UAS OPERATOR Job in Boise, ID

Vacancy No. ID-13033993-AR-26-5783 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $61,722.00 to $80,243.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/13/2026 Close Date 9/14/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Boise, ID


UAS OPERATOR

Department of the Army
Army National Guard Units

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a UAS OPERATOR, Position Description Number D1999000 and is part of the ID 116th Brigade, 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

CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE IDAHO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD.

Duties

(1) Serves as a member of a UAS mission crew. Performs as aircraft operator (AO) or payload operator (PO) during inactive duty training (IDT), annual training (AT), additional flight training period (AFTP), and pre-mobilization and post-mobilization training periods. Incumbent is subject to various duty periods, including reverse-cycle training periods in order to support unit training requirements. Incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper flight plan submission prior to commencement of each mission. Ensures all aircraft operator and payload operator planning requirements are completed prior to the commencement of each mission. The incumbent trains to perform both the Aircraft Operator and the Payload Operator duties as he/she may be assigned either responsibility for each mission. Participates in and/or facilitates Crew Mission Briefing meetings where each crewmember is assigned his/her specific mission duties and responsibilities and is provided time to ask any mission specific questions. Performs mission planning tasks directed by the Mission Commander. a. Aircraft Operator (AO) Duties: -As assigned, operates the mission planning system. Performs software loading and configuration. Enters and verifies the mission waypoints and parameters. Builds and displays threat, target, air traffic control (ATC) restrictions, and air corridors. Builds and displays the mission required payload plan. -Performs preflight inspections. Ensures that proper preflight checks are verified in accordance with operator manuals and checklists. Ensures all required forms are completed and that the appropriate information has been entered into each form or electronic equivalent. -Completes engine start and systems checks, ensuring that the engine, related systems, and equipment are operating properly. Ensures all checklist items are completed prior to the start of all missions. -Responsible for radio communications. Tunes the system radios and monitors assigned frequencies utilized during the mission. If two simultaneous frequencies are being utilized, keeps the PO informed of any actions or communications conducted on the assigned frequency. Establishes communications with the appropriate ATC facility. Monitors the frequency before transmitting and uses appropriate call signs when acknowledging each communication. Transmits pilot reports, position reports, and flight plan changes. When advised to change frequencies, acknowledges the transmission before making the change and selects the new frequency at the appropriate time. -Performs assigned launch and post-launch procedures in accordance with appropriate operator manuals and checklists. Coordinates with ground crew during the launch process to ensure successful departure from the launcher. -Operates the aircraft in Knob Control. Changes heading commands to meet mission waypoints, adjusts controls for winds, adjusts airspeed commands to meet time-over-target (TOT) requirements while staying within operating parameters. Adjusts altitude commands to meet waypoint requirements. Coordinates with the PO. Uses the map display or appropriate paper map to determine the correct magnetic heading to the next waypoint or target with corrections for wind. Determines the distance to the next waypoint or target, calculating the proper airspeed to reach the waypoint/target within the specified time and operational parameters. Initiates new airspeed command on the airspeed slider on the unmanned aircraft (UA) control panel. Monitors pitch indication and airspeed for proper response. Sets the altitude command, with the altitude slider on the UA control panel, for the correct altitude for the next waypoint/target. Monitors throttles/revolutions per minute (RPM) and engine instruments as well as altitude and rate-of-climb indicators for proper response. If the next target is too close to fit within time over target (TOT) specifications, adjust heading to delay arrival on the waypoint/target. -Performs fuels management procedures. Determines necessary fuel requirements. Calculates mission flight time based on total distances from launch to recovery. Calculates the maximum amount of flight time by determining the number of liters of fuel expended per hour, taking into account the fuel necessary for launch and recovery. -Perform Flight Utilizing Automatic Flight Modes. Announces all flight mode changes. Verifies that the UAS enters the selected flight mode by monitoring the flight mode section of the UA control panel. -Performs all emergency procedures described in the operator's manual or checklist. In the event of adverse meteorological conditions, maintains control of the UA; maneuvers the UA out of obscurations; directs the aircraft to climb, descend, or turn as required. Sets the transponder to the appropriate code. -Performs Tactical Automated Landing System (TALS) Recovery procedures.

(2) Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED.
  • 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.
  • 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/maintain Secret Security Clearance within one year of employment.

Qualifications

Military Grades: E1 - E7

Compatible Military Assignments: 15W, 15E, 15X or ability to obtain.

THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE REPRESENTED BY THE CONTENTS OF YOUR RESUME.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experience. Resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered.

In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed below. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

The USA Jobs resume builder is recommended to ensure full credit is given for the qualification requirements listed below

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: 3 years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, that demonstrates the ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work. Experience in substantive and relevant secretarial, clerical, or other responsible work may be qualifying as long as it provided evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) necessary to perform the duties of the position to be filled. Experience of a general clerical nature (typing, filing, routine procedural processing, maintaining records, or other nonspecialized tasks) is not creditable. Trades or crafts experience appropriate to the position to be filled may be creditable for some positions. Must have experience, education, or training in following directives and regulations. Experience interpreting and applying published directives or regulations. Experience communicating with others.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience demonstrated a knowledge of the transportation function(s) of the position to be filled. must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Time requirements of 1-year equivalent to at least next lower grade level apply for both one- and two-grade interval work. 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Experience, education, or training in mission planning for preflight, in-flight, ground or command and control (C2) duties according to specific transportation functions. Receives, interprets, extracts, and disseminates relevant data for mission planning or execution. Experience coordinating and negotiating with organizations/personnel both orally and in writing to resolve differences/problems.

Education

There are no additional educational requirements 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

MORE THAN ONE SELECTION MAY BE MADE FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IF ADDITIONAL IDENTICAL VACANCIES IN THE SAME TITLE, SERIES, GRADE AND UNIT OCCUR.

THE EFFECTIVE/START DATE FOR THIS POSITION WILL BE IAW THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE GUIDANCE ON THE TITLE 32 DUAL STATUS MILITARY TECHNICIAN HIRING FREEZE EXEMPTION DATED 29 MARCH 2025.

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 (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.

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/13033993

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

Mercedes Massengale
Email
mercedes.j.massengale.civ@army.mil
Address
ID 116th Brigade
1069 Frontier Rd
Boise, ID 83705
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.

Army National Guard Units

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

Mercedes Massengale
Email
mercedes.j.massengale.civ@army.mil
Address
ID 116th Brigade
1069 Frontier Rd
Boise, ID 83705
US

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