What are the responsibilities and job description for the FUTURE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST position at Air Force Elements NORAD?

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Veterans

Individuals with disabilities

Military spouses

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Land and base management

Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Clarification from the agency

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

Duties

Summary :

The primary purpose of this position is : To serve as a senior future operations advisor, planner, and coordinator for North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operations Directorate (N / J3). Plans, designs, develops, coordinates, and executes a variety of operations-related activities in support of Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command's (CDRNORAD's) assigned mission sets (i.e., provide Aerospace Warning, Aerospace Control, and Maritime Warning), strategic priorities and objectives, and desired outcomes. Exercises control over nonsupervisory employees assigned to NORAD Future Operations Division, Future Operations Branch (N / J35O). Serves as the division's and branch's subject matter expert (SME) for all operations-related activities and matters pertaining to : Operation NOBLE EAGLE (ONE) Execution Orders (EXORDs), U.S. Special Directed Missions; Special Event Assessment Ratings (SEAR), campaigning, and concept of operations (CONOPS) development. Augments NORAD crisis-action planning teams during major exercises and real-world contingencies and crises.

Duties :

Serves as a future operations advisor, planner, analyst, and coordinator for N / J3.

Lead and SME for NORAD coordination of ONE EXORDs.

Augments future operations and crisis-action planning teams to facilitate CDRNORAD's timely strategic and operational decision making during major exercises and real-world contingencies and crises.

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 :

This posn 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

Leave accrual may be authorized upon request

Locally funded PCS costs approved.

Position requires ability to critically think through, plan, design, refine, coordinate, and execute CCMD-level activities ISO assigned processes, projects, and tasks.

This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmental Information clearance as a condition of employment.

Work may require operating out of an alternate location(s) for an extended period(s) of time.

Work occasionally requires travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment (Continued) :

Will occasionally be required to work during weekends and non-standard hours and on holidays to support NORAD-related activities, e.g., to support training exercises and / or attend multi-week conferences. May be required to support short-notice taskings and 24 / 7 operations in support of time-sensitive and / or high-visibility taskings and "surge" and / or extraordinary scenarios.

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.

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.

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.

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 equivalent to the GS-12 (or higher) grade level or equivalent (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Examples of specialized experience include expert knowledge of doctrine and operations involving countering air and missile threats; [U.S.] homeland defense; joint air control; joint planning; and joint air, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, information, and space operations; knowledge of Major and / or Joint Command staff processes, e.g., use of corporate structures; knowledge of how to use information systems that are typically used in command and / or operations centers; knowledge of qualitative and / or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of CCMD headquarters-level plans, operations, and programs; knowledge of how to gather, assemble, and analyze facts; conduct analysis (e.g., analyze the sequencing and timing of key events and milestones; knowledge of how to develop and promote recommended COAs to address challenges and / or advance the mission); requiring continuous appraisal of the utilization of U.S. and Canadian government organization resources with regard to planning and executing operations; knowledge of how to plan, design, refine, coordinate, and execute CCMD-level activities ISO assigned processes, projects, and tasks; requires mastery of advanced management and organizational principles and practices along with a comprehensive knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting regulations, guidelines and processes; Knowledge of administrative procedures and corporate-structure-related processes, product requirements, and timelines required to pursue both short- and long-range visions, goals, and objectives (e.g., developing a Commander's Estimate for crisis-action planning or authoring guidance or policy for the next five years); knowledge of how to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; requires aggressive pursuit of developmental opportunities (e.g., additional education and training programs) to enhance communication abilities; knowledge of how to plan, prepare, and deliver oral presentations, training programs and sessions, and consultations and strategy sessions for senior management and leadership to secure cooperation, resolve controversial matters, and convey information related to proposed recommendations; Knowledge of how to develop and coordinate a variety of professional papers and electronic correspondence, documents, and products (e.g., U.S. Code, formal letters, primer papers, letters of agreement, memorandums of understanding, position papers, reports, staff studies, staff summary packages, briefings, charts, bullet background papers) for the purposes of informing senior leaders and managers and / or recommending and promoting desired COAs; topic matters are often broad and complex and impact organizations and activities (e.g., another CCMD / s strategic messaging efforts targeting Russian activities).

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 doctrine and / or operations involving countering air and missile threats; [U.S.] homeland defense; joint air control; joint planning; and joint air, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, information, and space operations. Knowledge of Major and / or Joint Command staff processes, e.g., use of corporate structures.

Knowledge of qualitative and / or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of CCMD headquarters- level plans, operations, and programs; specifically, must be able to gather, assemble, and analyze facts; conduct analysis (e.g., analyze the sequencing and timing of key events and milestones; and when required, be able to develop and promote recommended COAs to address challenges and / or advance the mission). Knowledge of how to use information systems that are typically used in command and / or operations centers.

Ability to plan, design, refine, coordinate, and execute CCMD-level activities ISO assigned processes, projects, and tasks; when accomplishing assigned tasks, ability to adhere to relevant administrative procedures and corporate-structure- related processes, product requirements, and timelines.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.

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 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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority / preference. Noncompetitive applicants do not need to respond to the assessment questions with the A through E responses indicating level of experience / training.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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.

Benefits

Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

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 : For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) 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 should 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.

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.

Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees) : You must submit a legible copy of a 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).

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 02 / 05 / 2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link :

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 (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.

If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.

For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and 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.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

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.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center

Phone

1-800-525-0102

DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY

Address

NORAD

250 Vandenberg Street

Suite B016

Peterson SFB, CO 80914

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service

Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Online Application : Questionnaire