Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

PROTECTION AND MISSION ASSURANCE SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
U.S. Northern Command

Summary

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

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/12/2026 to 05/22/2026
Salary
$129,096 - $167,830 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Peterson AFB, CO
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
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
14
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
6X-AFPC-12960222-290227-CBS
Control number
868995500

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

The Area of Consideration is limited to Air Force HQs NORAD and USNORTHCOM- DIRECTORATE OF OPERATIONS J3, PROTECTION AND MISSION ASSURANCE DIVISION J34 personnel only. External candidates may be considered due to regulatory requirements for priority consideration of priority placement candidates.

Duties

Help

SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of this position: To serve as the Senior Protection and Mission Assurance (MA) Specialist to the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Director of Operations (13). As the Senior Protection and MA Specialist, employee leads development of Force Protection and Mission Assurance plans and policies in all domains, and engages in leading teams in reviewing, drafting, writing, and updating both deliberate and crisis action policies, programs, mission analysis, operations orders, execution orders, concept of operations and related documents dealing with the complex missions of USNORTHCOM. Additionally, the employee serves as a Senior Special Technical Operations Specialist across all domains within the USNORTHCOM Protection and MA missions, coordinating with senior and executive staff counterparts in the Joint Staff, OSD, other U.S. Government Agencies, the interagency community, and other Combatant Commands regarding command relationship development and refinement that impact USNORTHCOM.

DUTIES:

  1. Serves as the Senior Protection and Mission Assurance Specialist.
  2. Serves as a consultant and subject matter expert in protection, risk mitigation and resilience concepts to develop or sustain Protection and MA programs.
  3. Serves as the Senior Protection and Mission Assurance Operational Planner.
  4. Autonomously represents USNORTHCOM at the Senior Planner level at Protection and Mission Assurance conferences, executive sessions, events, symposia, site visits and in special access programs and operations that relate the command's mission directives.

Requirements

Help

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.
  • This is a Centrally Managed position in the Operations Career Field.
  • This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance as a condition of employment.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY).
  • Employee may be required to work and/or be "on call" after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends or holidays and is subject to short- or no-notice recall to duty during exercises, crises, or contingencies.
  • In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (CONTINUED):
  • This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
  • IAW DoDI 3020-42 this position has been locally, or command designated as Mission Essential (ME). ME personnel perform a Mission Critical Function (MCF), which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency or during hazardous weather conditions to keep critical operations functioning. These personnel are required to report for duty at normal times when the base is closed or if delayed reporting is directed and remain on duty during phased or early release.
  • This is a KEY position IAW 32 CFR, Part 44 Appendix A and DoD Directive 1200.7. A Key Position is a Federal position that cannot be vacated during a war, national emergency, or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency to function effectively. Applicants for positions designated as "Key" positions who do not agree to this condition shall not be extended an offer of employment. The employee must be removed from the Ready Reserve and CANNOT become a member of the Ready Reserve while assigned to this position.
  • May be required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercises and Real-World events. Battle Roster functions may include but are not limited to the Joint Operations Center (JOC), Future Operations Center (FOC), Future Plans Center (FPC), Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC), N&NC Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (NDDOC), Joint Intelligence Operations Center-North (nOC-N), Joint Cyber Center (JCC), and other tasks as assigned. These duties may require additional duty hours and/or a physical/medical assessment to deploy to alternate duty locations (non-combat) or in-place. The physical/medical assessment is not a pre-employment requirement.
  • YA002 = Eligible for situational telework only, including Ad hoc, Emergency, or OPM prescribed "Unscheduled" Telework. This eligibility is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility. A civilian employee's telework arrangement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request.
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- Miscellaneous Administration and Program Series (0301).

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 (or higher) grade level or equivalent (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Examples of specialized experience include- Mastery of a wide range of laws, executive orders, regulations, policies, directives, instructions, and concepts governing the full spectrum of NORTHCOM operations to function as the sole on-staff advisor to the Division Chief, Protection and MA Division N&NC/J34 and ultimately advises the J3 Director of Operations at USNORTHCOM (a general officer) and the Command of USNORTHCOM, a four star general officer, and his/her staff; Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, policies, and practices of Protection and Mission Assurance (MA) functions, operations, concepts and theories to plan, organize, and manage; Thorough knowledge of DoW, AF, and NORTHCOMM policies and regulations and organizational structures, missions, and functions as well as how programs/projects interface with other program areas and NORTHCOMM goals and objectives; and Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques for gathering, analyzing, and measuring the effectiveness, and efficiency of Protection and Mission Assurance (MA) actions.

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-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 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. Knowledge of a comprehensive range of NORTHCOM functions, policies, procedures, practices, concepts, and theories related to the mission, management, and operation of Services organizations to provide high level staff guidance.
  2. Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of DOW and national defense organizations to provide combatant level staff guidance and/or independently analyze and assess operational requirements in an environment of uncertainty, which have the potential for political and public controversy.
  3. Ability to react in a high stress environment to intense domestic event situations, make critical characterization judgments, formulate recommendations that may have major national impact/consequences and transmit those recommendations clearly and concisely to possibly the highest civilian authority in the Government.
  4. Ability to recognize and analyze complex analytical problems, conduct research, summarize results, and make appropriate recommendations for resolution.
  5. Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts; draw conclusions; conduct analysis; devise recommended solutions; and package the entire process in briefings, papers, or reports suitable for top management use and decision-making.
  6. Skill and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, negotiate complex issues, and maintain good working relations.
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.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Northern Command

US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Mission Statement: Conduct operations to deter, prevent, and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility; and as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provide defense support of civil authorities including consequence management operations. Find out more click here.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Military Spouse Preference

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
NORTHCOM
250 Vandenberg Street
Suite B016
Peterson SFB, CO 80914
US

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.