Aerial Refueling Technician

The primary purpose of this position is: 63 ARS, MacDill AFB, FL as an Air Reserve Technician (ART) and the sole enlisted aircrew member, to provide ground and flight training instruction for developing, upgrading, and evaluating the skills of aerial refueling aircrew members; perform aerial refueling technician duties on assigned missions; and to assist the pilot in the operation of the aircraft by performing duties associated with loadmaster, flight engineer and navigator positions.

DUTIES:

DUTY 1: Develops and provides technical aerial refueling technician upgrade and proficiency training/instruction to Reserve aircrew members and ART personnel. Training provided includes the full cycle of theory, formal classroom instruction, and actual on-the-job practice. Conversion training for KC-135, KC 46 aerial refueling technician includes additional instruction in required flight engineering duties gained by this position in the three-man crew configuration. Instruction is provided to both rated and non-rated aircrew on many varied mission specific duties such as: Combat Aircrew Training (Aircraft Defensive Tactics), Air Rescue and Recovery, Special Operations, Presidential (Phoenix Banner) Support Missions, Functional Check Flights, Aeromedical Evacuation, Emergency Airlift of Personnel, Test Certification, etc. Analyzes and interprets guidance regarding aircrew duties and proficiency requirements, flight safety, and other related materials.

DUTY 2: Directly assists the aircraft pilot in the operation of the aircraft by performing flight engineering duties. Performs preflight inspection of the interior and exterior of the aircraft, to include air refueling boom, fuselage, and control surfaces for mechanical and structural soundness as well as all relevant aircraft oxygen, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. Performs visual and operational checks of aerial refueling systems and equipment. Functionally checks aircraft systems, flight instruments, and onboard computers e.g., Advanced Digital Interphone System (ADIS), Navigation "Identification Friend or Foe" (IFF), APN 69 beacon, comsec equipment, and electronic cabinet cooling system as required.

DUTY 3: Directly assists the pilot in loading data into Inertial or Global Positioning Systems (INS/GPS) and Flight Management System Computer (FMS). Preflights navigational equipment before and after flight and makes necessary adjustments. Enters data required for operating aircraft in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controlled airspace. Activates switches and monitors altimeter, Mode 4 "Identification Friend or Foe" (IFF), Secure Voice, GPS keys-encode/load, APN-69 radar beacon, radar pressurization, control panel and electronic cabinet cooling system. Prepares position reports for transmission to ground facilities. Monitors radio communications from Air Traffic Control, Command Post, and other controlling agencies. Assists the pilot with radio calls when required.

DUTY 4: Performs aerial refueling technician duties. Performs visual and operational checks of aircraft aerial refueling systems and equipment, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, oxygen, life support, cargo and transport systems. Performs functional check of aerial refueling boom to isolate systems malfunctions and determines aerial refueling capability. Reviews aircraft maintenance documentation and ensures aircraft maintenance status and configuration complies with command operating restrictions and the applicable flight manual. Serves as the aircraft ground manager in the absence of the aircraft commander by coordinating all activities associated with the aircraft, including maintenance and servicing.

DUTY 5: Performs loadmaster functions. Prior to flight, accomplishes preflight checks, inspections, and acceptance of aircraft loading equipment and systems and to determine aircraft airworthiness. Plans, prepares and inspects complex loads that may include but not limited to the transportation of personnel, hazardous materials, explosives, poisons, radioactive cargo, security cargo, and registered mail. Certifies complex cargo load plans considering flight mission and objective; cargo quantity, weight, and configuration; aircraft floor capacity and compartment restrictions; and proper location of cargo within the aircraft to achieve the optimum center of gravity.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Must be a current member of the AF Reserve or willing/qualified to join
• PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Total salary varies depending on location of position
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• AFSC: K1AX72H

Qualifications

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the FPM 930-71 Recruitment of Air Reserve Technicians through Competitive Examination (ART Agreement) - Supplemental Qualification Policy, dated 6-OCT-2017.No specific length of experience is required. The qualifications of Aerial Refueling Technician in the Air Force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training rather than years of experience. Applicants must have been qualified as Aerial Refueling Technician within 8 YEARS of the date of application. Applicants for Aerial Refueling Technician (Instructor) positions must be within the past 8 YEARS instructor or examiner qualified in the specific type of aircraft.

Flying Hour Requirements, Aerial Refueling Technician (Instructor) GS-10: Must have been awarded or qualify for a Career Enlisted Aviator (CEA) Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Must be currently qualified as Instructor in KC-135 tanker Mission Design Series (MDS) and have a minimum of 500 Total Military Flight Time.NOTE: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, flying history reports, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.

FEDERALTIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-10 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of aerial refueling capabilities of KC-135 or KC-46 as appropriate for the position and aerial refueling data for all authorized receiver aircraft.
2. Knowledge of the theory of weight and balance; aerial refueling and restraint; mathematics; aircraft refueling and cargo systems/ equipment; load planning; current flying directives, and applicable publications; border clearance requirements and forms; hazardous cargo handling and placement procedures; life support and passenger requirements; and egress /survival procedures.
3. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to prepare lessons, documents and reports, present training and/or instruction and brief passengers and crews. Skill to perform preflight checks and inspections.
4. Knowledge of the methods of instruction, aircrew training program requirements, procedures, and standards of performance; and skill to apply this knowledge in planning, developing and executing unit training/evaluation programs.
5. Knowledge of a wide variety of systems and components critical to the performance of the aircraft such as propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, environmental, etc. Knowledge of techniques and sources of data for fuel planning, and skill to determine fuel requirements, monitor consumption in flight, and analyze engine performance.
6. Knowledge of traditional navigational duties to include, COMSEC training, Mode 4, GPS key encode/decode, KY-28 SECURE VOICE, decode Emergency Action Message (EAM) during SIOP alert and EWO posturing. Knowledge of Terminal Enroute Procedures (TERPS) providing primary safety monitor duties during takeoff/approach and monitors Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances during approaches, departures, altitude assignments, and terrain clearances, able to ascertain deviation and apparent errors impacting safety of flight.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

• This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are ART duties; however, the incumbent may be assigned some non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
• Must attain and maintain mission-ready status at the appropriate crew qualification level in the unit's assigned aircraft. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass written and in-flight standardization/evaluation examinations to include random no-notice evaluations.
• The incumbent is exposed to physiological hazards of flight plus physical and psychological demands of routine lengthy missions (up to 18 hours duration), must work in confined, hazardous noise areas, is subject to inclement weather during ground operations and dangerous environmental conditions during flight, and may operate in austere location.
• May be required to travel in military and commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments. Must be instructor qualified, maintaining proficiency in the Principles of Instruction.
• May be required to maintain flight examiner qualification. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass written and in-flight standardization/ evaluation examinations to include random no-notice evaluations.
• Required to maintain proficiency in the use of firearms. As prescribed by regulation, may be required to carry and use a concealed weapon while performing aircrew related duties.
• The position requires good judgment, patience, tact, and a desire to instruct.
• May be required to perform duties of sky marshal. Must obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance.
• This is a testing designated position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing.
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.