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Senior Policy Advisor (Air Defense/Air Sovereignty)

Department of the Air Force
United States Space Force

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 today · Apply by 07/30/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 30, 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
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$151,850 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Promotion potential
None
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
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
6X-AFPC-13020510-847624-SN
Control number
877859000

Duties

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The primary purpose of this position: To serve as the NORAD J3 Vice Director of Operations and recognized command authority and senior advisor to the Commander, NORAD (CDRNORAD) and the NORAD Director of Operations (N/J3) on air defense and air sovereignty policy, strategy, and bi-national mission execution for the defense of North America. The employee develops, negotiates, and provides authoritative recommendations on bi-national and interagency policy, leads Operation NOBLE EAGLE (ONE) and Long-Range Aviation (LRA) training and certification for senior Engagement and Recommending Authorities, and represents the Command in high-level engagements with U.S. and Canadian military, civilian, and Congressional decision makers. The position further assists the Director in the managerial planning and oversight of directorate activities and exercises supervisory responsibilities over assigned staff.

Duties

  1. Serves as the recognized command authority and senior advisor on air defense and air sovereignty policy and strategy for the defense of North America.
  2. Serves as command subject matter expert for Operation NOBLE EAGLE (ONE) and Long-Range Aviation (LRA) mission training, certification, and execution.
  3. Develops and sustains bi-national and interagency relationships and represents the Command at the most senior national and international levels.
  4. Assists the Director in the planning, organization, and managerial oversight of NORAD J3 directorate activities.
  5. Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities over assigned staff.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
  • A security clearance may be required
  • 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
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Student Loan Repayment may be authorized
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • 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.
  • Employee may be subject to random Counter Intelligence (CI) Polygraph (Poly) screenings as a condition of employment. Failure to submit to a CI-Poly will result in debrief from all SAPs and removal from the position.
  • In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
  • Work may require operating out of an alternate location for extended periods of time.
  • Work may require short notice travel away from the normal duty station to locations within and outside of the Continental United States on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with (cont'd)
  • Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY). Incumbent may be required to obtain an official passport.
  • The employee may be required to work overtime or be 'on call' outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. (cont'd)
  • During exercises, crises, or contingencies, the position is subject to short- or no-notice recall to duty and may require shift work, extended hours, or support for 24-hour operations as directed

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment: (cont'd)

  • 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. Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, and involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) is required to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed
  • 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 position presents 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.
  • Required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercises, Real-World events, or on an as needed basis to support mission requirements. 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 (JIOC-N), Joint Cyber Center (JCC), and other tasks as assigned. These functions require additional duty hours and/or a physical/medical assessment to deploy to alternate duty locations (non-combat) or in-place.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The employee may be required to work overtime or be 'on call' outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. During exercises, crises, or contingencies, the position is subject to short- or no-notice recall to duty and may require shift work, extended hours, or support for 24-hour operations as directed.
  • 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.
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-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of NORAD air defense operations, ONE, LRA, aerospace control, aerospace waring, and maritime warning missions and associated advisories, sufficient to serve as the recognized command authority and to develop, negotiate, and authoritatively recommend bi-national policy, strategy, and concepts of operation for the defense of North America; Expert knowledge of EA and CRA processes and procedures, to include ONE Execution Orders, Rules of Engagement, the ONE "Gold Script," Special Instructions, Joint Air Defense Operations Center operations, and Vol VI conferencing procedures, sufficient to train, certify, and advise the Commander and the highest-level engagement decision authorities and to make critical characterization judgments in time-sensitive, high-consequence situations; Knowledge of joint and combined U.S. and Canadian staff and air staff processes at the NAF level and above, and of interagency and operational planning processes, doctrine, national intelligence organizations, and pertinent interagency organizations such as DHS, DIA, NCTC, and DOT, sufficient to coordinate bi-national and interagency operations and ensure national unity of effort.

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-14 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-15 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 NORAD air defense operations, Operation NOBLE EAGLE, Long-Range Aviation, aerospace control aerospace warning, and maritime warning missions and associated advisories.
2. Expert knowledge of doctrine and policy, joint C4 planning, and the development, execution, and evaluation of operations as it pertains to air defense and air sovereignty.
3. Skill in interpreting, analyzing, and applying national guidance to ensure an organization's initiatives and work products are consistent with national strategy. Skill in acting independently at the executive level and in a representational role to make critical and objective characterization judgments and formulate recommendations of major national and international impact in high-stress, time-sensitive situations.
4. Ability to develop and review command task packages, author command-level guidance and instructions, and answer Congressional, OSW, DND, and Joint Staff inquiries related to air sovereignty and aerospace defense issues. Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to clearly and concisely transmit complex recommendations to the highest national, international, and military department authorities.
5. Knowledge of joint and combined U.S. and Canadian staff and air staff processes at the Numbered Air Force level and above, and of interagency and operational planning processes and doctrine, national intelligence organizations, and pertinent interagency organizations such as DHS, DIA, NCTC, and DOT.
6. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of one or more organizational units and to mentor, motivate, and
develop staff through subordinate supervisors within available resources, authorities, and guidance.

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

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.

United States Space Force

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:

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
  • EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • National Service (Peace Corps and VISTA)
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • Non-Appropriated Fund
  • Non-DoD Transfer
  • Other (Interchange Agreements)
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • 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
  • Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
Peterson SFB
135 Dover Street
Ste 1057
Peterson SFB, CO 80914
US

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