HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Last week, the 419th Fighter Wing hosted a hiring fair to fill 117 maintenance positions for the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II.

During the event, 17 new maintainers were hired and an additional 18 were scheduled for follow-up interviews, leaving many positions still available. Eligible candidates will serve in Air Reserve Technician positions, so must be eligible for military service.

The hiring process for these positions is being fast-tracked in an effort to fill them quickly. The 419th FW is one of 13 reserve units who recently received approval from Air Force Reserve Command to expand direct hiring authority to recruit ART maintenance personnel. DHA now enables the wing to recruit and appoint qualified candidates directly, without applying competitive rating and ranking procedures, which can take many months.

If interested, contact Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Nichiporuk at 775-4685 or via email at daniel.nichiporuk.1@us.af.mil.

ARTs work in a civilian capacity during the week and as part-time reservists at least one weekend per month and two weeks per year.