Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the program security manager for the Director, HQ USAF Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) Studies Group (AF/A3Q), providing oversight and management of multiple security disciplines (information, personnel, industrial, physical, computer, operations and communications security) in support of an advanced and special access programs (SAPs). Duties DUTY 1: Serves as Program Security Manager for the HQ USAF Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) Studies Group (AF/A3Q), responsible for managing access and handling of Special Access Programs (SAP) and highly sensitive policy, technology, and information.
DUTY 2: Responsible for development and management of the SAP information security program.
DUTY 3: Responsible for development and management of the SAP personnel security program; establishes local procedures for processing requests for security accesses for military, civilian, and contractor personnel.
DUTY 4: Responsible for development and management of the SAP industrial security program; Implements and administers the Industrial Security Program for Special Access Program-related actions through the use of DoD, and USAF directives and procedures.
DUTY 5: Responsible for development and management of the SAP physical security program.
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, Administrative and Management Positions.
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: demonstrated mastery of general security administration programs, uses comprehensive knowledge of security policy requirements to function as technical authority in assignments requiring the application of new theories and developments to security problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted security methods, technology, or procedures. Mastery of the specialty area, knowledge of other security specialties in resolving major conflicts in policy and program objectives. Perform key decision-making and policy-developing responsibilities in very difficult assignments such as planning for significantly new or far-reaching security program requirements, or leading or participating as a technical expert in interagency study groups for resolving problems in existing security systems and programs requiring innovative solutions. Advise top level agency security and subject-matter managers on new developments and advances in security techniques in the specialty area; planning, organizing, and directing studies to develop long range (e.g., 5-10 years) studies and forecasts; recommending methods for enhancing efficiency of security systems through modifications and applications of evolving technology; evaluating and making recommendations concerning overall plans and proposals for major agency and interagency security projects; and implementing national level guidance in agency standards, guidelines, or policies for major security programs.
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:
- Must possess extensive knowledge of all aspects of SAP security management to include personnel, physical, information, operations, communications, and classification management to effectively implement and administer applicable security programs and/or coordinate with other specialized security programs.
- Comprehensive knowledge, extensive experience, and proven expertise in Air Force special access program capability requirements and their factors/considerations, analysis of same, determination of improvement options for execution, and related policy/guidance.
- In-depth knowledge of Air Force operations that enables the incumbent to analyze, articulate and advocate for SAP capabilities in support of mission objectives. Prior experience in an Air Force organization supporting SAP mission execution is mandatory.
- Knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review, independently analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems; apply policy direction to contractors and government/military officials, and develop guidance for applying security policy, procedures, techniques, equipment, and methods to a variety of work situations and various levels or degrees of security controls.
- Commanding knowledge of DoD, Joint, and USAF structures, missions, programs, policies, and organizational relationships for facilitate effective advancement of Air Force capabilities. Staff experience at HQ USAF, CJCS and/or OSD is essential and mandatory.
- Ability to exercise judgment in all phases of analysis, ranging from sorting out the most important problems when dealing with voluminous amounts of information to ensure that the many facets of a proposal are explored, to sifting evidence and developing feasible options or alternative proposals and anticipating consequences.
- Ability to plan, organize, evaluate, and present highly complex technical material or highly complex issues that may have controversial findings or both, using appropriate language with specialists and/or non-specialists, facilitating the ability to formulate a decision.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to articulate and advocate AF positions with respect to mission set, direct staff studies for general officer review, and facilitate the condensing of extremely technical input into layman's terms without altering basic content.
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 transcripts with 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.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.
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. How to apply The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/10/2026
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13103189
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:
- 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.
- A complete Application Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
- 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. Other 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.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
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.
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