Clarification from the agency

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

- Responsible for applying scientific methods and skills to formulate and execute experiments, studies, and analyses based on integrated big data for NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions.

- Conceives, develops, and employs descriptions of response to threats on the Homeland. Serves as one of the commands' experts on the employment of existing, and potential future response options to adversary threats to the homeland.

- Serves as a command liaison for Joint Staff and other Department of Defense Initiatives. Supports the development and integration of activities within the Joint Staff and other Department of Defense initiatives, a principal source of resources and analyses crucial to NORAD and USNORTHCOM planning and operations.

- Represents the command on defense-wide and intra-agency committees, study groups, and briefing teams.

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
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume. Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Student Loan Repayment may be authorized. Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position. Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• 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.
• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or (CONT)
• involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. A favorable suitability determination is required before appointment.
• 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 to refrain from use of illegal drugs (CONT)
• and 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. This position is eligible for situational telework, which is separate and distinct from the employee’s eligibility.
• 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 (CONT)
• 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 (CONT)
• and CANNOT become a member of the Ready Reserve while assigned to this position. Employee may be required to work and/or be “on call” after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends or holidays.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty.
• Duties may entail visits to NORAD and USNORTHCOM mission locations, which may be in harsh environments (the Arctic) and access to which is often physically constrained.
• In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
• This is an Obligated Position in which an employee has return rights. Upon the employee’s return, incumbent may be required to vacate this position. When an obligated position is filled, the selected employee is required to sign (CONT)
• an agreement acknowledging that (s)he is aware of the obligation and accepts the fact that (s)he may be displaced under reduction in force procedures at a later time.

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, Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.

or

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes experience of DoD defense systems, dedicated sensor systems, and communications, command, and control system operating principles and employment techniques. Demonstrated skill in applying that knowledge to complex analytical and technical projects. Expertise in data science and analysis research techniques and concomitant ability to obtain information concerning subject studies to perform sound analyses. Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency, or program criticality. Ability to design, build, and use very complex, sophisticated techniques to simulate real-world environments of many variables.
NOTE: Your resume must support the response you select.

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 broad range of data integration, data management, artificial intelligence, machine learning operations, and research techniques applicable to operations, resourcing, and information processes.

2. Knowledge of a broad range of quantitative techniques and methods to resolve the most difficult problems within the defense community and the skills to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts.

3. Ability to apply statistical analysis to develop, adapt, modify, and apply data integration and management activities to solve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions for management.

4. Ability to lead study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies. Ability to execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.

5. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques. Ability to design, build and use models and simulation techniques.

6. 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.

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.