Become a Navigator Instructor: Join the 96th Airlift Squadron

Are you a highly experienced Navigator looking for a meaningful way to serve? The United States Air Force Reserve is currently seeking a skilled professional to fill the role of Navigator (Instructor) within the 96th Airlift Squadron. This position is a unique blend of civilian expertise and military leadership, offering a pathway to influence the future of Air Force operations from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Job Responsibilities

As a Navigator Instructor, your primary objective is to lead the instruction of Reservists in unit-type aircraft. Key responsibilities include:

Flight Instruction: Conducting both ground and airborne training for navigator/CSOs, covering tactical, airlift, and instrument flight operations.
Standardization and Evaluation: Serving as an evaluator to ensure crews adhere to safety and mission standards.
Operational Management: Managing flight schedules, intelligence briefings, and mission planning documentation.
Squadron Leadership: Mentoring personnel and conducting training seminars to improve organizational effectiveness.

Comparison Table: Civilian vs. ART Roles

Feature	Standard Civilian Job	Air Reserve Technician (ART)
Dual Status	No	Yes (Civilian + Reserve)
Flight Duties	Rare	Primary Responsibility
Benefits	Standard	Federal + Military Benefits
Unit Participation	N/A	Mandatory (Monthly UTAs)

Requirements

This role is restricted to individuals who can demonstrate a high level of proficiency and commitment. Candidates must:

Possess a valid aeronautical rating as a Navigator or Combat Systems Officer.
Have at least 1,000 total military flight hours.
Be currently instructor-qualified in the relevant aircraft.
Maintain their status as a mission-ready member of the Air Force Reserve.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $97,582 to $126,859 annually, commensurate with your experience and qualifications as an Air Reserve Technician.

Benefits

Working for the Air Force Reserve provides unparalleled security and benefits, including:

Participation in the federal health and life insurance programs.
Accrual of significant annual and sick leave.
Pension and retirement options via FERS.
15 days of paid military leave annually for active duty training.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is concise (two-page limit) and explicitly mentions your flight hours. For federal employees, including your SF-50 is critical. Double-check that all your supporting documents, especially those related to veteran preference, are properly formatted and legible.

If you have the flight experience and the desire to instruct, this Navigator Instructor position at the 96th Airlift Squadron is the perfect next step. Apply by September 8, 2026, to be considered for this high-impact opportunity.

Why This Navigator (Instructor) Job Matters

Take your aviation expertise to the next level by shaping the next generation of Air Force navigators as a Navigator Instructor with the 96th Airlift Squadron.

Navigator (Instructor) Job Overview

The 96th Airlift Squadron, under the Air Force Reserve Command, is seeking an experienced Navigator (Instructor) to join their team in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This Air Reserve Technician (ART) position combines the benefits of a federal civilian career with the essential service of the Air Force Reserve. You will provide critical ground and airborne instruction, manage flight training operations, and ensure unit readiness, all while maintaining your status as a mission-ready, rated aircrew member.

Requirements for Navigator (Instructor)

Must be a commissioned or commissionable officer in the Air Force Reserve.
Hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order as a USAF Navigator or Combat Systems Officer.
Minimum of 1,000 total military flight hours.
Must be instructor qualified in the assigned unit aircraft.
Must maintain active membership in the assigned Air Force Reserve unit.
Ability to pass periodic standardization, evaluation, and certification examinations.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.
Must hold or be able to maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Navigator (Instructor)

Extensive background in military airlift or tactical navigation.
Demonstrated experience in unit-level exercise planning and deployment processes.
Strong analytical skills for assessing unit readiness and organizational effectiveness.
Proven capability in developing and delivering instructional briefings and workshops.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual adjustments.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance options.
✓Generous retirement plans, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid military leave for annual training and unit assemblies.
✓Paid federal holidays and accrual of annual and sick leave.
✓Access to TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) with employer matching.

💡 How to Apply Navigator (Instructor) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Navigator (Instructor) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account to build or update your federal profile.
Prepare a resume that specifically lists dates of employment and hours worked per week (limit to two pages).
Complete the required online application questionnaire.
Gather supporting documents, including your most recent SF-50 (if applicable) and military service certifications.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit; excess pages will be excluded.
Clearly document your flight hours and instructor experience to demonstrate how you meet the specialized requirements.
If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 or VOW certification is included to receive appropriate preference.
Verify your status in the USAJOBS dashboard after submission to ensure all documents uploaded successfully.
Highlight any previous awards or performance ratings if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Air Reserve Technician (ART)?

An ART is a full-time civilian employee who is also a required member of the Air Force Reserve unit where they work. They hold a civilian job by day and fulfill military duties as part of their reserve commitment.

Are there physical requirements for this role?

Yes, the position involves aircrew duties that include exposure to high-G forces, extreme temperatures, and mental/physical stress associated with military flight operations.

Is telework available?

This position is eligible for telework, depending on operational requirements and mission readiness needs.

What is the work schedule like?

*A: Your civilian duties are aligned with your military obligations. You will typically spend one weekend a month and two weeks a year on military training.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: This position does not offer relocation benefits.

Job from Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

The 96th Airlift Squadron is part of the prestigious Air Force Reserve Command. Its mission is deeply rooted in the core values of integrity, service, and excellence. As an Air Reserve Technician (ART), you will be at the heart of the agency’s goal to maintain Global Reach and Global Power, ensuring that our aircrews are expertly trained and mission-ready at all times.