Executive Director of Operational Test Command (OTC) Job in Fort Cavazos, TX

Vacancy No. DA-25-CMK-12667559 Department U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
Salary $150,159.00 to $225,700.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/27/2025 Close Date 2/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Cavazos, TX


Summary

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: To ensure the submission of a complete application package, please review the information and instructions provided in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

This Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) requires Practitioner Level Certification (formerly known as ADVANCED LEVEL III) in acquisition Career Field TEST AND EVALUATION.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Duties

Serves as Executive Director of the US Army Operational Test Command, exercising control and direction of the Command's Operational Test (OT) mission for Army-wide materiel development programs including key Modernization and Continuous Transformation efforts. Directs development of all test capabilities, range investments and modeling and simulation (M&S) usage in both Army-wide and Joint OT, including Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE). Serves as Army's Accreditation Authority for OT M&S and instrumentation. Additionally coordinates/synchronizes GO/SES level efforts within Army and DOD to integrate test and training capabilities and drive threat development for use in both test and training missions. Exercises oversight responsibilities in the conduct of realistic objective operational tests, assessments, and experiments on weapons, equipment and doctrine using state-of-the-art technology. Reviews test programs and provides expert advice on test procedures, techniques and instrumentation. Resolves complex problems in diverse engineering and scientific disciplines and is the final decision authority on controversial technical issues cutting across other Army commands and DOD departments. Success of the command mission has a substantial impact on the U.S. and allied national defense efforts and posture. Responsible for a direct funded allocation budget of $95M comprised of $75M for salaries and sustainment and $20M for capability development. Serves under the supervision of the CG, ATEC, who delegates overall responsibility for the technical control, coordination and management of OTC programs and objectives. Directs a workforce of 580 military and civilian members at five geographically dispersed CONUS bases and directly rate personnel at the NH-04 (GS-15 equivalent) level. Oversee approximately $25M in contracts that augment government workforce with an average of 330 contractors annually.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
You must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this position.
You must be able to submit and pass designated and/or Random Drug Testing as required.
You must be able to obtain/maintain the appropriate clearance and access level for this position.
This is a Critical Acquisition Position. Selectee must execute, as a condition of appointment, a written agreement to remain in Federal service in the position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such an agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.
You must sign a mobility agreement.
This critical acquisition position requires Practitioner Level Certification (formerly known as ADVANCED LEVEL III) in acquisition Career Field ENGINEERING AND TEST AND EVALUATION.

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required. You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you have previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
  • The incumbent is required to travel on both scheduled and unscheduled aircraft, and other modes as required, under conditions specified under the DoD Joint Travel Regulations.
  • The incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high level meetings to obtain resolution of problems and gather information to assist in the decision-making process.
  • Mobility: An essential element of the SES is mobility across geographic, organizational and functional lines. Individuals selected for Army SES positions may be subject to reassignment that requires them to be mobile. The U.S. Army senior leadership considers mobility to be an integral part of employment as an SES member with the Department of the Army.

Qualifications

**To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications, if applicable (such as Education - see below). Additional information on ECQs is available at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp.

1. Executive Core Qualification (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. Use the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model to describe your accomplishments. You must address each ECQ separately. You are required to respond to all ECQs. Failure to do so, will result in an 'ineligible' rating. Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of programs managed, and results of your actions. Total ECQ write-up should not exceed 10 pages using 12 pt, Arial or Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.

ECQ 1 - Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

ECQ 2 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

ECQ 3 - Results Driven: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

Please Note: Current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduates, who have been certified by the OPM do not need to address ECQs. However, Current or Former SES members must provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility and Candidates who have successfully graduated from an OPM approved Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.

(2) Technical Qualification (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing each TQ. TQ must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Total TQ write-up should not exceed 2 pages per TQ using 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman with 1-inch margins. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

Technical Qualification (TQ): I have professional expertise and broad background in the application of advanced engineering, scientific and operations research theories, principles, practices, and techniques and/or systems analysis as evidenced by academic credentials, experience, and standing among peers in the T&E and scientific community.

IF YES, you must submit your TQ write-up providing specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments as stated in the job announcement (Limit 2 pages). Failure to do so, will result in an 'ineligible' rating.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: THIS IS A SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES) LEVEL CRITICAL ACQUISITION POSITION.

Education

Education Requirements:

Occupational Series 0801 - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

Occupational Series 1301 - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/#:~:text=Basic%20Requirements%3A,properties%20of%20materials%2C%20and%20electronics.

