AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN (INSTRUCTOR)

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command; Tampa (FL); Remote; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command in Florida seeks an Aerial Refueling Technician (Instructor) to train and evaluate aerial refueling aircrew members and to perform flight engineering duties in a three-man crew. The role includes loadmaster responsibilities and extensive in-flight and ground instruction.

The position requires adherence to military qualifications, preflight duties, and the ability to coordinate operations with pilots and ground teams.

Qualifications

• ART eligibility and federal employment status as Air Reserve Technician (ART).
• Must meet civilian and uniformed military qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Develops and provides aerial refueling technician training for Reserve aircrew and ART personnel.
• Assists aircraft pilot with flight engineering duties and aircraft operation.
• Performs preflight checks and loads data into navigational systems; ensures aircraft systems and refueling equipment are sound.
• Performs aerial refueling technician duties and loadmaster functions prior to flight.
• Plans and inspects complex loads, ensuring proper weight and center of gravity.

Job description

AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN (INSTRUCTOR)

• Hiring Agency: Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and enjoy all the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Requirements & Education

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve.

Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application. A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment.

Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave. Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements.

In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education must accredit education. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $67970 – $88356/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-25.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.