About Us:

AAR’s purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company’s mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

The Worldwide Aviation Support Services (WASS) program, an AAR business, headquartered in Rockledge, FL, provides global, world-class expeditionary and conventional aviation solutions to the US Department of State Air Wing.

Role Description:

The Air Cargo Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient handling of air cargo. This role involves inspecting and accepting cargo for shipment, ensuring compliance with all relevant safety and security regulations, processing the cargo for in-transit visibility (ITV), and loading and unloading aircraft. The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe workplace and ensure the utilization of safe work practices.
• Follow all safety and security procedures to prevent damage, loss, or theft of cargo.
• Inspect cargo to verify airworthiness and, if necessary, coordinate with the customer to resolve any safety-of-flight issues or concerns.
• Validate cargo weights and dimensions and ensure In-Transit Visibility (ITV) in accordance with applicable guidance.
• Accept, process, document, and store all properly inspected cargo.
• Select, assemble, palletize, secure, and transport cargo loads to/from fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, and to/from cargo storage areas.
• Operate Material Handling Equipment (MHE) to include K-Loaders, commercial pallet loaders, warehouse tugs, and all-terrain forklifts to build/break down cargo pallets, and load and unload military and commercial aircraft.
• Implement necessary safety and security precautions for handling and storing hazardous materials, special handling cargo, and mail for air transport in accordance with specific guidelines.
• Complete and maintain accurate records and ensure all cargo documentation is compliant with international and local regulations.
• Have a working knowledge of Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES) and Global Decision Support System (GDSS) in order to proficiently facilitate cargo processing and tracking IAW U.S. Air Force standards and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with team members, NATO member nation personnel, and personnel in other departments.
• Coordinate with flight crews and ground operations to ensure timely loading and unloading of cargo.
• Report any issues or discrepancies to the appropriate chain of command promptly.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the cargo office, cargo yard, and the cargo handling areas.
• Perform routine checks on material handling equipment and report any malfunctions or maintenance needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

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Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5 years of previous military or civilian experience in cargo handling. Demonstrated performance and other related operations experience may be considered and/or substituted.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 70 lbs. and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Basic understanding of cargo handling procedures and regulations.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate ground support equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Position requires a U.S. government Secret security clearance.
• Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Inspector experience.
• Experience processing air cargo data in Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES).
• Qualified to operate MHE such as 10K forklifts and K Loaders.
• Current DoD Hazardous Materials Inspector certification or the ability to complete training within a reasonable timeframe.
• Current DoD Joint Inspection certification or the ability to complete training within a reasonable timeframe.
• Current U.S. Air Force Load Planner credentials or the ability to complete training within a reasonable timeframe.
• Must have a strong knowledge of U.S. Air Force Air Transportation operations and the technical phases involved with inspecting and processing all classes of cargo.
• Proficiency in the preparation of required documents and marking/placarding of air cargo for military aircraft.
• Experience providing excellent customer service in supporting contract responsibilities in an OCONUS environment.
• Relevant overseas experience, ideally in the Middle East, with knowledge of local culture and customs is preferred.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling multiple tasks at a given time and rapidly adapting to changing priorities and schedules under pressure of deadlines while maintaining performance standards.
• Must have knowledge of principles and processes involved in Aerial Port Operations.
• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Preferred
• Prior Military experience in a related field.
• Bilingual-European nations.