As a HELICOPTER PILOT, GS-2181-12 your duties are below.
1. Pilots a variety of on one or more of the following helicopters: Attack Helicopter (AH-64); Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when assigned. Routinely operates with short takeoffs and landing capability, in all types of weather, day, and night over a variety of terrains and open bodies of water. Flights are made using landing facilities ranging from modern, improved airport with paved runways and navigational aids to unimproved strips of remote, isolated villages. This position will be required to make reconnaissance and observation flights. Makes test flights and checks all systems in connection with maintenance actions and takes necessary action to correct malfunctions. Participates in all-weather search and rescue operations as required utilizing a thorough knowledge of the terrain features of the geographical area. Conducts flight checks following repairs, maintenance, or installation of approved aircraft system modifications. Responsible for transportation of cargo and transporting passengers, among a variety of familiar destinations (50%)
Performs maintenance operation checks (MOCs) and general test flights of aircraft to ensure airworthiness upon completion of extensive disassembly for maintenance, repair or replacement of components or aircraft systems. Performs general test flights of aircraft upon completion of extensive disassembly, reassembly, and maintenance, repair, or replacement of parts where tests cannot determine the safe and or proper functioning of aircraft components or systems; and ensures the airworthiness component or aircraft systems. Performs acceptance test flights of new aircraft when required. (40%)
Serves as a member of a board pertaining to aviation accidents, flight evaluation, collateral investigations, standardization, and federal recognition. (10%)
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted position that requires military membership in a compatible military assignment in the Iowa Army National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of this excepted position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 05/27/2026 . FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.
TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
Your performance and conduct.
The needs and interests of the agency.
Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.
Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
Incumbent must posses and continue to maintain a US Army Class II Flight Physical.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Military Rank Requirements: WARRANT OFFICERS (CW5 and Below)
Qualifications
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-2181-12: Must haveexperience in the following:
Must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation
Experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups.
Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information.
Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings.
Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments.
Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance.
Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures.
Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs
Education
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum.
To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims.
Additional information
ENLISTMENT CASH BONUSES: Acceptance of a technician position may affect any bonus and/or educational assistance that may be applicable. Please contact your Education Office prior to accepting a position with the Iowa Army National Guard. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
If you are a male applicant 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 are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
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.
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 found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for this position:
Skill to pilot a variety of one or more of the following helicopters: Attack Helicopter (AH-64); Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when assigned.
Knowledge, skills, and ability to train and assess pilots to fly advanced helicopters in evasive and defensive maneuver.
Knowledge of advanced flight techniques such as flying outside of the recommended weight/velocity profile, close formation flying, operating at night in all weather conditions.
Knowledge and skill in executing appropriate emergency procedures for the aircraft involved.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
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/.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
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/.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
