AIRPLANE PILOT Job in Great Falls, MT

Vacancy No. MT-12896027-AF-26-398 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $131,841.00 to $171,396.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/24/2026 Close Date 4/10/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Great Falls, MT


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE NON-BARGAINING UNIT POSITION.

This position is for an Airplane Pilot, Position Description Number D0253P02, and is part of the Montana Air National Guard, 120 OSS. (A Position Description can be obtained from HRO upon request.)

Selecting Official: Col John Salotti

*Also advertised AGR as OSS Commander on announcement number ANG 26-14

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

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

This position is open to: Area I (NB) - Permanent (Tenure 1/2) T32 technicians of the MT Air National Guard (MTANG), Area II (NB) - Indefinite (Tenure 3) MTANG T32 technicians & MTANG T5 permanent (Tenure 1/2) or term (Tenure 3) employees that are military members of the MTANG, Area III (NB) - military members of the MTANG or T5 temporary (Tenure 0) employees of the MTANG that are also military members of the MTANG, & Area IV (NB) - Individuals willing & eligible to join the MTANG.

Duties

Pilots advanced, single or multi-engine military airplane, high performance military fighter aircraft on tactical/non-tactical assigned missions using advanced precision instrument flight techniques in conjunction with air navigational aids. Flies well within flight parameters (e.g. speed and loading) to execute normal flights procedures and standard maneuvers in all weather conditions from point-to-point (domestic/foreign) using fully adequate landing areas. Maintains a thorough knowledge of the aircraft systems and procedures under normal, instrument, and emergency conditions.

Prepares for flight to include: securing current and forecast weather information to determine conditions along the proposed route of flight and at the destination; plans the flight through the study of maps and charts to determine routing, intermediate stops, alternate destination, fuel requirements, estimated flying time and, if required, files the airplane flight plan; checks or verifies that the airplane is ready for flight, including such aspects as loading and weight distribution, maintenance or service conditions, and performing prescribed preflight checks; ensures that any passengers and crew members are briefed on the nature and purpose of the flight and the procedures to be followed in an emergency; and obtains the proper clearances to begin the flight.

Operates the airplane with the utmost safety to include: adhering to flight procedures and parameters specified in the airplane flight manual; communicating and coordinating with ground units and controlling activities; monitoring performance of the airplane and progress of the flight; and takes corrective action.

Accomplishes post-flight activities to include: maintaining airplane logs and forms; writing flight reports; coordinating with maintenance personnel on service conditions; and conducts post-flight checks.

Serves as the Air Commander's representative when performing duties as Supervisor of Flying (SOF) and is responsible for the safe and efficient mission accomplishment of the unit.

Incumbents of these positions are subject to rotation to perform administrative tasks in any of the following Air Operations program support functional areas:

a. Training and Scheduling: Designs and coordinates comprehensive training plans and scenarios to provide realistic technical aircrew training. Adopts and implements policy to ensure accomplishment of all required training. Establishes training goals and objectives for instrument flight and general operation of the UE airplane. Tailors training program to individual needs in order to provide uninterrupted progress. Analyzes post-mission debriefing and critiques to ensure accomplishment of assigned training events. Plans, develops and implements the unit flying schedule using inputs from within the Air Operations Division.

b. Plans: Develops unit deliberate planning for implementation of wartime, base and national tasking. Maintains detailed wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements for unit mobility, deployment, strange field operations/employment, and redeployment of the unit.

c. Safety: Plans, organizes and administers unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Air Force, ANG and OSHA directives, and applicable technical publications. Reviews and analyzes directives, regulations, accident reports, safety data, and local operating conditions to determine requirements for safety programs. Inspects facilities and flying operations and coordinates with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and programs. Investigates accidents/incidents, determines human causes, and recommends corrective action. Coordinates with all supervisors and staff personnel concerning safety standards within individual functional areas.

d. Inspector General: Serves as the Wing Commander's principal advisor and provides technical expert to wing personnel on the Air Force Complaints Resolution and Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) programs and the Air Force Inspection System (AFIS). Plans, directs and manages the activities of the Inspector General office, directing the Commander's Inspection Program (CCIP) and overseeing the wing's self-assessment, exercise and inspection programs. Ensures programs comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet the needs of the organization. Identifies areas of noncompliance and confirms deficiency resolution.

