OPERATIONS SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Air Force Elements, U.S. Special Operations Command · Los Angeles
Salary: $90,925 – $118,204 per year
Closes: 2026-11-11T00:00:00.000Z
Job description and requirements
Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Qualifications
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (cont'd) - The work frequently requires temporary duty (TOY) travel at various CON US and OCON US locations, possibly for extended periods of time in hostile and/or isolated environments. This may require travel on military or civil aircraft, ships, and vehicles - Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. The incumbent may be required to work independently in the absence of the supervisor, requiring process oversight, schedule development, equipment management, and individual problem resolution - The work may require the employee to conduct freefall and/or static line parachuting, perform underwater operations, utilize alternate insertion/extraction methods, handle weapons/explosives, and drive motor vehicles and/or water craft in support of diverse mission, training, exercise, test, and maintenance requirements. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required for the position and the employee must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a FAA Class Ill flight physical if the commander so requires 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-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of Special Tactics advanced operations, procedures, techniques, technology, tactics, systems, equipment, and methods to serve as an operational baseline for the integration of operational and support activities, the management of numerous support directorates, the integration of diverse programs, the development of special projects, regular senior-level interface, and the conduct of multiyear management continuity. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of systems design, specifications development techniques, and an understanding of technical requirements as well as joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizational functions so as to serve as the senior technical authority for logistics management, Tactical Surveillance Equipment (TSE), training and integration, Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) development, operational and financial signature reduction, personnel recovery developmental mechanisms and equipment, engineering survey and production, special category communications, acquisitions, as well as budget formulation, administration, and execution. 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. Knowledge of Special Tactics advanced operations, procedures, techniques, technology, tactics, systems, equipment, and methods to serve as an operational baseline for the integration of operational and support activities, the management of numerous support directorates, the integration of diverse programs, the development of special projects, regular senior-level interface, and the conduct of multiyear management continuity. 2. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of systems design, specifications development techniques, and an understanding of technical requirements as well as joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizational functions so as to serve as the senior technical authority for logistics management, Tactical Surveillance Equipment (TSE), training and integration, Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) development, operational and financial signature reduction, personnel recovery developmental mechanisms and equipment, engineering survey and production, special category communications, acquisitions, as well as budget formulation, administration, and execution. 3. Knowledge of and experience with the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP), Major Force Programs (MFP), DoD appropriations, Budget Estimate Submissions (BES), and Program Objective Memorandum (POM) programming methods, practices, procedures, regulations, policies, and processes in order to recommend reapportionments, supplemental appropriations, unfunded requirements, deferrals, and rescissions of funds. The incumbent must also possess the required knowledge and experience to serve as the senior party responsible for properly overseeing subordinate acquisitions and budgetary programs as well as to provide knowledgeable resource-constrained program prioritization; knowledge of contractual processes, procedures, legal guidance, and technical requirements; knowledge of personnel and organization design to include manpower and organizational management. 4. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures and the ability to apply these to the reduction of operational risk to the mission set and/or the force; skill and considerable experience in the fields of leadership, mentorship, and complex and/or time-constrained decision making so as to innovate, conduct exhaustive research, solve difficult problems, and develop new methods, criteria, or proposed actions; ability to analyze, plan, organize, coordinate, integrate, and adjust the work operations of multiple directorates either through subordinate supervisors or personally-in order to meet the combat focused requirements and objectives of the major organization within available resources. 5. Ability to develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures and to make substantive inputs to or interpret the frequently vague and/or conflicting higher headquarters guidance that governs major segments of the support activity 6. Ability to establish and maintain a network of useful senior-level relationships across a wide variety of joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizations and to communicate effectively, 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
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. 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. 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. 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.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/11/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103063 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Show full description and requirements
Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (cont'd) - The work frequently requires temporary duty (TOY) travel at various CON US and OCON US locations, possibly for extended periods of time in hostile and/or isolated environments. This may require travel on military or civil aircraft, ships, and vehicles - Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. The incumbent may be required to work independently in the absence of the supervisor, requiring process oversight, schedule development, equipment management, and individual problem resolution - The work may require the employee to conduct freefall and/or static line parachuting, perform underwater operations, utilize alternate insertion/extraction methods, handle weapons/explosives, and drive motor vehicles and/or water craft in support of diverse mission, training, exercise, test, and maintenance requirements. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required for the position and the employee must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a FAA Class Ill flight physical if the commander so requires 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-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of Special Tactics advanced operations, procedures, techniques, technology, tactics, systems, equipment, and methods to serve as an operational baseline for the integration of operational and support activities, the management of numerous support directorates, the integration of diverse programs, the development of special projects, regular senior-level interface, and the conduct of multiyear management continuity. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of systems design, specifications development techniques, and an understanding of technical requirements as well as joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizational functions so as to serve as the senior technical authority for logistics management, Tactical Surveillance Equipment (TSE), training and integration, Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) development, operational and financial signature reduction, personnel recovery developmental mechanisms and equipment, engineering survey and production, special category communications, acquisitions, as well as budget formulation, administration, and execution. 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. Knowledge of Special Tactics advanced operations, procedures, techniques, technology, tactics, systems, equipment, and methods to serve as an operational baseline for the integration of operational and support activities, the management of numerous support directorates, the integration of diverse programs, the development of special projects, regular senior-level interface, and the conduct of multiyear management continuity. 2. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of systems design, specifications development techniques, and an understanding of technical requirements as well as joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizational functions so as to serve as the senior technical authority for logistics management, Tactical Surveillance Equipment (TSE), training and integration, Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) development, operational and financial signature reduction, personnel recovery developmental mechanisms and equipment, engineering survey and production, special category communications, acquisitions, as well as budget formulation, administration, and execution. 3. Knowledge of and experience with the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP), Major Force Programs (MFP), DoD appropriations, Budget Estimate Submissions (BES), and Program Objective Memorandum (POM) programming methods, practices, procedures, regulations, policies, and processes in order to recommend reapportionments, supplemental appropriations, unfunded requirements, deferrals, and rescissions of funds. The incumbent must also possess the required knowledge and experience to serve as the senior party responsible for properly overseeing subordinate acquisitions and budgetary programs as well as to provide knowledgeable resource-constrained program prioritization; knowledge of contractual processes, procedures, legal guidance, and technical requirements; knowledge of personnel and organization design to include manpower and organizational management. 4. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures and the ability to apply these to the reduction of operational risk to the mission set and/or the force; skill and considerable experience in the fields of leadership, mentorship, and complex and/or time-constrained decision making so as to innovate, conduct exhaustive research, solve difficult problems, and develop new methods, criteria, or proposed actions; ability to analyze, plan, organize, coordinate, integrate, and adjust the work operations of multiple directorates either through subordinate supervisors or personally-in order to meet the combat focused requirements and objectives of the major organization within available resources. 5. Ability to develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures and to make substantive inputs to or interpret the frequently vague and/or conflicting higher headquarters guidance that governs major segments of the support activity 6. Ability to establish and maintain a network of useful senior-level relationships across a wide variety of joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizations and to communicate effectively, 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.How You Will Be Evaluated
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. 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. 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. 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.Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/11/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103063 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.About this opportunity
Application timeline
Applications close in 6 days, on November 11, 2026.
Posting history
This posting appears on Usajobs. CA Public Jobs first observed it on October 28, 2026. It was last verified open on November 4, 2026.