EDUCATION SERVICES SPECIALIST Job in Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA

Vacancy No. IA-12804000-AR-25-125 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $61,607.00 to $80,087.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/22/2025 Close Date 10/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA


Summary

IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
This position is open to current on-board Title 5 and Title 32 employees of the Iowa Army National Guard. Military membership is required.

LOCATION: G1 Education Office, Johnston, IA

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current on-board Title 5 and Title 32 employees of the Iowa Army National Guard. Military membership is required.

Duties

As a EDUCATION SERVICES SPECIALIST, GS-1740-9 your duties are below.

  1. Provides oversight as an advisor and consultant serving all the Army National Guard personnel within a state for off duty civilian training and education. Program will include several different goal oriented programs depending upon the background and desires of the various guard members. The guardsmen may be pursuing programs at vocational, high school, baccalaureate, or post graduate level.
  2. Provides advisory services to the education services officer, recruiting and retention command, and battalion and unit commanders concerning the educational needs and incentive eligibility of their assigned personnel and customer support. Maintains contact with such commanders apprising their staff and assigned troops of the educational opportunities available through the General Education Development (GED) and Army Career Education System (ACES) Programs. Investigates educational problem areas to identify special and recurring needs of personnel of serviced organizations. Recommends actions or special programs which are necessary to provide for the needs of units or individuals.
  3. Incumbent functions as the principal liaison between National Guard members and participating public and private educational institutions. Numerous contacts with these institutions are for the purpose of negotiating agreements for a variety of traditional, non-traditional, and special purpose education contracts. These will include moderate variety of courses some of which will be basic education courses in order to complete high school equivalency, or they may be standardized baccalaureate level courses which are regularly offered at a college or university. The incumbent must arrange for these to be taught at hours or locations where it will be possible for the guardsmen to attend.
  4. Performs educational and vocational counseling which consists of advising and assisting ARNG members on individual programs of study available, to include High School Equivalency (GED), correspondence, self-teaching, new and innovative/non-traditional college to include Associate, Baccalaureate degree programs, first Masters or Professional degree which meet their academic and vocational requirements.
  5. Estimates, obtains, and executes the necessary program funds and determines their allocation. Arranges for tuition assistance for the student. Coordinates with appropriate State, local, and institutional authorities to assist service members in securing Federal financial aid through such programs as the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), College Work-Study (CWS), National Direct Student Loan (NDSL), and Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL), etc.
  6. Serves as the coordinator and Alternate Test Control Officer (ATCO) for the DANTES testing section to include ordering, receiving, accounting, and safeguarding test material with appropriate security measures; and disseminates program guidance for examinations. Determines individual readiness to take examinations, administering General Equivalency Diploma (GED), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), American College Testing/Proficiency Examination Program (ACT/PEP), Army Personnel Testing (APT) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP), general, and subject examinations. When appropriate, supervises additional test control officers and satellite testing sites.
  7. Develops, collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on educational and incentive programs and entrance requirements for the ESO. Maintains files and libraries of current educational material, including catalogs of colleges and universities, military and government sponsored education programs, occupational books, periodicals, manuals, and other vocational materials concerning opportunities and requirements for specific vocations/occupations.
  8. Assists military personnel whose records do not indicate successful completion of civilian education requirements for commissioning Officers, appointing or commissioning of Warrant Officers, or Enlisted Soldiers who have not achieved equivalency of nontraditional educational means. Evaluates all service school training, subject examinations, college transcripts, College Level Examination Program-General Examinations to ascertain the presence of the minimum required hours in required areas.
  9. Coordinates with State Recruiting and Retention Manager and Incentives Manager and assists with recruiting and incentive programs in educational institutions in which National Guard programs are established. Promotes interest and participation in educational services and activities by speaking to groups concerning education opportunities.
  10. Research and prepare response to official inquiries for supervisor (i.e. Inspector General, congressional inquiries, etc).
  11. Performs other duties as assigned. D2013

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted position that requires military membership in a compatible military assignment in the Iowa Army National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of this excepted position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 10/06/2025 . FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.

Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.

Military Rank Requirements: ENLISTED (E-7 and Below)

Qualifications

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration.

To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the position to be filled in one or a combination of the areas described below. At least one course must have been from (1) or (2) below.
  • Tests and measurement: Study of the selection, evaluation, administration, scoring, interpretation, and uses of group and individual aptitude, proficiency, interest, and other tests.
  • Adult education: Study of the adult as a learner, teaching-learning theories for adults, models and procedures for planning, designing, managing, and evaluating adult learning activities.
  • Educational program administration: Study of the foundation and methods in organizing for adult and continuing education programs.
  • Curriculum development or design: Study of the principles and techniques for development of curricula for adult or vocational education programs.
  • Teaching methods: Study of teaching strategies and learning styles of the adult learner.
  • Guidance and counseling: Study of the purposes and methods in counseling and guidance, the role of the counselor in various settings, approaches to counseling, and the uses of tests in the counseling situation.
  • Career planning: Study of career development, learning activities, systems, approaches, program coordination, use of educational and community resources, and vocational counseling systems.
  • Occupational information: Study of theories of occupational choice and vocational development and their application to the guidance process. Identification and utilization of various types of occupational information and resources.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-1740-9: Must haveexperience in the following:
  • 1 year experiences equivalent to at least GS-07

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience -

Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the position to be filled in one or a combination of the areas described below. At least one course must have been from (1) or (2) below.

  • Tests and measurement: Study of the selection, evaluation, administration, scoring, interpretation, and uses of group and individual aptitude, proficiency, interest, and other tests.
  • Adult education: Study of the adult as a learner, teaching-learning theories for adults, models and procedures for planning, designing, managing, and evaluating adult learning activities.
  • Educational program administration: Study of the foundation and methods in organizing for adult and continuing education programs.
  • Curriculum development or design: Study of the principles and techniques for development of curricula for adult or vocational education programs.
  • Teaching methods: Study of teaching strategies and learning styles of the adult learner.
  • Guidance and counseling: Study of the purposes and methods in counseling and guidance, the role of the counselor in various settings, approaches to counseling, and the uses of tests in the counseling situation.
  • Career planning: Study of career development, learning activities, systems, approaches, program coordination, use of educational and community resources, and vocational counseling systems.
  • Occupational information: Study of theories of occupational choice and vocational development and their application to the guidance process. Identification and utilization of various types of occupational information and resources.

To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims.

Additional information

ENLISTMENT CASH BONUSES: Acceptance of a technician position may affect any bonus and/or educational assistance that may be applicable. Please contact your Education Office prior to accepting a position with the Iowa Army National Guard.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

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

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.

Review our benefits

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for this position:

  1. Knowledge of, and skill in applying, fundamental military human resource management principles and practices; and standardized analytical and evaluative methods and techniques in order to provide technical expertise and guidance as well as management advisory services to resolve factual and procedural issues within the particular area of assignment.
  2. Knowledge of computer databases, personnel management systems, and pay management systems. Be proficient in analytical math and have effective oral and written communication skills with a customer service support base.
  3. In-depth knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policy guidance relating to the field of military human resources management and fiscal responsibilities in the area of assignment.
  4. Knowledge of the organizational structure and requirements of the ARNG for that State suitable to provide advice to commanders, unit administrators, and military members concerning the area of program specialty.
  5. In the absence of the ESO will assume duties and responsibilities.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (format should include Month and Year) of employment and duties performed.
  2. Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD 214, SF-50, ect.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Address
IA G1 DCSPER
7105 NW 70th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.