Incumbents work under general policy and administrative direction. Derives guidance from operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions of NGB, United States Air Force, and gaining command. Independently plans and performs work assignments. Completed work is reviewed for compliance with local policies, regulations, and instructions of higher authorities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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 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 probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Appointments in the Title 32 MTNG technician program may terminate/suspend your military incentives; please see your MTNG Retention Office/Military Personnel Incentive Program Manager for details.
  • Work may require access to classified information. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • External applicants must be able to start within 6 months of selection.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial air to conferences, meetings, or other functions away from the normal duty station.
  • The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
  • Qualifications for this position require the pilot to have graduated from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
  • Pilots are required to maintain the same medical standards as USAF military pilots.
  • Must be AFSC qualified in 11M3C or able to qualify within 6 months of hire to apply.

Qualifications

MILITARY GRADES:
O4/Maj - O5/Lt Col


CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation program -OR- Aviation certifications from an accredited military aviation school. *(Certifications must be submitted with application to be considered for this position.)



GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
Must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Must have at least two years working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facility; or, Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Group. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors:

The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. Experienced in piloting and instructing pilot skills in one or more of the following main- frame/military aircraft: Fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Although a variety of piloting administrative tasks are performed in support of an Air National Guard aviation program, the required competence for this grade includes the ability to train and instruct others in the piloting of a specified main-frame military aircraft. Experienced in reading and applying mission tasks, intelligence reports, and weather information. Experienced in supervising and/or conducting mission planning, mission preparations, filing of flight plans, and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, equipment assessments, and mission manning. Experienced in operating aircraft controls and equipment. Experienced in performing or supervising the work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations, surveillance, or reconnaissance. Experienced in conducting or supervising crew member training on simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Experienced in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics. Experienced in planning and preparing for missions; and, must have at least two years experiences in piloting or instructing others in piloting specific air-frame/military aircraft. Experienced in various piloting administrative tasks performed in support of Air National Guard aviation programs. Experienced in aviation unit quality control management programs, Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of the Air Force, National Guard Bureau, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration directives. Experienced in applying directives, regulations, accident reports, safety data, and local operating conditions to determine unit safety program requirements. Experienced in flying operations and coordinating with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and programs. Experienced in one or more missions such as, air-to-air; air-to-ground; mortar-to-arm escort; surveillance; reconnaissance; surface attack; killer-scout; target illumination; or laser targeting. Experienced in traditional "stick and rudder" type controls for piloting aircraft direction, altitude, and speed. Experienced in using aircraft instrumentation and aircraft mounted video cameras. Experienced in visual flight- rule type flying and aircraft instrument flying. Experienced in flying simulated "real world" combat and non-combat missions and terrain. Experienced in planning, scheduling, and conducting training flights through Federal Aviation Administration controlled national airspace. Experienced in applying operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions of National Guard Bureau, United States Army or United States Air Force, and gaining commands. Experienced in working independently to plan and perform work assignments. Experienced in completing safe and efficient mission accomplishments through the use of Operational Risk Management. Experienced performing aviation duties such as, cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving specific activities, coordinating for airport or airspace utilization with FAA, or directing emergency actions that involved unit support agencies. Experienced in using applicable Army aviation regulations, policies, requirements and standards, skills and practices; and, the application of instructional techniques to the training of other pilots in the Army National Guard flying facilities. Experienced in conducting particular missions and flying specific main- frame aircraft in combat tactics, flying in mountainous terrain, performing tactical remote site evaluations, performing landings on remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations or instructions. Experienced in standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards in accordance with applicable directives and Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. Experienced in reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives for accuracy and currency. Experienced on weaponry and combat or non-combat tactics for applicable military aircraft. Experienced with wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements used for unit mobilizations, deployments, strange field operations, or troop missions and redeployments.

*(MUST address your experiences in detail on resume as they relate to these general and specialized experiences, to be considered for this position)*

Education

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
Must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university.
*(Must submit transcripts showing awarded degree with application to be considered for this position)

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.

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 (AT LEAST MONTH/YEAR - 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.
2. Certifications:
  • Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation program
-OR-
  • Aviation certifications from an accredited military aviation school.
3. Transcripts showing awarded degree:
  • Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with application. However, official transcripts may be requested at a later date.


For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

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/12896027

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

Vanessa Toquero
Email
vanessa.toquero.civ@army.mil
Address
MT 120AW
2800 Airport Ave B
Great Falls, MT 59404
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.