Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current Airmen in the Rhode Island Air National Guard (RIANG), or current Service Members willing and eligible to transfer into the RIANG.

Inspects a variety of airdrop equipment such as parachutes, multi loop lines, extraction transfer force couplings, latch assembly couplings, cable assembly couplings, actuator assembly, release cargo parachute M-1, lanyard arming wire, connector parachute, timer delay assembly, link lower suspension, link assembly single suspension type IV, link assembly heavy duty, link 4 point, parachute release single knife, bracket suspension, and tie down cargo quick release. Performs visual, dimensional, and operational inspection of the above mentioned equipment at the prescribed times, in accordance with warnings, cautions, and notes and ground precautionary messages(GPM), for safety of flight. Makes judgmental decisions on proximity to tolerances and interrelated dimensions on timer delay systems of M-1 release, latch assembly couplings, cable assembly couplings, and actuator assembly. Inspects for burrs, rough spots, corrosion, pits, cracks, welds, cuts, foreign material, bends, damaged threads, adjusting collars, set screws, shank pins, and that timers activate within specifications. Uses a wide variety of inspection processes and techniques, and many unique and specially designed instruments and gauges (i.e., tension meters, scales, micrometers, gauges, torque wrenches, and protractors).

Performs airdrop inspections after priorities are set, work sequences are determined, and pertinent policy matters have been reviewed. Independently performs assignments at the aircraft where the supervisor is not readily available. Performs three separate inspections of airdrop loads or containers rigged for airdrop prior to the actual airdrop. Makes decisions on a wide range of matters that may involve deviations and departures from past precedents and accepted practice or highly subjective judgments that could affect safety of flight and crew. The first inspection is a rigger inspection required by the field manual or technical order for that particular type of load. The second inspection is the "before loading inspection". Conducts inspections jointly with the Air Force Joint Airdrop Inspector (AFJAI). Completes the proper airdrop inspection form in the DD Form 1748(Joint Airdrop Inspection Record) series and all sign the appropriate blocks to certify correct rigging of the load. The third inspection is on board the aircraft after the load is rigged for flight and airdrop. Performs inspection along with an AFJAI and the aircrew Load Master. Applies a variety of sophisticated techniques to inspect specialized and complex aircraft systems in accordance with Load Master's Manual. Inspects systems i.e. dual rail and lock settings and hydraulic systems for ramp and door and ADS arms for the ramp. Focuses on dimensions of rigged airdrop loads IAW13C5 (Parachute Cargo Repack Manual) and 13C7 (Rigging Loads for Special Operations) T.O. series; extraction/deployment systems; emergency aft restraint provisions; type and number of recovery parachutes; proper tension on pendulum line IAW-9, and hazardous cargo certification IAW AFJMAN 24-204 (Preparing Hazardous Materials for Military Air Shipments).

Rigs and prepares unilateral airdrop training loads to include type V or other airdrop platforms for airdrops. Fabricates container delivery systems loads, skid boards, and other associated airdrop items, as required. Receives, unpacks, and inspects unit possessed parachutes. Cleans, dries, inspects, and packs cargo parachutes after use. Maintains and repairs a variety of fabric, rubber, and leather articles. Operates and performs minor maintenance on sewing machines, punch presses, stenciling machines, and other similar equipment. Performs inspections and repair of cargo, deceleration, and extraction parachutes, and is responsible for certification. Performs Joint Airdrop Inspections as the aerial port inspector. Performs technical order compliance modifications and modifications of parachutes and related items. Maintains an adequate stock level of current aerial delivery system equipment, components, and supplies. Serves as unit representative on the Aerial Delivery Review Panel and as a Joint Airdrop Inspector. May be tasked to attend Airdrop Review and Malfunction Analysis board meetings.

Performs drop zone control operations as Drop Zone Controller/Safety Officer. Conducts weather observations, wind speed, direction determination, marking drop zone with navigation aids and timing points, establishing and maintaining air to ground and point to point radio communications, relaying information to aircraft and to the Range Control Officer. Directs and controls all airdrop zone operations to ensure the safe operation and protection of aircraft, vehicles, personnel, and equipment.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Rhode Island Air National Guard, 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.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• 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.

Qualifications

Military Grades: E-3 through E-7

Your rank MUST be included somewhere within your resume.

Compatible Military Assignments:

For Dual-Status Technician positions service affiliation under Title 32 USC 709 is required. Military skill set is determined by AFSC/MOS requirements. Upon selection, individuals must be assigned to a compatible military AFSC/MOS in accordance with statutes and National Guard Bureau regulations and must obtain/maintain all requirements of the AFSC/MOS. To determine the required education and certifications for each position's compatible and allowed military skill, refer to the Service specific military classification regulations.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates the knowledge of equipment and practices associated with the type of work to be done.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience or training performing a full variety of Air Transportation functions necessary to manage the day-to-day Air Transportation and small air terminal operations including but not limited to, airdrop and airdrop inspections, rigging responsibilities, wing deployment training, passenger and cargo manifesting, Joint Inspection, load planning, determining cargo/passenger eligibility, establishing and maintaining air terminal security, directly responsible for safe and efficient loading/offloading of all DOD-owned and controlled aircraft and ensuring ITV.

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):

• Knowledge of Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC) functions and operation sufficient to plan, coordinate, facilitate, and expedite on-time movement of air cargo in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Must maintain load planning qualification currency to plan and compute load distribution using automated programs, manual methods, and/or other weight and balance computation methods. JAI and JI qualifications/currency to identify through prescribed inspection processes problems to eliminate malfunctions that may affect the safety of aircraft/crew, to ensure a safe and proper drop of load from aircraft, and to insure items offered/accepted for transport by air meet proper specifications. School qualifications/currency as a rigger/parachute packer knowledgeable of proper rigging procedures and ability to rig loads for airdrop to include preparation/packing, and repair of parachutes utilized for these drops. Special handling currency qualifications and competency to handle, process, and ensure compatibility of hazardous materials being transported on aircraft.
• Skill and ability to train traditional guard personnel in all aerial port functions.
• Skill and ability to analyze and determine causes in malfunctions relating to aerial drops.
• Knowledge of drop zone control operations to direct and control drop zone operations.
• Knowledge of and ability to receive, warehouse, process, and categorize cargo and to process related paperwork.
• Ability to select and assemble aircraft loads, and to load and offload aircraft.
• Ability to operate a variety of materials handling equipment (MHE) utilized in moving cargo within the air terminal and to transport cargo to and from the aircraft (i.e., 4-10K forklifts, 25-60K aircraft loaders, etc.).
• Must have knowledge of and ability to perform fleet service responsibilities.
• Knowledge of procedures and regulations governing processing and eligibility of passengers traveling on government owned/sponsored aircraft.
• Knowledge of proper safety practices to perform all aerial port responsibilities in a safe manner and safety of flight and aircrew.
• Knowledge of aircraft design, configuration, and limitations, obtains maximum utilization of space using automated programs such as Automated Air Load Planning System (AALPS).