INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 8X-DCIPS-12837105-997345-TS Department Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Salary $142,488.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/19/2025 Close Date 12/2/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Branch Chief for the Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO), and function as senior intelligence specialist and Subject Matter Expert.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Across the Department of Defense ONLY

Duties

-As Branch Chief, leads a team of eight Staff Officers with duty locations at the National Security Agenc (NSA), conveying USAF, ACC, and 16AF positions and views on pertinent SIGINT issues directly to action elements of the National Security Agency (NSA)/CSS. Interfaces with members of the Space Force Cryptologic Office (SFCO), Army Cryptologic Office (ACO), Navy Cryptologic Office (NCO), Marine Corps Cryptologic Office (MCO), Coast Guard Cryptologic Office (CGCO), Special Operations Cryptologic Office (SOCO), and Central Security Service (CSS) headquarters staff to ensure that programs, policies and objectives are in line with the progress to a joint working environment.

-As a senior SIGINT expert, conducts mission management, coordination, deconfliction, and synchronization of all SIGINT efforts in support of 16AF missions. Uses in-depth technical knowledge of Defense and National Agency operations, mission, policy, structure and doctrine to provide guidance and direction to 16AF involvement in, and utilization of, National Systems and agencies in support of National intelligence requirements.

-Represents 16AF and the Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO) with responsibilities for coordinating mission
requirements/opportunities that support USAF, 16AF and AF tactical intelligence units, working all in concert with ACC. Incumbent will require in-depth knowledge of the operational relationships of the United States SIGINT System in order to prepare, present and coordinate AF mission requirements with national level agencies, Cryptologic and Operations Centers, and local Commanders.

-Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management. Selects or recommends selection of candidates for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignments in consideration of skills and qualifications, mission requirements, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and diversity objectives. Develops, modifies, and/or interprets performance standards. Explains performance expectations to employees and provides regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • Mobility: Mobility is a condition of employment. The employee must sign an Air Force-wide mobility agreement.
  • An advanced intelligence-related or professional/scientific degree is highly desirable, but education is not a substitute for experience.
  • Employees and family members requiring medical/dental care in the overseas location are responsible for obtaining/paying for care. Access for these members to military medical/dental treatment facilities is on space-available/reimbursable basis only.

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: Mastery of and skill in applying a comprehensive range of intelligence research, collection methods, dissemination applications and methodologies that includes the evaluation of many diverse sources of information utilizing multiple intelligence information systems in order to develop intelligence capability and threat assessments. In-depth technical knowledge of Defense and National Agency operations, mission, policy, structure and doctrine to provide guidance and direction to 16AF involvement in, and utilization of, National Systems and agencies in support of National intelligenc requirements. Mastery of intelligence principles, concepts, and procedures tests, evaluates, to make informed recommendations on collection and dissemination software and tools for procurement and funding. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

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. Expert knowledge of a comprehensive range of intelligence, research, and collection methods for th management of national and tactical level Cryptologic Operations and its integration with other pillars of Information Warfare to include Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO); Information Operations (IO); and
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

2. Comprehensive understanding of the intelligence cycle as it applies to SIGINT operations, Intelligence
Community Directives (ICDs), United States Signals Intelligence Directives (USSIDs), and Intelligence Oversight;
and knowledge and experience with joint military Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) focused on
activities, and pertaining to the sequence of actions, requisite for cryptologic operations.

3. Expert knowledge of the of the national intelligence community, cryptologic enterprise, Joint, DoD structure,
organizations and mission/functions, inter-relationships, and operations; and direct knowledge and experience in
cryptologic operations and SIGINT planning, collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination.

4. Mastery of qualitative and/or quantitative analytical principles, concepts, and methods to produce detailed
analyses of complex information/situations attained from multiple intelligence sources to conduct unbiased complex research of novel and emergent problems, identifying appropriate available systems/data sources, and producing collection requirement assessments in a problem-centric approach linked to operational requirements.

5. High level of skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, negotiating complex issues, and
resolving conflicts at an inter-service, inter-agency, and inter-departmental level based on mature judgment,
experience, and recognized professional standing; and expert-level ability to communicate effectively, both orally
and in writing.

6. Ability to maintain control of classified material; quickly assimilate disparate data, render knowledgeable and
accurate assessments of the implication of such data; make decisions, estimates, and recommendations under
conditions of urgency and pressure based on mature judgment and experience; and present and/or defend a position effectively and the ability to manage a small staff and carry out all phases of personnel management responsibilities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONT'D:

1. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special
Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.

2. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.

3. Polygraph: Incumbent is required to undergo a counter-intelligence polygraph examination and periodic
reexaminations. Additionally, incumbent must meet and maintain NSA/CSS security suitability standards as an
inherent primary requirement of their position.

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

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.

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.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval)

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  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.
  4. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. 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".
  5. 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).
  6. OCONUS - Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. 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". NOTE: For OCONUS employees who claim eligibility MSP or Family Member Preference, your SF-50 may contain a "3" in block 24 and a "2" in block 34.
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 (EST) on 12/02/2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12837105

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.


4. Return Rights: Per AFI 36-1101 - DCIPS employees have no statutory right of return to the previous position, unit, or geographic location.

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.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
IC - Air Force DCIPS
550 C Street W
JBSA Randolph AFB, TX 78150
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

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 and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.


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