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PROTOCOL SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Special Operations Command

Summary

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

Purpose of Position: To serve as senior Protocol Specialist for Air Force Special Operations Command Protocol. Primary
focus of the position is the planning, managing and executing of the command protocol program to include ceremonies,
conferences, briefings, officialand social functions, and high-level international and domestic visits.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/22/2026 to 05/05/2026
Salary
$89,508 - $116,362 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Hurlburt Field, FL
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
No
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
8J-AFPC-12941612-250001-SA1
Control number
866016400

Duties

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  • Assists the Protocol Officer with monitoring and assigning functions/visits to all project officers, based upon each
    individual's background, expertise, and abilities.
  • Personally meets and greets high ranking dignitaries upon their arrival and accompanies them through various phases of
    their visit ensuring they are accorded all honors and courtesies due to individuals of their rank/status.
  • Provides policy and procedural guidance for the HQ/AFSOC Protocol Program. Incumbent is responsible for long-
    range planning of protocol involving development of goals and objectives that integrate the Air Force protocol requirements
    and objectives with those of the HQ Air Force Special Operations command.
  • Serves as a protocol advisor for HQ/AFSOC and AFSOC bases. Assists in the planning, designing and implementing
    specific and special protocol guidance based on pre-established goals.

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.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military and/or commercial aircraft.
  • Required to work other than normal duty hours, which includes evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

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-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes:(1)Knowledge of HQAFSOC, USSOCOM, USAF, and international protocol policies, practices, and procedures combined with knowledge of the structure, missions, and an understanding of military traditions to plan, organize, and coordinate the overall protocol program for the command (2) Applying skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with groups interested in or affected by the protocol program or policies (3) Knowledge of pertinent laws, instructions, policies, and precedents and local guidelines which affect the protocol program and related support resources in the area studied (4)Knowledge of Protocol Program major issues, program goals and objectives, work processes and administrative operations of the protocol program.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-inĀ­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 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. Extensive knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of a protocol program, military ceremonies, military
traditions, both national and international.

2. Knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques.

3. Skill in preparing and presenting briefings to high level audiences to include senior officers, government officials and
foreign dignitaries; senior officials of industry; and local, state and federal elected officials to include members of Congress
and their senior staff.

4. Knowledge and general understanding of Air Force, Major Command, and military traditions related to protocol.

5. Knowledge and understanding of Air Force and AF Special Operations Command missions and goals.

6. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data sufficient to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful
recommendations. Skill in working with people in attaining mutually positive ends.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Provide fully capable Special Operations Forces to defend the United States and its interests. Synchronize planning of global operations against terrorist networks.

USSOCOM seeks talented and motivated individuals looking to serve your country, optimize your contributions and join our diverse, professional team in Tampa, Florida. You will earn a competitive salary and enjoy outstanding benefits while working alongside some of the brightest, most motivated Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen of our time. Find out more click here.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA)
  • DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
Hurlburt Field
212 Lukasik Avenue
Ste 217
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
US

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