Air Transportation Specialist III

About the role

The Air Transportation Specialist III oversees and coordinates cargo operations at multiple airfields operated by the US Antarctic Program (USAP). The role covers loading and unloading aircraft, supervising cargo teams, performing quality checks and maintaining records of passenger and cargo movement.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee safe loading and unloading of aircraft operated by Kenn Borek Air, the US Air Force, the NY Air National Guard, the RNZAF and other contractors, keeping operational control of ATO resources on the ramp
• Supervise loading and unloading, operate automated and manual materials handling equipment, and maintain records of passenger and cargo movement, updating mission documents as needed
• Serve as primary point of contact for aircraft loading and unloading, coordinating with flight crews, cargo staff and vehicle operators
• Perform quality checks on cargo loads, verify cargo and mail eligibility, and ensure documentation, packaging, labeling and marking requirements are met
• Select, assemble, palletize and transport cargo loads, check arriving cargo against manifests and document overages, shortages or damage
• Secure cargo in line with US Air Force regulations and follow safety and security precautions for hazardous materials, special cargo, mail and passenger baggage
• Act as supervisor in the absence of the Airfield Shift Supervisor, supervise rotating cargo teams and give feedback for end-of-season evaluations
• Train cargo teams and other departments on airfield procedures, conduct daily maintenance checks on material handling equipment, and maintain tie-down equipment inventory
• Report cargo or equipment damage immediately to the Shift Supervisor, attend safety meetings and maintain a safe workplace

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED
• At least two years of experience in freight movement, including documenting, expediting, tracking and hazardous material transportation
• Airfield operations experience
• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods, with successful medical, dental, drug screening and background checks
• Valid US driver's license; US citizenship is required for facility credentials at this location
• Ability to lift and move items up to the safety regulation maximum, climb in and out of equipment, crawl and work outdoors in extreme cold

Required skills

• Knowledge of passenger and cargo movement, aircraft types and configurations, weight and balance, cargo securing techniques and aircraft load plans
• Preferred: familiarity with MAXIMO, ICODES and Microsoft Office 2016, and working knowledge of US Air Force loading regulations (dash 9)
• Preferred: one year of supervisory experience and previous remote site or polar logistics experience