Position Summary
The Department of the Army is seeking a Materials Handler under Title 32 Excepted Service authority. This role supports the Illinois United States Property and Fiscal Office within the Army National Guard. The selected candidate will serve in a dual status technician capacity and must maintain membership in the Illinois National Guard as a condition of employment.
This announcement remains open from March 2, 2026, through March 1, 2027. The initial review of applications will occur on March 30, 2026, and recruitment will continue until the position is filled. This is an indefinite temporary appointment and may not convert to a permanent role. Permanent technicians selected for this position will forfeit permanent tenure.
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Position Details
- Location: Springfield, Illinois
- Vacancies: One
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Appointment Type: Temporary, Indefinite
- Pay Grade: WG 4 through WG 6
- Salary Range: $20.20 to $27.11 per hour
- Promotion Potential: Grade 6
- Job Series: 6907 Materials Handler
- Security Clearance: Secret
- Travel: Occasional travel may be required
- Telework: Not available
- Supervisory Responsibilities: None
- Bargaining Unit: Yes
The position carries a Noncritical Sensitive designation and requires a national security trust determination.
Organizational Context
The Illinois Army National Guard provides logistical, operational, and administrative support to ensure military readiness and effective resource management. Within this structure, the Materials Handler plays a vital role in maintaining supply accountability, safeguarding government property, and ensuring warehouse efficiency.
Core Responsibilities
The Materials Handler oversees assigned product lines or warehouse segments and may function as the senior team member within a smaller storage facility. Responsibilities include, though are not limited to:
Inventory Control and Property Accountability
The incumbent verifies stock and part numbers using supply catalogs to ensure accurate identification of materials. In addition, they inspect, classify, accept, and dispose of a broad range of property, including electronic systems and aircraft or vehicle components. They determine serviceability and physical condition before items enter storage or distribution channels.
Warehouse Operations
The role requires operating perimeter warehouse vehicles, including cargo tractors, stake trucks, mobile cranes, and forklifts with up to 10,000-pound capacity. The Materials Handler organizes storage layouts, plans traffic flow, and assists in configuring warehouse space to maximize efficiency and safety.
Documentation and Systems Management
The incumbent utilizes Standard Army Management Information Systems to track and document material movement. They prepare inventory and production reports, review shipping and receiving documents for discrepancies, and route shipments appropriately. When inconsistencies arise, they notify supervisors and coordinate corrective actions.
Hazardous Materials Handling
The position involves storing and managing hazardous materials in accordance with established safety procedures. The Materials Handler ensures compliance with handling requirements and directs defective or damaged items to maintenance activities for technical inspection.
Project Leadership
In certain assignments, the incumbent serves as the senior member of a warehouse project team, particularly during relocation efforts or when establishing new storage areas. They guide team members and ensure accountability standards remain intact throughout the process.
Employment Conditions
Appointment to this Title 32 Excepted Service position requires active membership in the Illinois National Guard in the military grade specified. Enlisted personnel up to the rank of Sergeant First Class are eligible. The selectee must wear the military uniform and maintain compliance with military standards.
Additional conditions include:
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
- Successful completion of a background investigation
- Eligibility under federal suitability standards
- Compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions
- Availability for irregular or overtime hours when operational needs demand
- Mandatory participation in direct deposit
Federal employees must meet all suitability requirements before appointment.
Areas of Consideration
Applications will be reviewed in the following sequence:
- Permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the Illinois National Guard
- Current federal employees
- Federal reemployment eligible applicants
- Applicants are willing to become Title 32 dual status technicians and obtain Illinois National Guard membership.
- United States citizens
Qualification Criteria
Candidates must qualify solely based on experience. Education cannot substitute for required experience in this occupational series.
WG 6 Level
Applicants must demonstrate experience in receiving, packaging, and preparing materials for shipment. They must show competence in warehouse planning, documentation standards, storage rotation practices, and accepted supply procedures.
WG 5 Level
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to organize and rotate bin or bulk supplies. Experience should include determining inventory quantities and following written and verbal instructions within standard warehouse operations.
WG 4 Level
Applicants must show experience comparing item identification against receiving documentation, operating hand trucks and similar equipment, using basic hand tools, and following instructions accurately.
Both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer service, may be credited if it clearly reflects relevant competencies. Resumes must describe duties in the applicant’s own words and provide detailed timelines, position titles, and explanations of how experience was gained. Submissions that replicate announcement language verbatim will not be considered.
Evaluation Process
After the announcement closes, hiring officials will review the submitted documentation to determine eligibility and the level of qualification. Applicants who meet minimum requirements will be assessed based on the depth and quality of experience described in their application materials.
Candidates who demonstrate the strongest alignment with required competencies will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Inflated self-assessments that are not supported by documented experience may result in adjustment or removal from consideration.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a complete application package through the official federal hiring portal before the announcement closing date. Applicants should ensure that all required documentation is included and that their resume provides detailed evidence of qualifying experience.
The official vacancy reference number is IL 12898574 AR 26 093. Applicants should retain this number for tracking purposes and refer to the Illinois Army National Guard careers page for submission instructions and required forms.
Additional Considerations
The Illinois Army National Guard seeks individuals committed to public service, operational excellence, and adherence to constitutional principles. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and dedication to mission readiness.
Prospective applicants who require guidance on federal resume preparation are encouraged to consult the USAJOBS Help Center before submission.