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AIR TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Force District of Washington

Summary

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

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/08/2026 to 04/14/2026
Salary
$121,785 - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Andrews AFB, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
8Q-AFPC-12931022-224893-GAO
Control number
864165000

Duties

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  • 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.

Requirements

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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 posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • 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.
  • All other duties assigned pertaining to 89th Airlift Wing Executive Airlift Operations
  • Required to work uncommon and changing tours of duty to provide 24/7 coverage.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • Position is designated as Emergency Essential (E-E) and Key Essential, can NOT be filled by a Ready Reservist to prevent position from being vacated during a mobilization.
  • Must obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
  • IAW DODI 1400.25 v711, position NOT eligible to participate in the Collective Bargaining Unit due to National Security requirements.
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.

Air Force District of Washington

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win ... Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Military Spouse Preference

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
JB Andrews
1500 W Perimeter Road
Ste 5300
JB Andrews, MD 20762
US

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