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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 Transportation Specialist Lead is a key member of the aviation operations team supporting a substantial airfield operation for the U.S. Department of State, DoS and Bureau of Diplomatic Security, DS under the oversight of the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office of Aviation, INL-A. The Air Transportation Specialist Lead is responsible for managing the orchestration of a complex air transportation operation. Daily tasks are to manage the overall verification of efficient planning, scheduling, and processing of loading and unloading of passengers, cargo, baggage on military and commercial-contract aircraft as well as Medical Evacuations. Responsible for ensuring compliance with all operational procedures, safety regulations, and Host Nation guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as Lead Air Transportation Specialist, overseeing all Air Terminal Operations Center, ATOC operations and supervising Air Transportation Specialist personnel to ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, SOP, contractual obligations, and mission objectives.
- Perform and manage critical Air Transportation Specialist duties including Information Controller, Ramp Coordinator, and Prior Permission Request, PPR Desk functions while maintaining Mission on Ground, MOG requirements and Embassy Air operations.
- Track and disseminate all inbound and outbound aircraft movement details passenger, cargo, and parking slot assignments to relevant sections, ensuring synchronized airfield operations.
- Oversee the proper handling and movement of hazardous materials in compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, airfield policies, and the Airfield Procedures Guide, APG.
- Resolve operational issues including aircraft delays, cargo discrepancies, and personnel movement conflicts with decisive leadership and coordination.
- Act as the liaison with Government of Iraq, GOI officials, DoD, and DoS stakeholders for customs, immigration, and overall coordination needs.
- Ensure compliance with operational standards and regulations from DoD, DoS, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, ICAA, and the host nation, reinforcing safety and mission continuity.
- Supervise ramp operations, including aircraft movement, maintenance coordination, cargo inspections, passenger handling, Distinguished Visitors, DV missions, MEDEVACs, and dignified transfers.
- Enforce all airfield safety procedures and SOPs, taking immediate corrective action when necessary to uphold operational standards.
- Ensure accurate documentation and execution of all air transportation activities, including loading-unloading of passengers, cargo, and baggage, per SOP guidance.
- Oversee the submission and tracking of PPRs in alignment with MOG constraints and airfield procedural requirements.
- Monitor and assess performance of subordinate Air Transportation Specialists, providing coaching and taking corrective action when needed.
- Coordinate closely with section leads across the airfield to ensure efficient operations and compliance with safety policies.
- Coordinate APACS and ICAA-Dip Note clearance processes for international aircraft, ensuring all requirements are met prior to PPR issuance.
- Maintain secure communications via DoD NIPRNet-SIPRNet for U.S. aircraft transiting through the airfield.
- Draft, update, and submit Embassy Air flight schedules in accordance with SOPs and evolving mission needs.
- Create and maintain the annual shift schedule to ensure full operational coverage and continuity.
- Administer the Air Transportation Specialist training and qualification program.
- Perform rotating and overnight shift duties as required.
- Deploy and operate under austere conditions as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
