Job Title: Load Planner
Skill Code: LX
Amentum Job Code: LPS-SCH30:OT-N
FLSA Status: Exempt
Assigned Work Site: McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Reports to: ATO Shift Supervisor
Department: Antarctic Terminal Operations (ATO)
Employment Type: Seasonal Contract
Position Overview
The Load Planner is responsible for performing and managing air transportation activities, including planning, scheduling, and processing eligible air cargo, passengers, and mail. The position requires close collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including U.S. and international agencies, and necessitates precise execution of duties to ensure flight safety. Additionally, this role assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the ATO Shift Supervisor, supervising up to 10 employees to ensure operational continuity and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform and manage air transportation activities.
- Plan, schedule, and process eligible air cargo, passengers, and mail.
- Prepare and maintain air movement records and reports.
- Coordinate with NYANG personnel, Fixed Wing staff, Passenger Services Representatives, and Airfield Shift Supervisor for cargo/passenger movements.
- Interface with USAF Joint Inspectors, Air Transportation Specialist II, and Christchurch-based NZDF load teams for load planning, aircraft loading/unloading, and documentation.
- Verify eligibility of cargo and mail offered for airlift.
- Ensure all cargo documentation, packaging, labeling, and marking requirements are met.
- Provide information on schedules, routes, air movement requirements, baggage limitations, and local facilities for passengers.
- Follow necessary safety and security precautions for handling and storing dangerous materials, special cargo, mail, and passenger baggage.
- Ensure proper loading and compatibility of hazardous materials according to military regulations.
- Accurately calculate the weight and balance of cargo and passenger flights using ICODES and provide proper documentation to flight crews.
- Prepare up to 14 load plans per shift and send completed flight packets to the airfield prior to scheduled load time.
- Complete hazardous cargo notifications for aircrews and secure/document hazardous cargo passenger deviations and waivers as required.
- Supervise cargo personnel in pallet-building tasks.
- Demonstrate impeccable and professional communication skills with various departments and agencies, including USAF, NYANG, Fixed Wing Coordinators, NSF representatives, Kenn Borek Air (KBA), USAP Cargo, and Christchurch cargo yard personnel.
- Manage data entry into MAXIMO regarding pallet building, mission reports, and receipt/delivery of inbound cargo.
- Prioritize the movement of cargo to the airfield and destination using the published daily Flight Schedule.
- Provide administrative support for ATO Manager and MCC Supervisor as needed.
- Coordinate daily with Fixed Wing Coordinator and/or Cargo Coordinator(s) to plan on-continent flights.
- Collaborate with USAP Cargo staff, Fixed Wing Coordinator, USAF Joint Inspector, and NYANG personnel to resolve transportation, cargo, or hazardous material issues.
- Assume supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the ATO Shift Supervisor.
- Maintain a safe workplace and prioritize safety in all tasks.
- Perform other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in administrative support.
- Airlift Mobility Command (AMC) Load Planner Certification (training provided if not currently certified).
Preferred Qualifications
- One year of experience in air cargo operations or logistics in Antarctica or the Arctic.
- Knowledge of aircraft load planning and regulations governing transportation of hazardous materials; military aircraft knowledge preferred.
- Familiarity with automated data processing systems such as MAXIMO and ICODES.
Skills and Competencies
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Physical and Other Requirements
- Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods.
- Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations as required by the NSF.
- Completion of drug screening and background check by employer.
- Federal Background Check required by the NSF.
- Must be able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum.
- Ability to perform physical activities, including heavy lifting, climbing, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold.
- Participation in community programs, including housekeeping, cleaning, recycling, and safety initiatives.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Must obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization (U.S. citizenship required).
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amentum is a drug-free workplace.
Boots Required? No
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran’s status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.