Parachute Rigger/Driver with CDL - Joint Base Lewis McChord

Job Code: 2025:0301.2-001

Location: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Business Sector: Test Range Operations

Job Description

The Parachute Rigger/Driver is a specialist who performs a wide range of technical functions on parachutes and aerial delivery equipment. These functions can include inspection, repack, repair, modification, malfunction analysis, sentencing, procurement and fleet management of parachutes and aerial delivery equipment. The Parachute Rigger/Driver supervises or packs and repairs cargo parachutes, and rigs equipment and supply containers for airdrop. They are primarily responsible for repairing textile and canvas items, webbed equipment and clothing. The Parachute Rigger/Driver rigs supplies, equipment, and vehicles for airdrop. This position also drives large or heavy vehicles and must maintain and hold a CDL and ensure its requirements are current.

Riggers are critical to parachute operations. Every parachute packed, repaired and maintained by a Parachute Rigger/Driver could affect the safety of others indirectly in the cargo packing role. Failure to observe the correct technical and safety procedures for maintaining parachutes and aerial delivery equipment may result in significant loss of aircraft, supplies or other expensive equipment or resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Rigs, prepares and inspects Air Delivery Platforms (ADPs) to include, but not limited to, Heavy Equipment (HE), Container Deliver System (CDS), Low-Cost Low Altitude (LCLA) CDS, Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS), Extraction Line Panels, and Door Bundles

- Inspects, cleans, stores, repairs, and packs cargo/extraction parachutes and extraction line panels

- Provides loading and off-loading of equipment and material onto trucks, k-loaders, forklifts, and pickups

- Serves as drivers of trucks, k-loaders, forklifts, and pickups

- Serves as drivers of heavy commercial trucks pulling highway trailers, k-loaders, forklifts, and pickups

- Riggers will not load aircraft. Aircraft are loaded by the Government.

- Recovers airdrop training platforms and equipment (parachutes, parachute bags, dropsondes, and extraction line panels) from Drop Zone (DZ)

- Drives off road, all-terrain vehicles with recovered material in DZ

- Fabricates and assembles airdrop platforms, cushioning materials and rigging components

- Loads, positions, and secures supplies and equipment within aircraft

- Tests and installs extraction and release systems

- Inspects cargo and personnel parachutes and other airdrop equipment before and after each use, during packing and rigging, and at prescribed intervals to determine serviceability

- Repairs or replaces airdrop equipment

- Uses and maintains machines and tools for fabrication, modification, and repair of parachutes and other airdrop equipment

- Rig supplies, equipment and vehicles for airdrop

- Inventory, clean, receive, store and issue all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations

- Inspect, test and install extraction and release systems

- Performs other job-related duties as assigned to include TDY and travel

Qualifications

Pay Rate: $37.11/hour

Required Skills and Qualifications

- Is proficient in shop mechanics and science.

- Must promote Company values, policies, and standards of conduct.

- Must be customer-oriented and ensure professional coordination with Operations and other base agencies.

- Must follow all local, Air Force and DOD technical manuals, practices, and guidelines pertaining to parachute rigging, inspections, and air delivery recovery.

- Must be able to workday shift, night shift, or weekend duty as required.

- Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

- Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Must possess highly developed analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Must demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail is a top priority.

Must know and follow state and federal commercial vehicle regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Must be able to safely operate a heavy commercial vehicle combination in mountainous and severe weather conditions.

- Must be able to safely operate a heavy commercial vehicle combination on highways and city roadways including intersections and pedestrian areas.

- Must share a commitment to maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment while simultaneously optimizing individual performance and contribution.

Preferred Qualification

- Certified Rigger preferred but not required. If certified, must provide a recent certification from either the U.S. Air Force, Army or Navy Loadmaster Course, or Parachute Rigger/Parachute Packer Course.

- If not certified, must be willing and able to attend Rigger's school at Ft. Lee, VA.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

- The work of this position is performed in an environmentally controlled office environment and in outdoor weather conditions.

- Must be able to view computer monitor for periods of time.

- Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted.

- Driving work can be performed on rural, inner-city or suburban roads and highways in all weather conditions.

- Must be capable of frequent squatting, crouching, stooping, kneeling, and standing while performing duties.

- Must be able to traverse over uneven terrain and climb ladders and stairs safely.

- Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the duties and responsibilities.

Terms of Employment and Eligibility Requirements

- Must be a U.S. Citizen.

- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

- Must possess a valid driver's license, without special restrictions.

- Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with applicable endorsements as required by position.

- Must present a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) issued by a certified medical provider listed on the National Register of Certified Medical Examiners.

- Subject to pre-employment and ongoing Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks to confirm a safe driving history.

- Must pass a DOT-compliant pre-employment drug screen and participate in an employer - administered drug and alcohol testing program, which includes:

o Random testing

o Post-accident testing

o Reasonable suspicion testing

o Return-to-duty and follow-up testing (if applicable)

- Must consent to a full query of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse prior to hire, and to annual limited queries during employment.

- Must report any CDL suspensions, disqualifications, or convictions for traffic violations in accordance with Federal regulations.

- Must be able to successfully complete a background screening.

- Must possess or be able to obtain a security clearance prior to employment and maintain security clearance for the duration of employment.

The lists above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this position. TRAX International reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.

Other Job Information

TRAX is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and supports contributions of all individuals. TRAX is an equal opportunity employer of minorities, females, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, familial status, pregnancy, ancestry, national origin, handicap, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.