When you think of aviation maintenance, you probably picture mechanics using all sorts of tools to tinker with massive engines and replace various aircraft components. But where do they get the parts and those specialized tools? Inventory Clerks are responsible for the parts and tools in our Technical Stores. Each Maintenance base, aka airplane hangar, has a Technical Store where A&P Mechanics, Avionics Technicians, and Inspectors can get aircraft components or checkout tools of the trade.

Alex joined our Maintenance team as an Inventory Clerk nearly a year ago. In 2020, she was looking for a change of pace. As a nurse, the stress, loss, and magnitude of the pandemic were weighing on her. Alex’s mom suggested exploring our Inventory Clerk opening while deciding on a school to further her medical education. “This sounds fun,” Alex thought. “I can do this every day, and it’s not stressful.”

Every shift as an Inventory Clerk is different. Alex explained, mornings are generally quieter and when they ship out repairable components. “We do more than I thought in the scope of things,” Alex said after reminiscing about starting in the position. “We ship big stuff, and I learned how to use the forklift.” Things pick up during the night shift when the Fed Ex shipment comes. Inventory Clerks catalog the incoming parts in the computer system and stock them on the shelves.

Inventory Clerks also have “pick lists” for every shift, which lists tools and parts the mechanics need to maintain and fix the aircraft at the hangar. Alex searches for things by finding the part number in our computer system, which tells her where the item is stored. “There are so many places we put things,” she explained. Daily, Inventory Clerks also ship parts to other Technical Stores locations.

Communication is essential on our Maintenance team. Let’s say an aircraft needs unexpected maintenance. The necessary part might be in Milwaukee, and the plane might be routed to Dayton because it’s the closest maintenance base. In this case, the Inventory Clerk on duty in Milwaukee would pack the high-priority part and ensure it ended up on one of our planes headed to Dayton. Then, the Inventory Clerk in Dayton might drive to the terminal to pick it up.

While computer and communication skills are vital to this position, don’t worry if you’ve never worked in aviation before. Most of our Inventory Clerks haven’t. If you have a question, ask! You’ll find Air Wisconsin team members are friendly. “I don’t know what different parts and tools do, but I ask, and [the mechanics] are really nice about telling me,” Alex said. “I always love the people I work with, and I enjoy being around planes.” Alex has always loved to travel, but working in a hangar is the first time she’s gotten to see how the aviation industry works behind the scenes.

One of the best things about working at Air Wisconsin–besides the people–is the travel privileges. Alex was no stranger to the concept. Her mom works at DGS, an aviation ground handling company, and Alex used her mother’s travel privileges for years. Now, she’s able to travel to Texas for a wedding, explore the Alaskan wilderness, and visit countless destinations using her own privileges. It’s an exciting perk for all full-time Air Wisconsin employees.

If you like what you learned about our Inventory Clerk position, apply today at www.airwis.com/careers.