; and skill to apply this knowledge in planning, developing, and executing unit training and evaluation programs. Conducts training that maintains the highest level of combat mission-ready proficiency of assigned crew members, instructors and examiners. Determines training requirements by analyzing unit training objectives, missions, combat readiness reports, flight examination reports and directives. Provides course outlines and adapts lesson material to meet the training needs of particular situations or students and/or supplement existing training materials with approved texts. Provides feedback on contractor course-ware and instructional effectiveness. Plans and conducts ground training, including simulator and procedures training in operational/mission requirements, equipment operation, correct method for performing aircrew duties, and applicable emergency procedures. Schedules and participates in flights with refuelers to observe in-flight performance, demonstrate proper procedures and techniques, and evaluate progress. Coordinates with scheduling and training offices in the development of training scenarios which provide effective and efficient upgrade, proficiency, and currency training, maximizing resources. (20%)
  2. Instructs students on inflight duties and administers all receiver category certifications. Is responsible for all student actions and assumes control of flying boom and/or direct emergency breakaway procedures to prevent aircraft collision and loss of multimillion dollar assets. Prepares written critiques of student performance for each flight and debriefs on performance. Makes final recommendation to the squadron commander on when a student is declared proficient and allowed to refuel without instructor supervision. (20%)
  3. Conducts classroom instruction to individual or groups of Inflight Refueling Technicians and Pilots for initial, upgrade, recurring continuation training, and Mission Ready Combat Training (MCT). Conducts classroom training on new or revised publications, and provides demonstrations on aircraft procedures and equipment. Prepares and conducts classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions and seminars to all crewmembers including Pilots. Instructs Pilots and other Refuelers on Crew Resource Management (CRM) and the importance of cockpit situational awareness, effective communication and teamwork, focusing on aircraft safety. Provides ground and flight continuation training to other refueling specialists as operator/instructor on Boom Operator Simulator System (BOSS) and/or Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer (BOWST). Instruction includes normal and emergency procedures and Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) to include developing simulator training profiles. Prepares and conducts briefings for maintenance personnel, and receiver pilots, as required. Instructs during mission preparation on aircrew duties and air refueling procedures. (20%)
  4. Instructs personnel on the development and certifying of cargo load plans considering weight, quantity, configuration, floor capacity, compartment restrictions, and proper location within the aircraft to achieve the optimum center of gravity for ground and flight operations. Instructs personnel on the onload/offload of cargo and passengers. Normal operations often include both roles on the same mission. (20%)
  5. Instructs new personnel in preparation for receiver aircraft category qualification / certifications and OPLAN 8010 Certification. Instructs students on the use of classified documents and equipment used for classified missions. Participates in Review and Certification Board (R&C) chaired by the Squadron Commander ensuring aircrew members achieve and maintain only the highest standards and professional qualifications required to execute the mission. Certifies crewmembers have completed all training requirements and successfully completed all required flight evaluations. (20%)
  6. Performs other duties as assigned. D229800

Requirements

Conditions of employment

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted position that requires military membership in a compatible military assignment in the Iowa Air National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of this excepted position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 12/25/2025 . FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.

TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • Your performance and conduct.
  • The needs and interests of the agency.
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.

Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.

Military Rank Requirements: ENLISTED MEMBERS (E-7 AND BELOW)

Qualifications

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Experience which has provided a general knowledge of aircraft fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems and components.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-2185-10: Must haveexperience in the following:

  1. Experience and knowledge of aerial refueling capabilities of KC-135 and aerial refueling data for all authorized receiver aircraft.
  2. Experience with the theory of weight and balance; aerial refueling and restraint; mathematics (algebra, geometry and calculus); aircraft refueling and cargo systems/ equipment; load planning; current flying directives, and applicable publications; border clearance requirements and forms; hazardous cargo handling and placement procedures; life support and passenger requirements; and egress /survival procedures.
  3. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to prepare lessons, documents and reports, present training and/or instruction and brief passengers and crews.
  4. Knowledge of the methods of instruction, aircrew training program requirements, procedures, and standards of performance; and skill to apply this knowledge in planning, developing and executing unit training/evaluation programs.
  5. Experience with a wide variety of systems and components critical to the performance of the aircraft such as propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, environmental, etc. Knowledge of flight instruments/navigational equipment and their functions sufficient to cross-check systems and assist the pilot in analyzing possible causes of malfunctions or discrepancies.
  6. Experience with techniques and sources of data for fuel planning, and skill to determine fuel requirements, monitor consumption in flight, and analyze performance.
  7. Experience with navigational procedures relative to aerial refueling tracks, and skill to assist the pilot in positioning the tankers for rendezvous with receiver aircraft

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

ENLISTMENT CASH BONUSES: Acceptance of a technician position may affect any bonus and/or educational assistance that may be applicable. Please contact your Education Office prior to accepting a position with the Iowa Army National Guard.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for this position:

  1. Knowledge of aerial refueling capabilities of KC-135 and aerial refueling data for all authorized receiver aircraft.
  2. Knowledge of the theory of weight and balance; aerial refueling and restraint; mathematics (algebra, geometry and calculus); aircraft refueling and cargo systems/ equipment; load planning; current flying directives, and applicable publications; border clearance requirements and forms; hazardous cargo handling and placement procedures; life support and passenger requirements; and egress /survival procedures.
  3. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to prepare lessons, documents and reports, present training and/or instruction and brief passengers and crews.
  4. Knowledge of the methods of instruction, aircrew training program requirements, procedures, and standards of performance; and skill to apply this knowledge in planning, developing and executing unit training/evaluation programs.
  5. Knowledge of a wide variety of systems and components critical to the performance of the aircraft such as propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, environmental, etc.
  6. Knowledge of flight instruments/navigational equipment and their functions sufficient to cross-check systems and assist the pilot in analyzing possible causes of malfunctions or discrepancies.
  7. Knowledge of techniques and sources of data for fuel planning, and skill to determine fuel requirements, monitor consumption in flight, and analyze performance.
  8. Knowledge of navigational procedures relative to aerial refueling tracks, and skill to assist the pilot in positioning the tankers for rendezvous with receiver aircraft

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (format should include Month and Year) of employment and duties performed.
  2. Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD 214, SF-50, ect.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Phone
515-252-4677 X4677
Email
christopher.l.powders.civ@army.mil
Address
IA 185th ARW
2920 Headquarters Ave
Sioux City, IA 51111-1300
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.