AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR) Job in New Castle, DE

Vacancy No. DE-IMP-12930305-AF-26-027 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $61,577.00 to $80,047.00 Grade 8 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/9/2026 Close Date 4/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
New Castle, DE


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR), Position Description Number D2309000, D2300000, D1632000 and is part of the DE 166 Operation Support Squadron, National Guard.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

National Guard and reserves

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

Clarification from the agency

AREA 1 = Permanent & Indefinite On-Board Title 32 Employees AREA 2 = Delaware National Guard On-Board Title 5 Employees with Military Membership in the Delaware National Guard AREA 3 = Current Temporary Title 32 Employees, Traditional Military Members (M-Day & DSG), & AGR Members

Duties

GS-2185-08 AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER
1. Accomplishes all requirements involved in mission planning and coordination. Completes various administrative tasks. Determines numbers of aircraft and loading crews/vehicles needed to support proposed missions. Accomplishes coordination to verify availability of aircraft and previously scheduled commitments. Determines whether additional airlift support requests can be accommodated. Joint Airborne/Airlift Transportability Training (JA/ATTS). Coordinates and identifies user needs for joint service and multinational training missions; attends preplanning meetings, on site surveys with other Services' personnel to determine aircraft requirements and procedures to be employed during joint exercises. (20%)

GS-2185-09 AIRCRAFT LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR)
1. Develops and provides technical loadmaster upgrade and proficiency training/instruction to aircrew members. Develops and provides 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, 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. Training provided includes the full cycle of theory, formal classroom instruction, and actual on the job practice. Develops instructional standards, training plans, tests, lesson plans, and other training material. Develops, establishes, validates, and maintains unit loadmaster training program. Analyzes and interprets guidance. Writes and modifies general guidelines from a broad scope of principles, concepts, technology and methodology in order to form a practical lesson plans for flight training. Evaluates student performance, annotates and maintains student training records. Ensures students safely execute the demonstrated methods of flight duties. Instructs, analyzes and interprets guidance. Writes and modifies general guidelines from a broad scope of principles, concepts, technology and methodology in order to form practical lesson plans for flight training and annual ground egress training. Counsels students, evaluates student potential, makes determinations on readiness for evaluation, and recommends/initiates military reclassification actions as appropriate. Evaluates the effectiveness of the training program. Reviews training objectives and determines the scope of training required. Schedules and conducts training for instructors and flight examiners on instructional methodology, student assessment, and training techniques. Schedules and conducts ground and flight training for qualification and proficiency requirements, encompassing all loadmaster crew duties. Maintains required course documentation/records. Leads or participates in process improvement teams to recommend improvements to instructional methods or processes. Works with aircrew training contractors. Participates in workshops and course reviews. Recommends course changes. Provides feedback on contractor courseware and instructional effectiveness. Explains and demonstrates the proper method of executing assigned duties during flight. (20%)

GS-2185-10 LOADMASTER (INSTRUCTOR)
1. Conducts loadmaster training to ensure worldwide capability. Training includes initial and mission qualification as well as continuation, upgrade and specialized training. Provides actual formal classroom instruction and on-the-job experience through flying simulated or real-world missions. Analyzes and interprets guidance. Writes and modifies general guidelines from a broad scope of principles, concepts, technology and methodology in order to form practical lesson plans for flight training. Initiates and maintains training records. Analyzes and evaluates training accomplishments to determine the effectiveness of the loadmaster training program. Reviews maintenance directives, bulletins and flight manuals, applying to a broad range of loadmaster duties. Determines the adequacy of procedures and techniques for the unit's mission/weapons system and recommends and submits changes as necessary. Acquires, analyzes and evaluates trend analysis data. Teaches and demonstrates the proper donning and doffing of the Aircrew Chemical Defense Ensemble (ACDE) in preparation for operations in toxic chemical and biological environments. Instructs and certifies loadmasters on the proper use of night vision equipment for engine running on/off loads, aero medical evacuation (AES) missions, air refueling and all methods of airdrop. (40%)

***Contact HR for full copy of the Position Description

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must have 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.
  • Must meet the definition of specialized experience by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Applicants with instructor training must provide proof of experience (i.e. certification or 2096)

Qualifications

Military Grades: E-4/SrA - E-8/SMSgt

Compatible Military Assignments: 1A2XX, K1A2XX, Q1A2XX, 1A1XX, K1A1XX, Q1A1XX

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

GS-2185-08: Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Experience performing duties as a primary aircrew member with responsibility for all aspects of cargo and passenger management. Experience in planning and certifying complex cargo loads, calculating aircraft weight and balance, and overseeing ground crews during loading and unloading operations. Experience performing all in-flight duties and ensuring the overall safety of the aircraft, cargo, and passengers from mission start to finish.

GS-2185-09: Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, defined as experience serving as a qualified Instructor Loadmaster. Experience in developing and delivering technical instruction, creating and validating training materials, and administering in-flight evaluations to critique and certify aircrew on their knowledge and performance. Experience performing all advanced loadmaster duties, certifying complex aircraft load plans, calculating weight and balance, and directing the response to all in-flight emergencies. Must provide proof (i.e. Certification, training documentation, or 2096).

GS-2185-10: Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, defined as experience as a dual-qualified Instructor and primary aircrew member, such as a Flight Engineer or Loadmaster, on a transport category aircraft. This experience must include developing and providing technical instruction to other aircrew members, evaluating and certifying their performance, and managing unit training records. Furthermore, qualifying experience must demonstrate mastery of flight operations, including operating aircraft systems from the flight deck, performing complex weight and balance calculations, certifying cargo load plans, and directing the response to all in-flight aircraft and passenger emergencies. Must provide proof (i.e. Certification, training documentation, or 2096).

DEFINITION OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: **Specialized experience must be closely related to the work to be performed in the job for which you are applying and meet education, and other qualifications listed in the job announcement

**QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated based on duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.

MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: For Dual-Status Technician positions service affiliation under Title 32 USC 709 is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed.
For positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within one year of appointment.

Education

There are no substitution of education for specialized experience at GS-08, 09 or 10

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was 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 be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

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 minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Required Documents

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

1. Your resume showing:

  • Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
  • Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
  • Education, certifications or licensures.
***Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS will only accept resumes that are two or fewer pages. Applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages may be found ineligible for further consideration.

2. Other supporting documents: Resume (Required), DNG 51-R (Required) & any other supporting documents for qualification purposes.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12930305

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

Saidi Abdallah
Phone
302-326-7807
Email
saidi.abdallah.civ@army.mil
Address
DE 166 Operation Support Squadron
2602 Spruance Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
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.

Air National Guard Units

FEDERAL TECHNICIAN VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
THIS IS A MILITARY POSITION
PERMANENT
DUAL STATUS, Non-BARGAINING
DE 166 Operation Support Squadron


Open to applicants in Areas of Consideration: 1, 2 , & 3

AREA 1 = Permanent & Indefinite On-Board Title 32 Employees
AREA 2 = Delaware National Guard On-Board Title 5 Employees with Military Membership in the Delaware National Guard
AREA 3 = Current Temporary Title 32 Employees, Traditional Military Members (M-Day & DSG), & AGR Members

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

Agency contact information

Saidi Abdallah
Phone
302-326-7807
Email
saidi.abdallah.civ@army.mil
Address
DE 166 Operation Support Squadron
2602 Spruance Drive
New Castle, DE 19720
US

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