Military

AIRCRAFT PILOT (Title 32)

Army National Guard Units ยท Department of the Army
๐Ÿ“ Rapid City, South Dakota GS-12 $110,871 - $144,136/yr
Posted: Jun 11, 2026 Deadline: Jun 26, 2026 (Closes in 15 days)

About This Position

This National Guard position is for an Aircraft Pilot, Position Description Number NGD0711000 and is part of the AASF. This is a Title 32, Dual-Status position. Area(s) of Consideration: - All members of the South Dakota Army National Guard

Qualifications

Mandatory Qualification Requirements - Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities). MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: Military grade inversion within the full-time work force is not permitted. WO1 to CPT are eligible to apply.

The military grade of the full time supervisor must equal or exceed the military grade of personnel supervised. General Experience - An applicant must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts.

Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level. Specialized Experience - Is experience that prepares the applicant to perform the Dual Status technician duties and responsibilities. To qualify, an applicant's educational-degree study program, military professional and technical training schools or academies, and aviation certifications may apply as substitutions for some specialized experience factors.

Minimum of 50 hours as Current and Qualified Pilot in Command in a HH-60M or LUH-72a with ability to attend advanced aviation track schools. GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-12 or GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Warrant Officer positions. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard.

For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. To qualify, the applicant must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information.

Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance.

Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures.

Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Officer Positions Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for appointments to GS-2181-12 and GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Officer positions. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in the Air National Guard Operations Groups.

Qualification competencies are determined by three factors in combination: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. Experienced in piloting and instructing pilot skills in one or more of the following main-frame/military aircraft: Fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Although a variety of piloting administrative tasks are performed in support of an Army National Guard aviation program, experiences include the abilities to train and instruct others in the piloting of a main-frame military aircraft.

Experienced in mission tasking, intelligence reporting, and applying weather information. Experienced in supervising and/or filing of flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, equipment assessments, and mission manning.

Experienced in operating aircraft controls and equipment. Experienced in performing or supervising the work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling; search and rescue operations; or surveillance and reconnaissance. Ability to conduct or supervise the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks.

Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Experienced in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics. Must have at least two years experiences in instructing others in a specific air-frame/military aircraft.

Competent to complete various piloting administrative tasks performed in support of Army National Guard aviation programs. Skilled to instruct others to pilot military aircraft on a regular and recurring basis. Experienced in the aviation unit quality control management programs; plus, skilled in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration directives.

Experienced in following directives, regulations, accident reports, safety data, and local operating conditions to determine unit safety program requirements. Experienced in coordinating with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and programs. Experienced in one or more missions such as, air-to-air; air-to- ground; mortar-to-arm escort; surveillance; reconnaissance; surface attack; killer-scout; target illumination; or laser targeting.

Experienced in piloting manned or unmanned aircraft. Continued under "Education" section. Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities (KSAs): Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a separate sheet(s) addressing the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) and how they relate to work experience, education or training. - Skill to direct, evaluate, and issue technical guidance to aviation units on matters pertaining to aviation Safety and UAS Operations. - Knowledge in civil and military requirements to operate UAS in the national airspace system. - Knowledge in operation of Aviation Safety Management Information System (ASMIS) and other related systems used to track aviation accidents and near misses. - Skill in drafting and implementing technical documents such as but not limited to training plans, SOPs and TTPs etc.

Major Duties

As an Aircraft Pilot, GS-2181-12, you will: Position is located in the office of the State Army Aviation Officer (SAAO). Serves as the primary staff officer for the management of aircrew standardization and training programs, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, avionics, armament and associated ground support equipment, maintenance programs, flight safety programs, and operational support airlift usage.

Education

GS-10 through GS-13 Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.

GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Officer Positions For Army National Guard Second and First Lieutenants must be actively pursuing an under- graduate degree with at least 90 validated credit hours in a specified program. For Captains and above, must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university. A Graduate Degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum.

Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. **Continued from Qualification section for GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Officer Positions: Experiences may include the traditional "stick and rudder" type controls for piloting aircraft direction, altitude, and speed. Experienced in on-board aircraft instrumentation and aircraft mounted video cameras. Experienced in visual flight-rule type flying and aircraft instrument flying.

Experienced in flying simulated "real world" combat and non-combat missions and terrain. Experienced in planning, scheduling, and conducting flights through Federal Aviation Administration controlled national airspace. Experienced in applying operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions of National Guard Bureau, United States Army, and gaining commands.

Experienced in working independently to plan and perform work assignments. Experienced in completing safe and efficient missions through the use of Operational Risk Management. Experienced in cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving specific activities, coordinating for airport or airspace utilization with FAA, and/or, directing emergency actions involving unit support agencies.

