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PROTOCOL SPECIALIST

Department of Defense
Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Office of the Chairman JCS

Summary

This position is part of the Protocol Office, Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OCJCS). The Protocol Office is responsible for all social and representation roles of the CJCS, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS). These responsibilities include official and unofficial visits of international dignitaries to the U.S. and planning and executing social and ceremonial events. The incumbent serves as a Protocol Specialist in the Protocol Office.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 06/05/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 5, 2026
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$102,415 - $133,142 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Temporary - Temporary position through April 2027
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
JCS-26-12968593-MP
Control number
870643200

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Duties

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As a PROTOCOL SPECIALIST at the GS-0301-12 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Serves as a Protocol Specialist within the Office of the CJCS and provides advice and assistance to senior level leadership on protocol issues.
  • Conceptualizes plans, coordinates and executes all administrative and protocol related duties, in support of events/special ceremonies hosted by CJCS, VCJCS and advisory support to Joint Staff Leadership.
  • Applies knowledge of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques associated with the execution of the Protocol program as well as knowledge and understanding of national and international rules, procedures, and forums prescribing traditional and diplomatic customs, courtesies, and etiquette.
  • Serves as protocol escort for the duration of the scheduled event, providing advice and assistance as required and takes action when unforeseen requirements occur to ensure that events continue to a successful conclusion.
  • Prepares recurring and one-time narrative reports and summaries, such as status reports of ongoing actions or closeout reports of assigned functions.
  • Composes, prepares, and completes a variety of correspondence, documents, and forms that support the work of the office.
  • Conducts cost benefit and similar types of financial analyses that support events planning.

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
  • 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): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required/Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is SITUATIONALLY telework eligible
  • Employee must obtain/maintain a Special Sensitive (Top Secret/SCI) security clearance
  • Drug Testing Designated Position: Yes
  • Some travel is required.
  • Temporary appointment NTE one year, may be extended at agency's discretion

Qualifications

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

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service:

  • Understanding concepts, principles, and practices in foreign and United States protocol, Recognizing Department of Defense protocol programs, policies, and practices to provide accurate and timely advice and assistance to senior Joint Staff leadership;
  • Understanding analytics to sufficiently assess and evaluate financial and other information, including the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and events;
  • Applying and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses where multiple variables are present.
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.

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: 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/.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

For more information, please visit

https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Other Notes:


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


This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).

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.

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12968593.

To review the status of an application through USAJOBS:
1. Log into your USAJOBS account
2. Click Application Status within your profile to expand your application
3. Locate the job announcement and click the more information link under the Status column for this position. You will be routed to Application Manager. The Details tab displays by default. The Details tab displays comprehensive information about the selected Application Package including: assessment(s) and the status, supporting documents and their status, correspondence sent to you by the hiring agency, and your application processing status. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf . Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144. You are highly encouraged to submit your application package and complete your assessment questionnaire on-line.

Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Joint Staff assists the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in accomplishing his responsibilities for: the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces; their operation under unified command; and for their integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces. The Joint Staff is comprised of approximately equal numbers of offices from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force. In practice, the Marines make up about 20 percent of the number allocated to the Navy.

Agency contact information

JCS Servicing team
Phone
614-692-2646
Email
DHRS-D-JCS@dla.mil
Address
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Staff
Pentagon
Washington, DC 20318
US

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