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Senior Aviation Loadmaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Aviation Loadmaster information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior aviation loadmaster jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior aviation loadmaster in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Aviation Loadmasters when coordinating cargo operations with ground and flight crews?

Senior Aviation Loadmasters often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes to cargo manifests, tight departure schedules, and the need to ensure both safety and regulatory compliance. Effective communication and teamwork with ground personnel and flight crews are essential to quickly address shifting priorities or unexpected issues, such as hazardous materials or weight and balance constraints. Developing strong problem-solving skills and remaining adaptable are key to successfully managing these dynamic situations and ensuring mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Aviation Loadmaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Aviation Loadmaster, you need in-depth knowledge of weight and balance calculations, cargo handling procedures, and compliance with aviation regulations, often supported by military training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with load planning software, cargo restraint systems, and aircraft-specific loading equipment is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are vital for coordinating with aircrew and ground personnel. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant transport of cargo, which is critical to mission success and overall flight safety.

What are Senior Aviation Loadmasters?

Senior Aviation Loadmasters are highly experienced professionals responsible for managing and supervising the proper loading, securing, and unloading of cargo and passengers on military or commercial aircraft. They calculate weight and balance, ensure safe distribution of loads, and oversee loading teams. Senior Loadmasters also coordinate with pilots and ground crews to ensure compliance with safety regulations and mission requirements. Their expertise helps prevent accidents and ensures efficient and safe aircraft operations.

What is the difference between Senior Aviation Loadmaster vs Aviation Loadmaster?

AspectSenior Aviation LoadmasterAviation Loadmaster
CertificationsCertifications in load planning, safety, and sometimes instructor qualificationsBasic loadmaster certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentSenior roles often involve overseeing teams, complex cargo, and safety compliancePerforming cargo loading, safety checks, and documentation
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary and commercial aviation, with senior responsibilitiesPrimarily military and cargo airlines

The main difference between a Senior Aviation Loadmaster and an Aviation Loadmaster lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership duties. Senior Loadmasters typically oversee teams, handle complex cargo, and ensure safety compliance at a higher level, while Loadmasters focus on cargo loading, safety checks, and documentation. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and decision-making.

What cities are hiring for Senior Aviation Loadmaster jobs? Cities with the most Senior Aviation Loadmaster job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Loadmaster jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Loadmaster jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Aviation Loadmaster jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Aviation Loadmaster jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Aviation Loadmaster job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 44% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper Operations Manager)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Redmond, OR • On-site

$78K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit, within the Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6.
This position is located within the USDA on a Forest Service Unit.This position serves as a Crew Supervisor and Smokejumper Operations Manager for a national shared resource smokejumper program.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jason Heinz at Jason.heinz@usda.gov.Qualifications:Smokejumpers are a National resource. Jumpers travel all over the country, including Alaska, to provide highly-trained, experienced firefighters and leadership for quick initial attack on wildland fires in remote areas. For more information about the smoke jumping program in the Forest Service click Here.
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Smokejumper duties present unusual hazards and require that personnel be in excellent physical condition and possess a high degree of emotional stability and mental alertness. The health of individuals must be such that they have the capacity to meet demands for performance in the position and for human reliability. Before entrance on duty, and periodically during employment, smokejumpers must undergo a medical exam, physical conditioning, and an adeptness test. Failure to meet any of the required standards will be considered disqualifying for employment or a basis of termination.
See Medical Requirements for Smokejumper Positions
During the training period, incumbents are continually evaluated on their ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in various aspects of parachute jumping and smokejumper-related tasks, including aircraft exit procedures, parachute landing falls, parachute maneuvering, timber let-down procedures, parachute and cargo retrieving, tree climbing, and chainsaw and hand tool use. Incumbents who cannot perform up to the required standards of proficiency will be terminated from the smokejumper program.
Smokejumpers must perform safely and efficiently in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, often with severe smoke and dust. Terrain may be extremely steep, uneven, rocky, and covered with thick tangled vegetation. Conditions riding in aircraft may be hot, cramped, and extremely turbulent, which may promote airsickness. The hazardous nature of the work requires that protective clothing (jump suit, helmet, boots, gloves, fire resistant clothing, etc.) be worn and protective equipment, including fire shelters, be carried.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-10: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-09 grade level in the Federal service
Examples of Specialized Experience are: Assisting with one or more program responsibilities such as: loft, operations, training, loadmaster, and/or prescribed fire. Assisting in formulating and developing plans, contract specifications, training programs, and schedules. Directing initial and extended attack suppression actions such as determining incident needs, and dispatch/deployment of personnel and equipment.
For the GW-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-10 level in the Federal service.
Examples of Specialized Experience are: Assisting with more than one smokejumper program responsibilities such as: loft, operations, training, loadmaster, and/or prescribed fire. Assessing various fire management factors such as fuels, suppression capability, resistance to control, ignition probability, predicted rate of spread, and flame height and weather. Inspecting and maintaining smokejumper aircraft, aircraft accessories and equipment for fire readiness.
Selective Placement Factors:
Serves as, or has previously served as, an active smokejumper. If not currently qualified, applicant must have the ability to recertify as an active smokejumper and perform as a smokejumper spotter.
Be qualified as a Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Incident Commander T3 (ICT3) or Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), and complete Fire Program Management (M-581) within three years.
Must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Senior Parachute Rigger.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no Education Substitute for this position.Employment Type: OTHER