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Operations Specialist

Department of Defense
Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Summary

This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/08/2026 to 05/14/2026
Salary
$52,339 - $120,696 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
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
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
DSCA-26-12955322-DE
Control number
868489500

Duties

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As a Operations Specialist at the GS-0301-7/9/11/12 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Oversee the planning, instructing, and organizing of DSCU's training, as well as, operations.
  • Work closely with Headquarters (HQ), Talent Management (TM) Division and with DSCU leadership for the purpose of tracking the status of new billet requests, hiring packages, and various other personnel actions (e.g., reassignments, realignments, etc.).
  • Provide advice and support to leadership across the entire spectrum of the university's activities.
  • Provide advice to managers and employees regarding policies and procedures.
  • Work with DSCU leadership to explain operational processes and to ensure that these processes are carried out in accordance to the agency's mission in an efficient and effective manner.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service http://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): GS 12-Exempt GS-11, GS-09 and GS-07 Non-Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
  • Incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code.
  • The employee may be required to work other than normal hours, which may include evening, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime.
  • Work may require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-07, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the 06 grade level in the Federal service:

  • Tracking personnel and hiring actions;
  • Creating and editing timecards on behalf of other employees;
  • Assisting with researching complex problems.;
OR

B. Possess at least one full year of graduate level education. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work ;

OR

C. Possess a bachelor's degree AND meet Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) which is based on: (1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/). (Note: You must attach a copy of your official transcripts.)

OR

D. You have some specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and you have more than one year but less than two years of education as described in B. You have computed the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)


You may qualify at the GS-09, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the 07 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for the organization
  • Researching complex problems, analyzing solutions and providing recommendations
  • Presenting briefings to managers and other staff officials
  • Applying human resources policies, local policies and guidelines for the organization

OR

B. Possess Master or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D, if related

OR

C. You have some specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and you have more than one year but less than two years of education as described in B. You have computed the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)


You may qualify at the GS-11, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the 09 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Coordinating and conducting analyses of current projects, programs, and taskers;
  • Identifying and recommending improvement processes to meet customer requirements;
  • Processing and tracking personnel and hiring actions;
  • Developing policy, plans and procedures and;
  • Creating, editing, reviewing, and submitting timecards on behalf of other employees
OR

B. Possess Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR I have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, in a course of study that directly reflects the job-related KSAs/competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position, or LL.M., if related.

OR

C. You have some specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and you have more than one year but less than two years of education as described in B. You have computed the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)


You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the 11 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Interpreting and advising employees and managers on directives, policies, or instructions;
  • Coordinating and conducting analyses of current projects, programs, and taskers;
  • Identifying and recommending improvement processes to meet customer requirements;
  • Processing, reviewing and tracking personnel and hiring actions;
  • Developing policy, plans and procedures;
  • Creating, editing, reviewing, and submitting timecards on behalf of other employees
  • Presenting briefings to managers and other staff.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for GS-12.

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY FOR GS-11, GS-09 OR GS-07? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.

Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.

When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities. For further information, visit: Foreign Education

Additional information

Incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code, Section 384, and Security Cooperation Workforce Certification Program 2.0 requirements. Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Basic-level certification courses within one year. Requirements for Proficiency Level 1 - At least 1 year of successful SC work experience with a performance appraisal rating of 3 or better. Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Foundational level certification requirements within one year of entering the SC position.
In addition, 40 hours of continuing education (CUE) every two years.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at:https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs (ICTAP eligibility): This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are claiming military spouse preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed below preference eligible veteran candidates and above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the minimum qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position.

Competencies:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Assessment. This additional online assessment is required and must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

Based on the results of this evaluation, you will be placed in one of the following quality categories:

Best Qualified:
This highest category will be used for those candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s), as determined by the job analysis.
Highly Qualified: This higher category will be used for those candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s) as determined by the job analysis.
Qualified: This lowest category will be used for those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications of the position, including all selective placement factors and appropriate quality ranking factor(s) and are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position. Candidates may require extensive training and/or orientation in order to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Category-Rating

Names of the candidates in the Best Qualified category will be sent first to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Applicants in other categories will be referred in accordance with category rating procedures.

Veterans Preference:
If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are entitled to veterans' preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Qualified veterans' preference eligible with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on the position and grade level of the job.
For information on entitlement seeFeds Hire Vets - Job Seekers - Veterans.

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. DSCA's mission is to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges. DSCA leads the broader U.S. security cooperation enterprise in its efforts to train, educate, advise, and equip foreign partners. DSCA administers security cooperation programs that support U.S. policy interests and objectives.

Agency contact information

DE Applicant Inquires
Phone
614-692-0420
Email
DEApplicantInquiries@dla.mil
Address
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
1851 S. Bell
Room 501
Arlington, VA 22240
US

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