Experienced in using applicable Army aviation regulations, policies, requirements and standards, skills and practices; and, the applying instructional techniques to the training of other pilots in the Army National Guard flying facilities. Experienced in conducting particular combat tactics, missions, or specific main-frame aircraft; or, flying in mountainous terrain, performing tactical remote site evaluation, performing landings on remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations and instruction. Experienced in standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards in accordance with applicable directives and Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements.

Experienced in reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives for accuracy and currency; and knowledgeable of weapons and tactics for applicable military aircraft. Experienced in maintaining detailed wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements for unit mobility, deployment, strange field operations/ employment, and redeployment.

How You Will Be Evaluated

EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: All applicants who meet the minimum requirements for consideration will be further rated and ranked on their experience related to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) stated in minimum requirements for consideration. The application and Official Personnel Files, when applicable, will be used to gather job-related background data to be used in the KSA evaluation process. EVALUATION METHODS: Each applicant considered to possess the minimum qualification requirements will be further evaluated in accordance with the procedures outlined in SDNG Technician Pamphlet 335-T and subsequent MOAs.

Additional Information

BENEFITS: The federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees which may include Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Insurance, Annual Leave, Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Retirement Program. For additional information about current federal benefits visit web site http://www.opm.gov Military Technicians are ineligible for military enlistment, retention, and student loan repayment bonuses. Acceptance of a Technician position over 180 days will result in suspension or termination of these military incentives.

It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the South Dakota Army National Guard Education Services Officer for more information regarding military enlistment, retention and student loan repayment incentives. Equal Employment: The South Dakota National Guard is an equal opportunity employer and cannot discriminate against an employee or applicant with respect to the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability (including pregnancy), marital status or political affiliation. Applicants or employees may contact the South Dakota National Guard Equal Employment Office at 605-737-6635 if they believe they have been the victim of unlawful discrimination.

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 (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application.

You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.

You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position.

Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Required Documents

  1. To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: a.

Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

YOUR RESUME MUST HAVE COMPLETE INFORMATION. Timeframes of experience in Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) will be addressed within the resume (including frequency, e.g., generated metric statistics daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Please ensure your resume accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer.

Please include applicable military assignments in the same format stated above. In describing your experience, as it applies to the position you are applying for, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry.

If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified and you will no longer be considered for this position. b.Completion certificate or transcripts for Federal Aviation Administrative certification OR Military Aviation Certification.

  1. Other supporting documents: a. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) - Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to submit a separate sheet(s) addressing the KSAs and how they relate to work experience, education or training. b. Transcripts, to receive credit for education you must submit transcripts to verify the courses completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the AIRCRAFT PILOT (Title 32) position at Army National Guard Units?
The salary range for this position is $110,871 - $144,136/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the AIRCRAFT PILOT (Title 32) job located?
This position is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
GS-10 through GS-13 Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Officer Positions For Army National Guard Second and First Lieutenants must be actively pursuing an under- graduate degree with at least 90 validated credit hours in a specified program. For Captains and above, must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university. A Graduate Degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. **Continued from Qualification section for GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Officer Positions: Experiences may include the traditional "stick and rudder" type controls for piloting aircraft direction, altitude, and speed. Experienced in on-board aircraft instrumentation and aircraft mounted video cameras. Experienced in visual flight-rule type flying and aircraft instrument flying. Experienced in flying simulated "real world" combat and non-combat missions and terrain. Experienced in planning, scheduling, and conducting flights through Federal Aviation Administration controlled national airspace. Experienced in applying operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions of National Guard Bureau, United States Army, and gaining commands. Experienced in working independently to plan and perform work assignments. Experienced in completing safe and efficient missions through the use of Operational Risk Management. Experienced in cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving specific activities, coordinating for airport or airspace utilization with FAA, and/or, directing emergency actions involving unit support agencies. Experienced in using applicable Army aviation regulations, policies, requirements and standards, skills and practices; and, the applying instructional techniques to the training of other pilots in the Army National Guard flying facilities. Experienced in conducting particular combat tactics, missions, or specific main-frame aircraft; or, flying in mountainous terrain, performing tactical remote site evaluation, performing landings on remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations and instruction. Experienced in standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards in accordance with applicable directives and Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. Experienced in reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives for accuracy and currency; and knowledgeable of weapons and tactics for applicable military aircraft. Experienced in maintaining detailed wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements for unit mobility, deployment, strange field operations/ employment, and redeployment.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jun 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.