AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER Job in Minneapolis, MN

Vacancy No. AFPCSEU-12608238-632322-MSV Department Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command
Salary $60,320.00 to $86,609.00 Grade 8 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/31/2025 Close Date 2/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Minneapolis, MN


Summary

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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Air Reserve Technician (ART) enlisted position in a developmental capacity, performing assignments designed to further develop the incumbent's knowledge and skills, and provide a broad base associated with functions of the career field. This is a developmental position that leads to the full performance level of GS-09 Aircraft Loadmaster (Instructor).

Duties

AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER GS-2185-08

Receive cargo/passenger load briefing and review load plan and cargo documentation. Accomplish load planning of cargo/passenger loads if required. Accomplish pre-flight inspection of the aircraft and cargo/airdrop systems according to flight manual procedures.

Control cargo/passenger loading and off-loading operations. Operate the aircraft winch to on/off-load cargo. Ensure cargo/passengers are placed according to load plans.

Determine cargo restraints requirements according to criteria and direct and check the application of cargo restraint equipment. Ensure availability of fleet service equipment and passenger comfort items. Demonstrate the use of passenger emergency oxygen systems and life vests.

Accomplish in-flight checks according to flight manual procedures. Complete required aircraft forms documentation and border clearance requirements.

Airdrop qualified Loadmasters only: Conduct cargo and personnel airdrops according to directives. Attach extraction parachutes to cargo and platforms.

Inspect cargo and platforms, extraction systems and connect static lines. Check tie-downs, parachutes, containers, suspension systems, and extraction systems to ensure proper cargo extraction or release. Operate aircraft airdrop systems and monitor cargo and paratroopers exiting the aircraft.

AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR), GS-2185-09

Develop and provide technical loadmaster upgrade and proficiency training/instruction to Reserve aircrew members and Air Reserve Technician (ART ) personnel. Conduct flight and ground training which develop, upgrade, and evaluate the skills of loadmaster aircrew members.

Develop and provide instruction techniques used for various Mission Specific Duties such as: Combat Aircrew Training, Tactical and Airdrop, Mobile Aerial Port, Air Rescue and Recovery, Special Operations, Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Operations, Drop Zone Control Officer (DZCO), Banner Support Missions, Airdrop of nonstandard/test loads, Functional Check Flights, Aeromedical Evacuation, Ice Cap Operations, Emergency Airlift of Personnel, Test Certification, Combat Offload, Special Operations, Pyrotechnics Manual Launch Procedures, Space Container Modification, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, and Aerial Spraying.

Accomplish preflight inspection of aerospace ground equipment and apply external power to the aircraft. Direct the placement of material handling equipment to accomplish cargo on/off-loading operations.

Determine cargo restraints requirements according to criteria and direct and check the application of cargo restraint equipment.

Accomplish passenger briefings to include the use of emergency equipment, evacuation procedures, and border clearance requirements.

Compute and complete aircraft weight and balance documentation either manually or electronically. Visually monitor aircraft clearances (interior and exterior), identify proximal threats to the aircraft and initiate corrective actions (aircraft scanning).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a United States Citizen
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments is required
  • Preferred Military AFSC: K1A172N
  • The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY).
  • Required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may be assigned some non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
  • The position requires the incumbent to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance designated for the position.
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
  • A recruitment and relocation incentive of 25% of base pay may be offered. Completion of a 2-year service agreement is required.
  • As prescribed by regulation, may be required to carry and utilize a concealed weapon while performing aircrew-related duties. May be required to perform duties of sky marshal. Required to maintain proficiency in the use of firearms.
  • The position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
  • This is a testing designated position. The employee is subject to random drug testing.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the Supplement to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for Air Reserve Technicians (ART), dated October 2017, GS-2185 Supplemental Enlisted ART Qualifications. No specific length of experience is required. The qualifications of Aircraft Loadmaster, GS-2185-08 OR Aircraft Loadmaster (Instructor) GS-2185-09 are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training rather than years of experience.

Flying Hours, Certificates and Ratings Required:

To qualify, Aircraft Loadmasters must hold or qualify for the ratings:

Aircraft Loadmaster GS-2185-08: Must have been awarded or qualify for Career Enlisted Aviator Air Force Specialty Code (CEA AFSC) and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Currently Instructor qualified in any Mission Design Series (MDS) or have a minimum of 300 Total Military Flight Time in any CEA crew position.

