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RANGE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Pacific Air Forces

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 to performs as the subject matter expert and technical lead for managing the real-time operations and use of the DoD's largest bilateral and joint exercise and training range within INDOPACOM. Providesoversight and direction for the coordination and control of all training and operational missions for 30 U.S.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/27/2026 to 05/04/2026
Salary
$63,795 - $82,938 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - 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
Term - 30 Sep 2028
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
8T-AFPC-12947617-263305-KR
Control number
866841900

Duties

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  • Serves as an 18 OSS Range Operations Specialist. Responsible for managing the real-time execution of the Joint Okinawa Training Range Complex (JOTRC) Airspace and Range Management Facility Operations.
  • Performs Airspace and Range Management Facility Control Operations.
  • Real-Time Airspace and Range Scheduling Specialist. Responsible for the real-time execution of all JOTRC activities.
  • Conducts Schedule Quality Reviews. Reviews the Data Collection and Scheduling Tool (DCAST) products for timelinessand accuracy.
  • Oversees Operational Coordination with 18th Wing Command Post, 623rd Air Control Squadron, Joint Service andHost-Nation Directional Control Centers.

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 position 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.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
  • 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. Illegal drug use (cont'd)
  • (cont'd) by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
  • May be required to work an uncommon tour of duty, i.e., Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. May be required rotating shifts and overtime. May be required to respond to short notice recall (cont'd)
  • (cont'd) to support unscheduled emergency air traffic and/or contingencies/exercises to support the mission.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through (cont'd)
  • (cont'd) full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs.
  • This position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbents of key positions must be (cont'd)
  • (cont'd) removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available.
  • Must complete all training requirements within facility prescribed time limits to obtain and maintain a full performance level facility rating in facility of assignment.
  • The incumbent must have the ability to meet and maintain on a continuing basis, the physical, mental, and medical standards for duties as specified by the OPM qualification standard.
  • This position is a TERM position and NOT TO EXCEED 28 September 2028.

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment Continued:

  • Must have training Range and Airspace operations experience; at least 3-years is highly desired.
  • The position may require the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions. The incumbent of this position must have the ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time while controlling aircraft in a dimly lit IFR radar control room.

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 Series 0301.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of technical procedures and requirements related to aviation activities for the installation in order to assess compliance with Federal Aviation Administration, and Host Nation policies and decision of record findings; knowledge of air traffic control laws, policies, regulations and precedents applicable to airspace and range management; knowledge of the National Environmental policy Act and requirements to environmentally assess various federal actions such as establishment of new special use airspace, military training routes, restricted area airspace and air refueling tracks; knowledge of MAJCOM program goals and objectives and methods of evaluating the worth of airspace program accomplishments; knowledge of and experience with the laws, regulations, and processes pertaining to encroachment issues. Historical knowledge of installation flying training mission. Duties require ability to guide interdisciplinary installation teams and groups and the public with varying scientific, political, cultural, and economic perspectives to develop recommendation and information regarding encroachment and air space; comprehensive knowledge of the JOTRC scheduling processes, practices, procedures, policies, standards, and operational requirements; extensive knowledge of air, ground, and maritime spaces, to include the capabilities and limitation of airspace, ranges, operational resources, and range safety requirements; an intensive working knowledge of the Data Collection and Scheduling Tool (DCAST) software scheduling tool; recent knowledge of Airspace and Range Management regulations and policies as well as mature judgement, thoroughness, tact, and communication skills in order to function under the complexity of diverse interests, objectives, and unforeseen problems/issues; knowledge of customer issues, plans, and program goals in order to effectively implement accurate real-time scheduling procedures to reduce any delays in test/training requirements; general knowledge of USAF, USMC, USN, and USA training policies and procedures; comprehensive knowledge of and experience in FAA Air Traffic Control procedures, and in the operations and scheduling of aircraft, special use airspace and ATC controlled airspace, ranges, and data collection systems in order to provide for the maximum utilization of range resources.

OR
EDUCATION:
I have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. if related. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.


OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.

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-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 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. In-depth knowledge of the of training Ranges and Airspace scheduling processes, practices, procedures, policies, standards and operational requirements.
  2. Comprehensive knowledge and application of the Data Collection and Scheduling Tool (DCAST) system.
  3. Extensive knowledge of airspace, ground, and maritime space management programs, to include the capabilities and limitations of airspace, ranges, test resources and range safety requirements.
  4. Ability to understand, interpret, and enforce DoD, USAF, USN, INDOPACOM, PACAF regulations, bilateral agreements, and policies associated with major range facilities.
  5. Ability to resolve resource conflicts and to ensure asmooth flow for overall scheduling and operation of training rangesand airspace.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to identify, direct, or coordinate actions required in providing needed service.

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

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Important Overseas Information: Applicants interested in applying for overseas locations please click here to review important information regarding the exceptional family member program.

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.

Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition. NOTE: 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.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When job announcements indicate PCS costs are authorized, overseas allowances may be authorized in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and any applicable Federal Overseas Regulations.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval).

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

Pacific Air Forces

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:

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
  • Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • National Service (Peace Corps and VISTA)
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • Non-Appropriated Fund
  • Non-DoD Transfer
  • Other (Interchange Agreements)
  • Overseas - Excepted Service Family Member
  • Overseas - Family Member Preference
  • Overseas - Military Spouse
  • Overseas Family Member Preference with Veteran Preference
  • Overseas Military Spouse Preference with Veteran Preference
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act
  • Veterans Recruitment Authority

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
Kadena AB
Unit 5134 Box 30
APO, AP 96368
US

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