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ARCHIVIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Historical Research Agency

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Archivist at Headquarters Air Force Historical Research Agency, an Air Force Field Operating Agency (FOA). Responsible for performing the archival activities of the Agency's archives, classified and unclassified, paper, and digital. This is a developmental position with known promotion potential to the target position of 9ZAR97922 (Archivist), GS-1420-11.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/04/2026 to 05/08/2026
Salary
$50,460 - $97,087 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Maxwell AFB, AL
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
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
9Z-AFPC-12953024-258799-JMB
Control number
867750000

Duties

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  • Performs advanced professional archival tasks, research and reference services. Ensures the collecting, accession, archiving and digitization of large bodies of historically significant materials meets command and professional standards.
  • Performs a variety of duties in History, research and reference services. Answers requests for historical information requiring complex research in multiple sources.
  • Disseminates historical information through the preparation of finding aids. Assists in maintaining archives.
  • Carries out special assignments. Performs archival conservation and preservation work on the historic collections at the Agency; research regulatory and policy issues; analyzes data; develops briefing slides; prepares documentation to support project needs, such as memorandums and reference papers; presents written and oral reports to supervisor or higher graded specialists, etc.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • 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 Top-Secret clearance.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.
  • 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 by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
  • This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions.
  • Required to walk two flights of stairs carrying up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms).
  • This position is a "Key" position. It cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without impairing the capability of the organization to- function effectively. [Cont...]
  • Unless an alternate can be designated to perform the duties of this position during wartime, the incumbent of this "Key" position must be screened from military recall status.
  • This position may be filled at the GS-07 with promotion potential to the GS-11. The individual selected for this position may be promoted to the target level without further competition upon meeting any legal and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions, Archivist Series 1420.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Bachelor's degree in archival science or bachelor's degree with a major that includes 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government.

OR

Combination of education and experience - at least 30 semester hours that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

FOR GS-7 LEVEL: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of the classified title, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of the occupation sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments; Knowledge of analysis, evaluation, fact-finding, and investigative techniques in order to gather data, identify significant factors, and recommend a solution from a number of possible alternatives; Knowledge of the occupation to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate factual and procedural information clearly.

FOR GS-9 LEVEL: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of the classified title, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of the occupation sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments; Knowledge of analysis, evaluation, fact-finding, and investigative techniques in order to gather data, identify significant factors, and recommend a solution from a number of possible alternatives; Knowledge of the occupation to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate factual and procedural information clearly.

FOR GS-11 LEVEL: 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 general archival principles and procedures and historical methods, principles, concepts, methodology, and techniques, to include knowledge of United States and USAF history, the history of air power, and/or military aerospace history including knowledge of the USAF's heraldry and emblem programs.

OR

EDUCATION

FOR GS -7 LEVEL: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement. NOTE: You must submit a copy of Transcripts.

FOR GS -9 LEVEL: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. NOTE: You must submit a copy of Transcripts.

FOR GS -11 LEVEL: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. NOTE: You must submit a copy of Transcripts.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy 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-05 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. 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)

FOR GS-11:
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Knowledge of the arrangement, content, and servicing of historical collections and working knowledge of other collections and procedures used to access them.
  2. Knowledge of general archival principles and procedures.
  3. Knowledge of methods, procedures and techniques used to assist researchers and staff members in locating and retrieving documents (paper and digital format), microfilm, audio tapes and other archival materials.
  4. A working knowledge of protection methods used for preserving historical documents (paper and digital).
  5. Skill in organizing information in a logical and easily understood manner for use by researchers.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to work with a wide variety of professional and senior personnel in areas requiring sensitivity and tact.

FOR GS-7 & GS-9: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of basic principles of the classified titled or related field.
  2. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing.
  3. Ability to learn basic techniques of the classified title.
  4. Ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
  5. Ability to plan and organize work and consult effectively with co-workers.

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 program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

FLSA is exempt at the GS-9 & 11 grade level but is Non-Exempt at the GS-7 grade level for this position.

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 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 Historical Research Agency

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
  • 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
AF Historical Research Agency - Maxwell AFB
600 Chennault Circle
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
US

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