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Explosives Safety Specialist, SLD 30

Department of the Air Force
Space Systems Command
United States Space Force / Space Systems Command / Space Launch Delta 30

Summary

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Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/09/2026 to 04/16/2026
Salary
$104,349 - $161,313 per year

Salary is dependent upon duty location, grade, step and locality pay. Equivalent to GS-12/13.

Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Vandenberg AFB, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
SF-FY26-6S-NH-0017-3-SPLASH
Control number
864658200

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Duties

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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.
2. Expert knowledge of complex explosives safety construction standards, methods, practices, techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with regulations and standards.
3. Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
4. 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.
5. Ability to identify problems and use sound judgment and decisions to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
  • Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.
  • PCS funding is authorized.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): 15 days a year.
  • Must be able to meet continual education requirements.
  • Employee is in a designated position that requires consent and thereafter be subject to and successfully complete, an initial, periodic and random counterintelligence (CI)-scope polygraph examination as a condition of employment.
  • Requirement reason: e.g., Due to; extended periods of standing, stooping, kneeling etc. Employee also may be required to climb and descend ladders to gain access to rooftops for Lightning Protection Systems compliance inspections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Space Systems Command

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) will be used to form a pool of qualified applicants who will be considered for direct hire vacancies as they become available.

To learn more about the United States Space Force Mission click here

Agency contact information

US Space Force Enterprise Talent Management
Email
HQ.USSF.TalentAcquisition@spaceforce.mil
Address
USSF - Space Systems Command
1670 Space Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

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