Clarification from the agency

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

• Interprets consecutively from Japanese or English to the other language in various business and social settings.
• Researches historical, current, biographical information pertinent to a meeting or work session and appropriately advises the Commander as well as other high-level US civilian and military personnel as directed, to the significance of such information as it reflects upon the future of the US-Japan Alliance.
• Advises the 5 AF Commander and those he designates about matters of Japanese customs, culture, and protocol.
• Serves as senior advisor for Japanese Language and Culture.

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
• Employees and family members requiring medical/dental care in the overseas location are responsible for obtaining/paying for care. Access for these members to military medical/dental treatment facilities is on space-available/reimbursable basis only.
• 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.
• Work often requires travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Member is required to be on call and or to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Must exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with Japanese Government and business officials.
• Must be able to fluently speak, read and write Japanese and have a thorough understanding of Japanese culture and methods.
• Must be capable of close, personal association with high-ranking military and civilian dignitaries.
• Incumbent must possess a good working knowledge of present and past US-Japan relations.
• Must be familiar with on-going operational matters and political situations, as well as the Japanese Constitution, US-Japan Mutual Security Treaty SOFA, Japan Self Defense Forces Laws and their applicability to given situations.
• Conditions of Employment Continued Below:

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Security Clearance. This position is designated Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A nondisclosure agreement must be signed.
• This position is Emergency-Essential (EE). In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the Emergency-Essential duties until relieved by proper authority. The incumbent or the designated alternate may be required to take part in readiness exercises. This position cannot be vacated during national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively. This meets the criteria of an Emergency-Essential position and requires that the incumbent, or the designated alternate, be removed from any military recall status. Employee must sign DD Form 2365 as a condition of employment.
• 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. 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 full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs.
• The position is located in Numbered Air Force which is a large, multilayered organization with subordinate commands which may differ from each other in terms of subject matter, functions, relationships with other organizations, and administrative requirements. The staff is augmented by numerous staff agencies in such fields as public relations, protocol, legal, personnel, etc. The organization is in close, direct and continuing relationship with other service departments such as OSW, USINDOPACOM, HQ USFJ, HQ PACAF and organizations in the Washington, DC area. This requires constant attention to extensive formal clearances and procedural controls. The organization's programs are also directly affected and conversely impact outside conditions (e.g., world politics, US Congress, private entities) which are intense enough to require frequent organizational, procedural and program adjustments.
• Employees (and family members) who require medical or dental care in the overseas location will be responsible for obtaining and paying for such care. Access for civilian employees and their families to military medical and dental treatment facilities is on a space-available and reimbursable basis only. To inquire about availability of care on Yokota AB, please visit https://yokota.tricare.mil/About-Us/Contact-Us/

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, Language Specialist, Series 1040 plus IOR.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of the Japanese and English language including a exceptionally wide range of vocabulary and correct grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, and pronunciation in rendering precise translations and interpretations that are fluent, accurate and appropriate to the specific situation and which represent the intent and nuance of the Japanese or English speaker to the listener; knowledge of all aspects of the translating field to include translating documents involving political, economic, legal, scientific, and technical material into English and Japanese; Knowledge of international protocol and rules of military and political courtesy and Japanese culture and customs to ensure proper respect is given and received and social proprieties are observed. Note: Resume must show supporting details.

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-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 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. Mastery of all aspects of the translating field. Skill in resolving linguistic problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods, such as the application of new terms for certain military and diplomatic processes where the unique lexicon of intergovernmental and bilateral political-military language provides an additional level of complexity requiring specific and specialized knowledge. Ability to fluently translate and interpret English to Japanese and vice versa (includes ability to speak, write, and converse).
2. Knowledge of the cultural, historical, and geopolitical makeup of Japan and the region. Knowledge of the historical sensitivities of the region that have led to misunderstanding and conflict in the past.
3. Knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques to conduct and coordinate public affairs/political activities to develop intercommunication between the command and a variety of audiences.
4. Knowledge and general understanding of Air Force and Major Command programs and policies related to political/public affairs programs in a foreign country.
5. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to identify potential problems, arrive at valid conclusions, and offer meaningful recommendations and/or resolutions. Skill in doing independent research when reference materials are scarce or nonexistent. Skill in working with people to maintain effective working relationships with groups interested in or affected by public affairs programs or policies.
6. Skill in translating written information conveying complex information to foreign audiences with different levels of understanding. Ability to present information orally and in writing in a logical, clear, and concise manner to individuals with differing levels of comprehension. Editing skills to review and edit material prepared by others and adapt it for accuracy, completeness, style, and purpose.

CONTINUED BELOW

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.