Interoperability Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
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The primary purpose of this position is: To perform duties as Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO), data link facilities/equipment manager, security advisor, and data link integration/interoperability specialist for Southwest Joint Data Link Range (SW JDLR) and 355th Wing World-wide tasking operations.
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Duties
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• Functions as the Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) for Southwest Joint Data Link Range and 355 WG world-wide tasking operations, as well as technical expert/advisor/mentor to 355 WG /Data Link Members and 355 WG leadership on operation, maintenance, and configuration of the air and space Common Tactical Picture (CTP).
• Manages SW JDLR Data Link operations for testing and training of Department of Defense (DoD) combat assets.
• Establishes, develops and maintains effective work relationships with Regional Joint Interface Control Officers (JICOs) and HQ ACC who are the focal points for coordinating and modifying the tactical data link networks and for execution of all CJCSM 6120.01F and CJCSM 3115.01C procedures operating in ACC.
• Maintains in-depth working knowledge of various 355 WG contracts which affect the daily SW JDLR operations.
• Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities.
• Coordinates for operations of datalinks owned by 355 WG deployed worldwide in support of 355 WG 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 position 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.
• Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime. Position may require employee to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• Military fighter and/or attack aviation experience, preferably in the conduct of Close Air Support (CAS), Forward Air Control-Airborne (FAC-A), and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations.
• This is a Centrally Managed Position in the 0301 Series, Regulatory Impact Analyst

Qualifications
Conditions of Employment cont.

• 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.
• 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 position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available.

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, Administration 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-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes using the knowledge of concepts, principles, procedures, regulations, laws, and instructions applicable to the logistics; providing technical assistance to supervisor regarding duties; and preparing programs, policies, and activities regarding logistics. Knowledge of Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) concepts, principles, and practices of specific systems/equipment. Specialized practical and theoretical knowledge of joint services data link systems/equipment for application to difficult and complex situations and problems that have no clear precedent. Knowledge of military fighter and/or attack aviation, preferably in the conduct of Close Air Support (CAS), Forward Air Control-Airborne (FAC-A), and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations Extensive knowledge of military command structures at the tactical and operational levels of war. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques to execute complex architecture spanning the entire southwest area of responsibility. Thorough knowledge of data link system applications and technical processes for the effective and efficient utilization of technology resources. Expert knowledge of Military Data Link structure, missions, programs and/or organizational relationships.
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-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 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:

• Knowledge of Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) concepts, principles, and practices of specific systems/equipment.
• Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structures and operations of Coalition, Joint and Air Force data link capable weapon systems to provide guidance for joint interface control operations.
• Knowledge of required security and safety regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Skill in providing technical advice in the form of oral and written briefings, reports, and recommendations to senior leadership and technicians.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting engineering drawings, technical manuals, and technical data; as well as identifying and analyzing complex technical problems and developing innovative solutions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of an organization and subordinate organizations. Ability to plan, organize, and reprioritize work to meet changing deadlines. Ability to develop and conduct training to ensure proper operation of data link systems/equipment; and communicate well, both orally and in writing.

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
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
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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.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.