Become an Air Operations Officer with the Washington Air National Guard

Are you a seasoned aviation professional looking to leverage your leadership skills in a high-impact, mission-critical environment? The Washington Air National Guard is currently seeking an Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator) to join the 141st Operations Support Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced settings and possess the tactical expertise to manage complex flight operations.

Job Responsibilities

As an Air Operations Officer, your primary responsibility is to direct the activities of the 141st Operations Support Squadron. Your duties will be wide-ranging and include:

Leadership & Management: Supervising 15 or more personnel, setting priorities, and delegating tasks to ensure mission success.
Operations Management: Overseeing flying hour programs, pilot training, standardization, and intelligence gathering.
Resource Allocation: Managing operations budgets and man-day allocations.
Strategic Planning: Developing long-range deployment plans and facility modernization projects.
Liaison: Serving as a primary point of contact for the FAA, local airport authorities, and internal base boards.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Military Membership: You must be a member of the Washington Air National Guard or demonstrate eligibility for immediate membership.
Experience: 36 months of specialized experience in transportation, flight operations, or C2 duties.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Compliance: Adherence to the Lautenberg Amendment and other federal employment mandates.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Salary Range	$126,432 - $164,366 per year
Security Clearance	Top Secret
Location	Fairchild AFB, WA
Agency	Washington Air National Guard

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary range for GS-14 equivalent personnel. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy access to a robust benefits package, including health coverage, retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and the satisfaction of supporting the defense of our nation.

Application Tips

Securing this position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your application stands out:

Personalize Your Narrative: Avoid copying duties from the job description. Explain how your previous roles prepared you for this specific challenge.
Formatting Matters: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The HR team is strict about this, and longer documents will be rejected.
Detail Your Military Experience: Use the specific format provided in the instructions to ensure your service history is accurately translated for the hiring board.
Verify Materials: Reach out to the HRO office to ensure your documents have been received and processed correctly.

Serving as an Air Operations Officer with the 141st OSS is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and security of the community and nation. If you meet the criteria and are ready to take your career to new heights, submit your application package today.

Why This Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator) Job Matters

Take command of the skies and your career—lead elite operations with the Washington Air National Guard at Fairchild AFB.

Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator) Job Overview

The Washington Air National Guard is seeking a dedicated Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator) to join the 141st Operations Support Squadron at Fairchild AFB. This pivotal role involves leading a team of professionals, managing complex flight operations, and coordinating critical training and deployment plans. As a Title 32 Excepted Service technician, you will serve as a key advisor to leadership, ensuring mission success through meticulous planning, resource management, and adherence to military standards. This is an exceptional opportunity for experienced aviation personnel to influence operational excellence in a high-stakes environment.

Requirements for Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator)

Must be a member of the Washington Air National Guard or eligible for immediate membership.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Minimum 36 months of specialized experience in transportation, flight operations, or command and control functions.
Must be able to wear the official military uniform.
Must comply with the Lautenberg Amendment (no domestic violence convictions).
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must have a valid High School Diploma or GED.
Successful completion of a trial period may be required.

Preferred Qualifications for Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator)

Prior military experience as a Pilot or Navigator.
Experience in coordinating with the FAA and civilian airport authorities.
Strong background in personnel management and supervision of large teams.
Proficiency in military flight documentation and record management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Federal Benefits Package
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) enrollment for eligible employees
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the National Guard
✓Support for ongoing military training and education

💡 How to Apply Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Air Operations Officer (Pilot/Navigator) Job

Ensure your USAJOBS profile is up to date.
Draft a concise, two-page resume highlighting specialized experience in your own words.
Obtain and complete the Mil Form 174.
Gather supporting documentation, including SF-50s, DD-214, and transcripts if applicable.
Submit your full application package via the online portal by the closing date.
Confirm successful upload and track status via your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Do not use verbatim text from the announcement in your resume; use your own words to describe your impact.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; excess pages will result in disqualification.
Be precise with dates; include month and year for all work history.
If you are a current or former service member, document your military career clearly according to the provided format guidelines.
Submit your documents early to account for the necessary virus scan time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military membership required for this position?

Yes, this is an excepted service position that requires active membership in the Washington Air National Guard.

What is the security clearance requirement?

The position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be excluded from consideration.

What if I am not currently in the National Guard?

*A: You may still apply, provided you are eligible for immediate membership in the Washington Air National Guard.*

Is there an interview?

*A: Qualified candidates may be referred to the selecting official for potential interviews as part of the hiring process.*

Job from Air National Guard Units

The Air National Guard is a vital component of the United States Armed Forces. With a legacy rooted in community and service, the Guard provides local, state, and national support during emergencies and deployments. Joining the Washington Air National Guard means becoming part of a professional team dedicated to operational excellence, security, and the development of future leaders.