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RANGE SUPPORT PLANNING AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Special Operations Command

Summary

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

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/23/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 23, 2026
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$74,678 - $97,087 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Promotion potential
11
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
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
4Q-AFPC-12987198-355528-NW
Control number
873122600

Duties

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The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Range Support Planning and Operations Specialist, responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing Opposing Force (OPFOR) and range support operations for aircrew training. This includes the responsibility of controlling landing and drop zones to support flying unit requirements.

DUTIES:

  • Plans, organizes, and directs Opposing Force (OPFOR) activities ensuring all range support sections comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs.
  • Executes Range Support program planning, operations, and related training requirements.
  • Serves as technical advisor for all range support mission taskings.

Requirements

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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.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license is required for the position.
  • 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.
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours and/or Shift work may be required which may include overtime and/or irregular hours
  • Must complete DOD small arms course and maintain annual currency (AF Form 522} for M-9/M-18 handgun, M-4 rifle, and other applicable firearms
  • Employee must be certified under the Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program IAW DoD Reg 5210.42; this is a PRP Controlled position
  • Must obtain and maintain a valid AF Form, 483, Certificate of Competency for Explosive Transport Qualification
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position
  • 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.
  • Maintain proficiency and knowledge of DAFMAN 13-217 requirements specific to LZC/SO and DZC/SO duties.

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (Cont'd)

  • Must possess a current and valid state driver's license and be able to obtain and maintain a valid government driver's license for the operation of OPFOR specialty vehicles, to include: five and six passenger trucks, all purpose vehicles, and HUMV vehicles. The duties of this position require the employee to operate a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required." This position will be designated as a drug testing position IAW AFMAN 44-198, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program.
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employees 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.
  • Position requires access to firearms. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence may not occupy this position in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended 30 Sep 96. Employee must sign DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition.
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 at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Example of specialized experience includes knowledge of a wide range of OPFOR/OSR training, contingency operations, and financial planning principles, practices, procedures and regulations applicable to the full range of operations readiness responsibilities on a military installation and the relationship of these responsibilities to special operation joint forces programs. Knowledge of Air Forces Special Operations Command core mission requirements, lines of authority, and OPFOR training operations response roles and responsibilities. Knowledge of Operational Range 'Support theories, principles, doctrine, and the Mission Essential Task Lists (METLs) of supported units to conduct intensive fact finding and development of source information and resolve significant problems in selecting, interpreting and adapting materials for the OSR section.

OR

EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.

OR
LL.M., if related. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.


COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 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%.

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-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): 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 military range operations, safety protocols, and training program development to implement 27 SOW tactics, techniques, procedures, operational activities, and management of training operations, concepts and methodologies; knowledge of planning, managing, and executing realistic Opposing Force (OPFOR) scenarios for combat training exercises to meet training objectives in accordance with Joint, Air Force, and USSOCOM mission, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operations within available resources.
2. Knowledge of and certification for controlling aircraft landing and drop zones in accordance with governing directives; skill in the operation and maintenance of various tactical vehicles, boats, communication equipment, and weapon systems.
3. Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; and of maritime, tactical air traffic control, and opposing forces equipment storage methods, maintenance, and training requirement; ability to analyze logistical requirements and coordinate for supplies, equipment, and personnel to support training missions and to apply quantitative and qualitative techniques for analyzing and measuring effectiveness of training operations.
4. Ability to develop and deliver technical training, instructional techniques, and tactical field training development to personnel and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Knowledge of and skill in the application of standard and non-standard weapons systems, threat equipment and simulation rounds and devices and in handling, securing, transporting, repairing, cleaning various weapon systems.
6. Knowledge of and skill to engage aircraft with Radio Frequency (RF), Ultraviolet light (UV), Infrared radiation (IR). A thorough understanding of the effects of these systems on aircraft and on-board systems.
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


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 Special Operations Command

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
Cannon AFB
110 E Alison Avenue
Ste 2038
Cannon AFB, NM 88103
US

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