Aircraft Loadmaster (Instructor) GS-2185-09: Must have been awarded or qualify for Career Enlisted Aviator Air Force Specialty Code (CEA AFSC) and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Must be currently qualified as Instructor in Mission Design Series (MDS) and have a minimum of 500 Total Military Flight Time. "Instructor Qualified" is defined as completing an approved instructor syllabus course. Individuals are required to submit AF Form 8 Certificate of Aircrew Qualification or AF Form 942 Record of Evaluation from their Flight Evaluation Folder or equivalent sister service Record of Instructor Evaluation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of systems and equipment associated with the cargo function, including operation of doors, loading ramps, cargo winches, restraint rail systems, and assigned passenger/cargo compartment systems, such as oxygen, lighting, interphone, auxiliary power unit, crew or passenger required items, and emergency procedures, evacuation routes and use of survival equipment.
  2. Knowledge of aircraft capacity and limitations, including floor load restrictions, shoring and restraint requirements, and use of load charts and graphs, as applied in consideration of weight and balance factors during preparation of loading plans to provide the optimum center of gravity throughout the flight.
  3. Knowledge of procedures for preparing cargo for loading, palletized cargo, vehicle preparation, handling and placement of hazardous cargo, and preparing containers and pallets for airdrop, configuring for personnel airdrops.
  4. Skill to direct crews in loading according to weight and balance factors, cargo destination, emergency jettison plans, and use of rigging extraction systems for aerial delivery mission.
  5. Skill to perform preflight checks and inspections.
  6. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to prepare lessons, documents and reports, present training/instruction, and brief passengers and crews.
HAZARDS INVOLVED: The incumbent is exposed to the hazards associated with aircraft flight. Additionally, is exposed to the extreme hazard of operating and working around aircraft doors in flight and the extreme hazards induced from operating aircraft in an actual or simulated tactical environment, which may include but not limited to, combat aircrew training sorties, aggressive maneuvers, low level flight, formation flight, aerial refueling, airdrop, maximum effort takeoffs and landings, and unpressurized operations at high altitude. During engine running on-loads and offloads the loadmaster works outside the aircraft, often on unimproved runways and in adverse environmental conditions. The incumbent is exposed to dangers posed by the engines and high velocity exhaust. Airdrop missions require extensive specialized training in aerial delivery systems and gravity release containers as well as complex shifting load weight and balance distribution computations. Frequently uses Night Vision Goggles (NVG) while performing aircrew duties. During combat offload, the danger from unlocked shifting cargo is extreme.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Conditions of Employment, continued

This position will be filled at the GS-8 level with promotion potential to the GS-9 or at the GS-9 level. The individual selected for this position may be promoted to the target level without further competition upon meeting any legal and regulatory requirements.

Additional Information

Individuals on active duty may apply 120 days before separation date and should indicate in their application their military separation date. Reservists who are mobilized may submit a copy of their mobilization orders or a statement in their application stating they are available within 120 days.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

All Federal Employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Benefits

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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.

Please note if duplicate/multiple application materials are submitted, we will consider the most recent submission as the one of record. If you do not meet the screen out questions, you will not receive any further consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

You will be rated under Category Rating procedures based on the extent to which your experience meets the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for the position and rated as shown below. Additional points are not added for veterans' preference; however, preference is still applied. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans within the same quality category. Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. You will receive a rating based on your responses to the assessment questionnaire. The rating is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position. If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.

If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified- Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for announced position. Highly Qualified- Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for announced position. Qualified- Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for announced position.

Required Documents

The following documents are required:

1. Resume - Work experience sections must show inclusive dates (month/year) and number of hours worked per week (if part-time). If in a Reserve component, you should also identify any man-days or active duty days (total number of days) within the corresponding work experience block, if applicable. Additional information on what your resume must contain can be found on the following link: http://www.afrc.af.mil/Portals/87/documents/jobs/FEDERAL-JOB-INFORMATION-MARCH-2018.pdf.
2. Occupational Assessment Questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents:

Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable - To successfully claim veterans' preference, your resume/supplemental data must clearly show your entitlement. If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, please see the information below:

COPY OF DD 214, CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM ACTIVE DUTY PROVIDED MUST IDENTIFY TYPE OF SEPARATION, CHARACTER OF SERVICE AND NARRATIVE REASON FOR SEPARATION.

Claims for 5-Point Veterans' Preference. Submit official documentation such as (1) a DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty - Member 4 copy (2) (2) Virtual MPF awards and decoration printout and Statement of Service Letter/DD-214; or (3) Statement of Service Letter or other form of certification signed by a Military Personnelist or other authorizing official (Commander of your unit or higher headquarters) who certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of Discharge and Character of Service (for members in a Reserve component, the letter must clearly identify 180 consecutive days of active duty, not for training).

If selected, you will be required to submit a copy of your DD 214 prior to entering on duty.

Claims for 10-Point Veterans' Preference. Submit the following documents: (1) Standard Form 15, pages 1&2 (Revised Oct 13 or later; previous editions are unusable); (2) a letter from the Veterans Administration, dated 1991 or later identifying percentage of disability. The Employment Letter is the preferred supporting documentation which must be submitted with the SF 15. The Employment Letter can be requested through the Veterans Administration by calling 1-800-827-1000; and (3) a DD 214 Member 4 copy. If sufficient information is not provided, tentative preference may be granted based on 5- Point Veterans' Preference criteria as stated above.

For Additional details on veteran's preference, please refer to the OPM VetGuide at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/

The above mentioned forms may be obtained from the Air Force Reserve website at http://www.afrc.af.mil/AboutUs/JobOpportunities.aspx.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/06/2025.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12608238

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

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

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

  • It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Address
AFRC Non-ART Locations
550 C Street W
JBSA Randolph AFB, TX 78150
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applications will be processed for rating after the close date of this announcement. Processing time for applications is several weeks from the close date of this announcement. Applicants will receive a Notice of Results (NOR) via email approximately 2 days after the announcement closes. The rating on this NOR will be based strictly on your answers to the questionnaire. You will receive another NOR via email once your application is rated by a Human Resources Specialist which may reflect a different rating from the initial notice. Qualified candidates may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.


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