Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
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Duties
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(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
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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.
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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.
Benefits
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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.
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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.