Federal

Explosives Safety Specialist, SLD 30

Space Systems Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Vandenberg AFB, California NH-3 $104,349 - $161,313/yr
Posted: Apr 9, 2026 Deadline: Apr 16, 2026 (Closes in 4 days days left)

About This Position

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Qualifications

The 0017 series does not have individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please review the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management.

Major Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) at Vandenberg Space Force Base is searching for an Explosives Safety Specialist for SLD 30 (NH-0017-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent). Description: Employee carries out assignments independently; conceives and defines solutions to highly complex problems related to Space Launch and Launch Testing; analyzes, interprets, and reports findings of projects; and conducts technical and programmatic work. Plans, coordinates, and evaluates activities necessary of a diverse weapons/explosives safety program conducted in direct support of space launch and pre-launch support activities of a complex multi-mission installation, tenant organizations and commercial range users.

Conclusions may influence space launch processing, operations, facility design and location, safety procedures, safety programs, and systems modification. Reviews highly complex safety program requirements where various departmental jurisdictions and divergent regulations overlap. Evaluates a variety of complex, unconventional weapons and explosives safety problems or circumstances; determines risk assessment of the hazardous processes/conditions identified; and determines applicable methods and procedures for controlling or eliminating hazards.

Reviews complex explosives/weapons safety plans/programs and develops and issues instructions and procedures establishing technical and administrative safety requirements which frequently become official installation practice and procedures. Performs periodic evaluations, and surveys of facilities, equipment, and operations; and identifies deficiencies in the program and variances to the standard using a comprehensive knowledge of regulations, standards, procedures, methods, and techniques to determine compliance with explosives safety regulations. Ideal Candidate: Experience at the Wing, numbered Air Force or Major Command level managing a Weapons/Explosives Safety Program(s).

Experience producing Explosives Site Plans and Hybrid Safety Submissions, Explosives Risk Assessments and have written Annual Explosives Safety Inspection reports. Experience generating Explosives Safety Maps utilizing Explosives Safety Software and ArcGIS Professional computer programs. Possess vast knowledge of Department of War, Department of Transportation, United States Air Force and/or United States Space Force Explosives Safety Standards.

A formal Master's degree in a related Aerospace field is desired however explosives safety experience is weighed heavily. Attended Weapons Safety Management Course. Key Skills and Abilities: 1. Expert knowledge of established weapons and explosives safety principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and current legislative issues as they relate to the military installation weapons and explosives safety program; the requirements, methods, and techniques of accident and mishap investigation, analysis, resolution of safety problems, and formal reporting procedures; and risk assessment methods and techniques for evaluation of weapons and explosives safety risks.

  1. Expert knowledge of complex explosives safety construction standards, methods, practices, techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with regulations and standards.
  2. Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  3. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations; monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes.
  4. Ability to identify problems and use sound judgment and decisions to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations

How You Will Be Evaluated

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted.

If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Additional Information

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. 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.

How to Apply

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click 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.

Required Documents

Resume: You must submit a resume that 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 exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. 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 resume must provide: Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information: Job title Detailed duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.) Hours per week Salary, if applicable Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Explosives Safety Specialist, SLD 30 position at Space Systems Command?
The salary range for this position is $104,349 - $161,313/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Explosives Safety Specialist, SLD 30 job located?
This position is located in Vandenberg AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The 0017 series does not have individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please review the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 16, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does NH-3 mean?
NH-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.