AMMUNITION & EXPLOSIVE HANDLER LEADER Job in Helena, MT

Vacancy No. MT-12864325-AR-26-322 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $35.58 to $41.51 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/15/2026 Close Date 1/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Helena, MT


Summary

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

This National Guard position is for an AMMUNITION & EXPLOSIVE HANDLER LEADER, Position Description Number D2279000, and is part of the Montana Army National Guard, G8. (A copy of the Position Description can be obtained from HRO upon request.)

Selecting Official: CW3 Guillermo Lugo

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

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

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to: AREA I - PERMANENT (tenure 1/ 2) BARGAINING UNIT employees of the Montana Army National Guard.

Duties

Communicates instructions received from supervisor to work team, and initiates work. Ensures needed plans, drawings, material, schematics, applicable technical manuals, and tools are available, and that needed stock is available. Sees to it that there is enough work to keep everyone in work crew effective, efficient, and busy contributing significantly to the overall mission. Checks work in progress and when finished, checks for compliance with supervisor's instructions on work sequence, procedures, methods, and deadlines. Urges or advises other employees to follow supervisor's instructions and to meet established and impromptu deadlines, demonstrates proper work methods. Answers workers' questions regarding procedures, policies, written instruction, and other directives; obtains needed information or decisions from the supervisor on problems that come up during the work. Provides information to supervisor on status and progress of work, causes of delays, and overall work operations and problems. Assures that safety and housekeeping rules are followed.

Works along, side-by-side, and partners with other workers, performing the duties of an Ammunition Inspector WG-6501-08 and sets the pace of co-workers being lead. Performs the identical duties and responsibilities as the work team such as, however is not limited to:

a. Conducts pre-issue inspection of ammunition items prior to issue. Checks each item for restrictions or suspensions. Inspects vehicles, equipment, and storage areas relating to the safety and security of Ammunition and Explosives (A&E). Advises using units on the proper procedures for completion of documentation for issue and turn-in of ammunition and residue. Performs receipt inspections on all ammunition and components turned in by using units. Assists in the inspection and classification of ammunition throughout the state. Provides input regarding causes of ammunition un-serviceability and takes appropriate action when ammunition deterioration is found to be other than "fair wear and tear". Inspects small arms ammunition to ensure segregation of ball and blank ammunition. Supports inspections on all A&E residue returned to the ammunition residue yard. Certifies ammunition residue as explosive free. Initiates documentation for disposition of residue. Enforces safety regulations and is familiar with information regarding safety considerations.

b. Assists in the inspection of ammunition, to include performing maintenance, care, preservation, shipping and storage operations, assuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety regulations, drawings, etc. during operations. Conducts visual, mechanical, functional, static or dimensional tests as required. Uses and maintains test equipment including calibration equipment. Sets up and operates specialized Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE). Validates material to assure compatibility of explosive items. Spot checks ammunition accountability, and stock accounting procedures; attends Safety Committee meetings and partners with other subject matter experts to review SOP's and prepare hazard analysis. Participates in required quarterly inventories. Contributes to causative research by identifying material with lost identifications or found on post through verification inspection. Researches through data bases to identify lots and dates of arrival. Conducts compliance inspections on units at an Ammunition Holding Area (AHA), individual unit field AHAs and at unit locations if required. Supports the inspection of ammunition and components using appropriate Ammunition Surveillance Procedures. Assists with inspections of ammunition storage structures to assure safe storage, compatibility, explosive limits, identify structural deterioration and inventory and security practices.

c. Responsible for the requirements of all ammunition management documentation. Researches, analyzes, and completes the proper and required documentation of ammunition transfer records, surveillance records, ammunition condition reports, quality deficiency reports, magazine data cards and numerous other documentation and/or reports. Initiates and maintains inspection reports, publications, and files. Verifies all services' suspension and restriction notices. Records inspection results to the Depot Surveillance Record (DSR) in the Munitions History Program (MHP). Assists in gathering information for the preliminary malfunction report noting all facts pertinent to this malfunction. Confers with Quality Assurance Specialist Ammunition Surveillance (QASAS), Ammunition Officer, or other experts to arrive at probable cause for the malfunction and makes recommendation on suspense action. Exhibits an in-depth knowledge of ammunition administrative procedures as outlined in Department of the Army (DA) regulations, pamphlets, and other applicable regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the employing state's National Guard.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • Incumbent must be cleared IAW requirements of AR 190-11 (Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives) and must pass a local and national law enforcement files check.
  • Incumbent must meet the requirements of DA PAM 385-64, as well as validation by the ammunition and explosives safety certification board. Must complete a Training and Certification Program for personnel working in ammunition operations.
  • Incumbent must possess and maintain a current state driver’s license.
  • Must perform TDY in conjunction with duties.
  • This position is subject to the Lautenberg amendment to the gun control act of 1968 which makes it a felony for anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition.
  • Must be certified in Hazardous Waste Site Personnel (29 CFR1910.120).
  • Physical required.

Qualifications

Military Grades:
CW2 - CW3


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the journeyman level knowledge, applicants must have experience which demonstrates the ability to plan, organize, and lead the work of others in fields directly related the repair function of this occupational series. Must have the ability to perform administrative functions; to read and interpret a variety of technical publications used in the repair of supported equipment. The ability to provide guidance to others in work related directly to this occupational series.

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

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.
  • Education, certifications or licensures.
For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

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/12864325

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 J8
1956 MT MAJO STREET
Fort Harrison, MT 59636-4789
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.