Clarification from the agency

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

• Serves as the CAG's lead for digital transformation, automation, and process improvement. Performs a broad range of operations research analyses to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• Under the direction of the AFTC CAG Chief, manages the center's workflow activity and response preparation for externally assigned and internally generated tasks and action items.
• As assigned by the AFTC Commander, other senior leaders, or the CAG Chief, prepares briefings, multimedia presentations, and speeches for presentation to internal and external audiences.
• Performs duties, as assigned, as a member of the AFTC Commander's Crisis Action Teams to accomplish the AFTC Commander's command and control responsibilities during a crisis or contingency situation.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization
• This position may require travel.
• This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
• Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Operations Research Series 1515 located here.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.

Evaluation of Education: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.

Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.

The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.

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 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes utilizing a wide range of principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 wide range of management concepts, principles, and operations, to include and understanding of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, management, and operation of large organizations to provide high level staff guidance and participate in the development of goals, objectives, and policies.
2. Ability to apply data science principles to automate processes and analyze data. Includes designing and building data modes and simulations using software such as Power BI and a general-purpose programming language (e.g., Python). Knowledge of leveraging AI/ML concepts and tools (e.g., large language models, predictive analytics) to enhance organizational workflows.
3. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and operations research methods used to develop, adapt, and apply models for process automation, optimization, and to clarify alternative solutions.
4. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data from various sources to identify potential problems, arrive at valid conclusions, and offer meaningful recommendations.
5. Ability to lead and execute complex projects and studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
6. Knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques to produce written and visual information and make oral presentations to a variety of audiences with different levels of understanding.

IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate for this position will have a background in both technical and executive staff support functions. This individual will serve as the lead for digital transformation and process automation within the command section. The candidate will have demonstrated experience applying data science principles and programming languages (e.g., Python) to automate processes and analyze data. Experience using data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to create dashboards and support senior leader decision-making is essential. Familiarity with leveraging AI/ML concepts to enhance organizational workflows is also highly desired. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess experience operating in a fast-paced command staff or Commander's Action Group (CAG) environment. This includes superior written and oral communication skills, with experience preparing briefings, speeches, and correspondence for senior leadership. The candidate will be a proactive problem-solver who takes ownership of projects and works collaboratively in a team environment to advance the command's mission.

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.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The 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.

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.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. 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".
3. 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.

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/discharge 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.

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