Occupational Series 1515 - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/#:~:text=Basic%20Requirements%3A,college%2Dlevel%20mathematics%20or%20statistics.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

  • Reemployed Annuitant: If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Drug Testing: You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed into this position.
  • Financial Disclosure: The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
  • Suitability: If selected, the Army will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The Army will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed.
  • Nature of Appointment: Individual is given a Career appointment under the authority of 5 USC 3325 upon assuming the position.
  • Political Recommendations: The Army is barred by 5 USC 3303 from accepting or considering political recommendations regarding appointment or any other personnel action; any violation of the bar on recommendations is a prohibited personnel action. The Army is obligated to take appropriate adverse action against employees who solicit, or Army officials who consider prohibited political recommendations.
  • Veteran's Preference: By law Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Professional Positions.
  • False Statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
  • Non Discrimination: All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabling condition, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.
  • Adverse Information Screening: Applicants proposed for selection are subject to inquiries as to any incidences of misconduct, malfeasance, neglect of duty, or the appearance there of information gained in this check will be considered in the approval decision.
  • E-verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" system. Federal Law requires DHS to use the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires, and obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system as a condition of continued employment. The U.S. Department of Army is an E-Verify Participant.

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.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience.
Your resume will be evaluated by an SES rating and ranking panel, and afterwards, highly qualified candidates will undergo the Structured Interview process.

The Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur.

Required Documents

1. Resume (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): Submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. Your resume must contain:

  • Vacancy Announcement number
  • Full name, email, mailing address, day and evening telephone numbers.
  • Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges/universities you attended, as well as the type of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
  • Information about paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary.
  • Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments.
2. Executive Core Qualifications (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model. Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of programs managed, and results of your actions. Total ECQ write-up should not exceed 10 pages using 12pt, Arial or Times New Roman with 1-inch margins. Additional information on ECQs is available at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp.

In lieu of narrative statement, current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduates must provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility and Candidates who have successfully graduated from an OPM approved Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.

3. Technical Qualification (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): A narrative statement specifically addressing a mandatory technical qualification. TQ must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Total TQ write-up should not exceed 2 pages using 12 pt, Arial or Times New Roman with 1-inch margins. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following

Technical Qualification (TQ): I have professional expertise and broad background in the application of advanced engineering, scientific and operations research theories, principles, practices, and techniques and/or systems analysis as evidenced by academic credentials, experience, and standing among peers in the T&E and scientific community.

4. SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Current or former employees MUST provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility. SES Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification. Upload this under the Executive Core Qualification selection.

5. Performance Assessment (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): Submit ONE of the following: A signed letter of recommendation dated within last three years that assesses your performance *or* your most recent signed performance appraisal. (Please do not submit any prior appraisals.)

6. An unofficial copy of your transcripts (MANDATORY SUBMISSION): Undergraduate, graduate, etc, which includes semester hours and degree received. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: US Dept of Education - College Accreditation

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

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

*** You MUST apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.***

To receive consideration, applicants must submit application material as specified below. Complete applications must be received in this office by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) 02/17/2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Do not submit additional items such as copies of additional performance appraisals, position descriptions, etc. Such items may be removed and will not be returned. Also application material cannot be returned.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the View Occupational Questionnaire.

Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) .

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e. Resume, ECQs, TQs, Acquisition documentation, SF50 if applicable, and Performance Appraisal/Letter of Recommendation, Occupational Questionnaire, and other qualifications as applicable) WILL NOT receive consideration for the position.

  • 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. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete. You must upload your ECQs, TQs and any Official Transcripts. If you have an SF50, please submit that as well. Your performance assessment or a Letter of Recommendation will need to be uploaded (under Performance Appraisal). All Required documents such as your Acquisition Certification Documents must be uploaded or your application will be considered incomplete.
  • It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
  • Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
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/.

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Background Survey Questionnaire, (OPTIONAL SUBMISSION): Form (O.M.B. No. 3046-0046) located: http://www.archives.gov/careers/jobs/forms/omb-3046-0046.pdf The information from this survey is used to help insure that agency personnel practices meet the requirements of Federal law. This information is provided pursuant to Public Law 93-579 (Privacy Act of 1974), December 31, 1974, for individuals completing Federal records and forms that solicit personal information.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Agency contact information

Claudia Keit
Address
EN-APF-W3Q2AA US ARMY TEST AND EVALUATION CMD (ATEC)
DO NOT MAIL
Washington, DC 20301
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, or your application is incomplete, your application will receive no further consideration. Pay is set based on selectee's current salary and other factors.

Once you enter on duty, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278e) within 30 days of entering this position. Please notify your servicing ethics counselor (part of the legal office) as soon as possible after starting your SES duties so the ethics counselor can assign you a new entrant report in the online Integrity system, (https://integrity.gov/efeds-login/).


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


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