Lift Optimization Specialist

About USA Jet

Within the robust framework of Ascent Global Logistics, USA Jet consistently delivers crucial time-sensitive airlift services, reinforcing the supply chains of esteemed customer partners. Based at Willow Run Airport in Belleville, MI, with over 44 years of service in domestic and U.S. to Canada, Mexico and South America cargo transportation, USA Jet is recognized as a trailblazer in the North American air cargo industry.

Our Guiding Principles

At the core of Ascent's culture is a strong commitment to excellence, driven by the passion and dedication of every team member. We're equally dedicated to going above and beyond for our customers, ensuring this commitment extends beyond our team and brings exceptional value to those we serve. We aim for perfect execution in everything we do and ‘play hard’ by creating an environment where tasks are performed with a can-do attitude from start to finish. We ‘play smart’ by delivering on our commitments in an honest, fair and ethical manner. We treat every person with whom we interface with the utmost dignity and respect. We understand that our teammates are our most valuable assets, so we ‘play together’ by making every effort to provide a professional and enjoyable experience, enabling careers to flourish and personal growth to be achieved.

What You’ll Do

The Lift Optimization Specialist reports directly to the Lift Optimization Manager and will be responsible for crew coordination and bidding USA jet aircraft based on cost, payload, freight readiness, and protect time. 

• Responsible for utilizing company resources to maximize profitability and mission success
• Collaborate with Flight Following and Maintenance to determine accurate aircraft assignment
• Coordinate with Crew Scheduling to determine additional crewmember needs based on business levels and current availability
• Maintain working knowledge of all USA jet airframes, their load capabilities, cabin and door sizes, weight limitations, and performance restrictions and abilities
• Utilize knowledge of hazardous materials requirements to assist flight following and crewmembers to ascertain legality of shipments
• Apply knowledge of international operations including but not limited to documentation and border crossing requirements, to assist in the successful completion of missions
• Network with customer service, sales, customer care, and internal/external sources to understand current markets and demand for resources/lift
• Coordinates with customer service to provide updated information on resource availability, shipment status, and assistance to ensure customer satisfaction
• Escalate operational issues to ensure expedited resolution of airline concerns
• Collaborate with crew scheduling, flight following, and crewmembers with fatigue mitigation by coordination of crew meals, quiet rooms, hotel accommodations, and airline tickets, as necessary
• Utilize various applications and software resources to assist with necessary reporting, ongoing projects, and organizational needs as required
• Assist Flight Following and Crew Scheduling as necessary
• Responsible to actively participate in USA Jet Safety Programs and SMS. Required to report all safety concerns in a timely manner. Required to ensure that they and their co-workers are performing their functions in the safest possible manner. Required to follow the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with legal authority at the location at which they are working
• Other duties may be assigned

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

• Two (2) years’ experience in expedited transportation, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

• Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
• Ability to type a minimum of 30 w.p.m.

• Ability to work effectively in a team as well as independently

• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve issues creatively

• Must have a strong sense of urgency to time-sensitive situations    

• Must be able to remain calm during adverse conditions

• Computer software knowledge of key Microsoft Office platforms including Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred

• Knowledge of locations/operations of airports in North America 
• Successful candidates must satisfactorily complete the training, currency, and testing requirements

• Successful candidates must pass an initial Drug and Alcohol screening process, and a fingerprint based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and/or Security Threat Assessment (STA) as required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Ascent’s Competitive Benefits

• 401(k) and employer matching

• Life Insurance

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Short- & Long-Term Disability

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Wellness Program

• Paid Holidays

• Employee Recognition Programs

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Overtime, Differential, Trip & Bonus Pay

Additional Considerations

• Employment is not contingent upon COVID-19 vaccination status

• May be required to work near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions

• Noise levels may be moderate to loud when aircraft is taxiing in the area