C-UAS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Duties

Summary:
The primary purpose of this position: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Operations Specialist within the NORAD and USNORTHCOM (N/NC), Directorate of Operations (J3). Responsible for planning, coordinating, and institutionalizing C-UAS capabilities, policies, and operations to address complex and evolving threats within the N/NC Areas of Responsibility (AOR). This includes leading interagency coordination, integrating emerging technologies, and managing specialized programs such as the Forward Area Kit (FAK) to ensure operational readiness and alignment with national security objectives. The position provides expert guidance to senior leaders, shapes strategic decision-making, and enhances mission effectiveness through innovative solutions and comprehensive program management.

Duties:

• Plans, organizes, and institutionalizes C-UAS capabilities through guidelines, policies, and operational documents.
• Leads the coordination of C-UAS policy implementation, capability deployment, and development with interagency and external partners.
• Manages the NORAD & USNORTHCOM FAK program to ensure operational readiness, rapid deployment, and alignment with strategic objectives.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance as a condition of employment.
• During field operations and exercises, the employee may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict safety procedures to mitigate risks associated with the deployment and testing of advanced C-UAS technologies.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, Miscellaneous Administration and Program Series 0301.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes advanced knowledge of DoW and OSW policy, goals, objectives, functions, operations, procedures, and practices as it relates to C-UAS to ensure N/NC complies with mandated directives, develop innovative solutions and guidelines, provide technically authoritative expert guidance to senior leaders, and support N/NC personnel executing missions and operations; Mastery of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment of C-UAS threats to provide accurate and relevant information on shortfalls, limiting factors, and impacts to the command's missions, goals, and objectives; Comprehensive knowledge of interagency coordination processes, including collaboration with joint, interagency, and multinational partners to align C-UAS policies and capabilities with national security objectives and high-priority missions; Mastery knowledge of UAS and UxS current and emerging technologies, such as RF detection, PNT systems, radar, and EO/IR systems, and their integration into operational strategies to enhance detection, identification, and defeat capabilities; Proficient skill in analyzing and evaluating complex operational challenges, identifying mission gaps, and developing actionable recommendations to enhance C-UAS readiness and operational effectiveness; In-depth knowledge of property accountability, inventory management, and life cycle processes for C-UAS FAKs, including the coordination of hardware and software upgrades, to ensure operational readiness and rapid deployment; Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to produce high-quality operational documents, represent the command in senior-level forums, and build consensus across interagency and multinational environments.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

Knowledge of C-UAS capabilities, policies, and operational planning, including the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to address complex and evolving threats.

Knowledge of interagency coordination processes and policy implementation, including the ability to lead high-level engagements and build consensus across joint, interagency, and multinational environments.

Knowledge of UAS and UxS current and emerging technologies, including RF detection, PNT systems, radar, and EO/IR systems, with the ability to provide strategic guidance on their integration into operational strategies.

Knowledge of property accountability, inventory management, and life cycle processes for C-UAS FAKs, including the coordination of hardware and software upgrades.

Demonstrated skill in analyzing and resolving complex operational challenges, providing actionable recommendations to senior leaders, and shaping strategic decision-making.

Skill in developing and implementing training programs, including the coordination of personnel, resources, and logistics to ensure operational readiness and standardization.7. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, producing high-quality operational documents, delivering impactful briefings, and influencing senior-level decision-making.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Conditions of Employment (cont.):

• This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive position presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
• This is a KEY position IAW 32 CFR, Part 44 Appendix A and DoD Directive 1200.7. A Key Position is a Federal position that cannot be vacated during a war, national emergency, or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency to function effectively. Applicants for positions designated as "Key" positions who do not agree to this condition shall not be extended an offer of employment. The employee must be removed from the Ready Reserve and CANNOT become a member of the Ready Reserve while assigned to this position.
• IAW DoDI 3020-42 this position has been locally, or command designated as Mission Essential (ME). ME personnel perform a Mission Critical Function (MCF), which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency or during hazardous weather conditions to keep critical operations functioning. These personnel are required to report for duty at normal times when the base is closed or if delayed reporting is directed and remain on duty during phased or early release.
• Work may require short notice travel away from the normal duty station to locations within and outside of the continental United States on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY) or deployments (under 30 days) to non-combat locations. Training may be required to prepare the incumbent for extended TDY under field conditions, which may expose incumbent to hazardous conditions and potentially life-threatening conditions. Special dietary or religious requirements may not be accommodated during TDY or training exercises. Incumbent may be required to obtain an official passport.
• Employee may be required to work non-traditional duty hours and/or be "on call" after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Position is subject to short- or no-notice recall to duty during exercises, crises, or contingencies. Shift work may be necessary during exercises, crises, or contingencies. Incumbent may be required to support extended hours and 24-hour operations as directed.
• Incumbent required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercises, Real-World events, or on an as needed basis to support mission requirements. Battle Roster functions may include but are not limited to the Joint Operations Center (JOC), Future Operations Center (FOC), Future Plans Center (FPC), Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC), N/NC Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (NDDOC), Joint Intelligence Operations Center-North (JIOC-N), Joint Cyber Center (JCC), and other tasks as assigned.
• This position may be required to deploy to non-combat locations or in-place in support of contingency operations. Incumbent may be required to undergo a medical evaluation prior to deploying to assess the risk of injury or illness, or if any existing condition is likely to significantly worsen in the deployed environment. The incumbent must report any significant health conditions and changes in health status and/or medication requirements to their supervisor. This is not a pre-employment requirement.
• YA002 = Eligible for situational telework only, including Ad hoc, Emergency, or OPM prescribed "Unscheduled" Telework. This eligibility is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility. A civilian employee's telework arrangement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click .

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