The Illinois National Guard is seeking an experienced Airplane Pilot (Title 32) for a GS-13 position within the IL 126 unit, located in Illinois. This role involves piloting unit-equipped military aircraft while also performing administrative duties to support the Air Operations program.
About the Role
As an Airplane Pilot (Title 32), the selected candidate will operate advanced single or multi-engine military aircraft, including high-performance fighter jets, on assigned tactical and non-tactical missions. Responsibilities include executing precise instrument flight techniques in all weather conditions, planning and preparing for flights by analyzing weather and navigational data, ensuring aircraft readiness, and briefing crew members. The pilot will maintain operational safety by adhering to flight parameters and procedures, coordinating with ground units, and monitoring aircraft performance. Post-flight duties encompass maintaining logs and reports, and liaising with maintenance personnel. The role also involves acting as the Air Commander's representative as Supervisor of Flying (SOF), designing training plans, developing unit planning for wartime and national tasking, and administering unit safety programs.
Requirements
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Membership in the Illinois National Guard and attainment of the specified military grade are required.
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Must be able to wear a military uniform.
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Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
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Must successfully complete a background investigation for federal employment suitability.
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May be required to complete a trial period.
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Must not have been convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence.
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May be required to work irregular, overtime, or non-standard hours.
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Drug testing may be required.
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Must possess or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
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May be required to travel by military or commercial air.
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Work may involve access to classified information.
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May be required to work other than normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Qualifications
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Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) is required.
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Must maintain the same medical standards as USAF military pilots.
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Mandatory participation in direct deposit is required.
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Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available.
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PCS expenses may be authorized.
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Military Grades: Officers only – not to exceed the rank of O4.
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Education: An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is mandatory. A graduate degree from an accredited civilian academic college or an equivalent professional military education school is optimum.
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Certifications: Must possess FAA certifications from accredited civilian aviation programs or aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
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General Experience: Minimum of one year of on-the-job experience in the grade or a comparable military rank immediately below GS-12.
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Time-In-Grade: Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level.
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Specialized Experience: At least two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs, or within an Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility or Air National Guard Wing/Operations Group, including piloting and instructing pilot skills in fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Experience in mission planning, flight preparation, aircraft inspections, operating aircraft controls, performing or supervising navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue, surveillance, or reconnaissance is necessary. Experience in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders is required. Knowledge of flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics is essential. Experience in aviation unit quality control management programs and administering unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs is also required. Experience in various piloting administrative tasks supporting Air National Guard aviation programs is necessary. Experience in applying operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions from the National Guard Bureau, US Army, or US Air Force is essential. Experience in working independently to plan and perform work assignments and completing safe and efficient mission accomplishments using Operational Risk Management is required. Experience performing aviation duties such as cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving specific activities, coordinating for airport or airspace utilization with the FAA, or directing emergency actions is necessary. Experience using applicable Army aviation regulations, policies, requirements, and standards, skills and practices, and the application of instructional techniques to the training of other pilots is required. Experience conducting particular missions and flying specific mainframe aircraft in combat tactics, flying in mountainous terrain, performing tactical remote site evaluations, performing landings on remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations or instructions is needed. Experience in standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards in accordance with applicable directives and FAA certification requirements is required. Experience in reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives for accuracy and currency is necessary. Experience on weaponry and combat or non-combat tactics for applicable military aircraft is required. Experience with wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements used for unit mobilizations, deployments, strange field operations, or troop missions and redeployments is essential.