AIR TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST
About This Position
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is the principal Subject Matter Expert and Special Air Mission Standardization Program Manager for Special Air Missions, Serving as the critical enabler of U.S. national security objectives the incumbent applies deep operational and non-rated aviator expertise to meticulously plan, coordinate, and execute high-profile SAMs
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 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 mastery of a broad range of air transportation, traffic management, and logistics principles, concepts, policies, and methodologies, including advanced techniques for optimizing air transportation operations in support of complex, high-priority executive airlift missions. This includes the ability to anticipate future trends and proactively adapt strategies to meet evolving challenges and comprehensive knowledge of the DoD Air Transportation Systems, including its interrelationships with other federal agencies, domestic and foreign entities, enabling the incumbent to strategically manage efficient and effective air transportation operations that meet the diverse needs of customers, including high-ranking officials and international partners.
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: Demonstrates expert-level knowledge of U.S. and international aviation regulations (FAA, DoD FLIP/FCG, ICAO, and sovereign nation AIPs/NOTAMs) and proven ability to independently interpret and apply complex, often ambiguous, regulatory guidance to develop and implement standardized operating procedures and policies for executive airlift operations involving multi-type aircraft (e.g., Gulfstream V & 550, Boeing 757, 747 & 737). Expertise in strategic operational planning for global executive airlift, demonstrated by applying complex international and domestic policies to support time-sensitive diplomatic and national security engagements.
Comprehensive knowledge of advanced flight planning (e.g., Foreflight, ARINC Direct, CFMU), scheduling (e.g., Tripplanning.biz, CAMPSYSTEM, Jeppesen Mil Dispatch), and C2 (e.g., Global Decision Support System) systems to develop, model, and execute complex, non-standard mission profiles across global airspace. Ability to strategically allocate resources, proactively resolve high-stakes operational and diplomatic challenges, and negotiate effective solutions in dynamic and restrictive global environments. Demonstrates superior communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with high-level officials in U.S. and foreign government agencies, including national Air Traffic Control (ATC), aerodrome and command control entities.
Demonstrates expertise in leading risk assessments, integrating diverse teams, and managing the Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs) to ensure mission safety, security, and strategic decision-making. Demonstrates expertise in strategically managing diplomatic clearances for high-visibility executive airlift missions, with a thorough understanding of international aviation laws, bilateral agreements, and host nation regulations to ensure compliant global mobility across sensitive sovereign airspace for arrival, departure and overflight requirements. Experience in establishing and maintain effective senior-level relationships with U.S.
Presidential Cabinets, DoD, State Department, and foreign diplomatic entities, skillfully negotiating complex access issues to support national security objectives. Experience in independently monitoring contractor performance, analyzing performance data, and proactively addressing issues to ensure compliance with contract terms and specifications, particularly within AMC Executive Airlift. Demonstrates skill in conducting rigorous risk assessments, developing robust contingency plans, integrating worldwide intelligence analysis, and coordinating force protection elements to ensure the security and continuity of executive airlift missions.
Proficient in conducting comprehensive quality assurance evaluations and ensuring regulatory compliance, possessing a strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, and other relevant acquisition regulations. Skilled in independently resolving complex technical contract problems, communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, and providing clear, concise reports to senior stakeholders. Demonstrates leadership in establishing performance standards, conducting performance reviews, and effectively managing personnel to achieve individual and team objectives within a military environment.
Ability to identify training needs, develop training plans, and mentor personnel to enhance their skills, knowledge, and professional growth. Experience in managing resources effectively, fostering a positive team environment, and resolving conflicts to optimize team performance and morale. 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.
Major Duties
Serves as the commands Standardization Current Operations Program Manager & Subject Matter Expert (SME) and essential member of the contingency planning staff. Acts as command OPR for procedural matters affecting the development of Current Operations activities. Serves as the command's Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Program Manager for Diplomatic Clearances within the Executive Airlift Planning Operations Center (EAPOC), responsible for all aspects of diplomatic overflight, landing, and departure clearances for the command's high-visibility executive airlift missions.
Serves as the command's principal orchestrator and leads interagency objectives for the strategic operations, integration, and global execution of all executive airlift and high-priority air transportation operational requirements. Provides a high degree of technical expertise and operational knowledge to effectively manage and oversee contracts supporting critical functions, particularly within the realm of AMC Executive Airlift. The incumbent serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for contracts of significant complexity and value.
This encompasses cradle-to-grave contract management responsibilities, ensuring contractor performance aligns with defined requirements, objectives, and regulatory guidelines. Provides leadership, guidance, and direct supervision to a team of military personnel (O-4 and below / E-8 and below) in the execution of flight operations. Responsible for fostering a positive and productive work environment, ensuring adherence to standards, and promoting the professional development of assigned personnel.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire.
If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process.
Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
Additional Information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. 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 here for more information. Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. 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 here 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 here 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.
Disabled veteran leave 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 here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/14/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931022 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.
Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.
Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present).
If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09.
Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
- A complete Application Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
- Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE
NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.
You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.
Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.
You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces.
NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1".
Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements.
You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave.
At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).