LINK UNIT MANAGER (Indefinite, May Become Permanent)

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current members of the 185th ARW, Iowa Air National Guard This is an indefinite position, and may become permanent.

As a LINK UNIT MANAGER (Indefinite, May Become Permanent), GS-0301-12 your duties are below;

1. Serves as the Link Unit Manager (LUM) and technical expert/advisor for planning, coordinating, and scheduling Tactical Data Link (TDL) operations, maintenance, and equipment for the Mobility Air Force (MAF) Wing. Within the MPC, provides oversight of TDL activities pertaining to the assigned unit and Air Mobility Command (AMC) in accordance with the duties outlined in AFMAN 13-116. Develops tailored procedures, conducts technical training and support, and improves processes of TDL systems for users and maintainers. Recommends changes to operations and maintenance processes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities. Briefs wing leadership on the operation and performance of multiple TDLs. Coordinates with local reserve units to ensure support for weekend exercises. Coordinates the preparations, maintenance, and equipment configurations to execute TDL Network operations in the MPC/Local Airspace which may include working with Major Command (MAJCOM) and appropriate contractors. Facilitates support and resolution for complex Data Link system to include troubleshooting feeds, tasked sensors, and reporting systems in aircraft and/or mobile ground stations with respect to mission planning and long-term homeland air defense implications. Ensures transient, joint, and coalition airframes are equipped with the appropriate client software confirming TDL capability, intelligence, operations, and communications data is received and distributed to subordinate USAF Command and Control elements. Manages execution of the Data Link architecture and coordinates with range and test facilities. (30%)
2. Coordinates with Theater/Range JICOs (as applicable), local airspace, TDL users, Electronic Scoring Ranges, and HQ Air Combat Command (ACC) as the focal points for managing and modifying the TDL networks for execution of all procedures operating in ACC. Represents the MAF at higher levels within AMC, MAJCOMs, and at conferences with HQ USAF, Department of Defense (DoD) and other agencies. Supports establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with other coordinating organizations at the field grade officer level. Delivers presentations on status, accomplishments, problems, and requirements for support to organization leadership or other DoD agencies, as required. May advise MAJCOM on Position Description modifications for unit and Manpower Data System (MDS) support. Responsible for ensuring all multi-TDL networks, sensor networks, and intelligence networks are combined and forwarded on to the MPC's Common Operational Picture (COP). Assists MAF Aircrew in planning TDL network architectures during peacetime, contingency, and wartime operations. (25%)
3. Provides oversight of TDL network operations while conducting testing and training missions in accordance with all pertinent instructions. Responsible for development, management, maintenance, and annual review of TDL checklists. Performs as a liaison with multi-command agencies regarding support to testing and training missions. Works with Homeland Defense and range controllers integrating plans for local training and prepares for real world operations. Utilize testing and training capabilities with required organizations to ensure optimal connectivity. Works closely with training system schedulers to alleviate problems caused by equipment downtime or changes to training requirements. Coordinates efforts to minimize the impacts of TDL training system limitations on formal and continuation training programs. Plans, schedules, coordinates, and supports the on-site activities of outside agencies in conducting TDL training system tests and evaluations. Attends training and system configuration working group meetings to stay informed of changes in tactics, training, and aircraft equipment requirements. (25%)
4. Maintains in-depth working knowledge of local area support agreements which affect TDL network operations. Reviews and confirms environmental controls, facility connectivity, and site activities for the TDL network are accurate and effective in meeting user requirements, mission timetables, and schedules. Develops support agreements such as Letters of Agreement/Memorandums of Agreement/Memorandums of Understanding (LOA/MOA/MOU) to meet mission requirements and provides network operational guidance, project execution support, and collaboration with program managers when necessary to ensure completion of defined portions of overall program effort. Analyzes TDL operational issues and advises higher officials/project managers of the feasibility of different approaches to provide a basis for corrective action or the solution. (20%)
5. Performs other duties as assigned. D2925000

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 Air 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 11/22/2026 . 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.

TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct.
• The needs and interests of the agency.
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

Must attend required courses IAW TDL Planning and Operations publications

Completion of the Joint Multi-TDL School (JMTS) JT-220 Link Unit Manager (LUM) Course is mandatory within 6 months of appointment.

Military Rank Requirements: ENLISTED MEMBERS (E-5 to E-7)

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. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Experience, education or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration. Compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Progressively responsible experience which demonstrates the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable?? work of the position to be filled. Experience using computer and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-0301-12: Must have experience in the following:

• 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
• Experience, education or training in program or managerial experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to the position to be filled or in comparable work or functions.
• Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out specific programs, evaluating and recommending changes in methods of operations.
• Experience in supervisory, staff or technical work which included study, analysis or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of managerial or administrative policies, practices and procedures.
• Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations.

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.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for this position:

1. Knowledgeable of a comprehensive range of TDL concepts, principles, and systems/equipment, including those that have complex technical requirements and require extensive specialized training and experience.
2. Specialized practical and theoretical knowledge of joint services TDL systems/equipment for application to difficult and complex situations and problems that have no clear precedent.
3. Ability to research and solve interoperability problems with a wide variety of complex interactions.
4. Extensive knowledge of military command structures at the tactical and operational levels of war.
5. Knowledge of methods and techniques to participate in complex TDL architecture ranging from local training sorties to major exercises to operational deployments in support of combatant commanders. Knowledge of methods and techniques to execute complex responsibilities of Combat Crew Communications for maintenance and distribution of COMSEC in support of MPC and deployment operations.
6. Thorough knowledge of TDL system applications and technical processes for the effective and efficient utilization of technology resources.
7. Knowledge of how AOC processes execute the AMC Commander's directives and overall MAJCOM mission.
8. Knowledgeable of a comprehensive range of Common Operational Picture (COP) and Common Tactical Picture (CTP) concepts, principles, and systems/equipment, including those that have complex technical requirements and require extensive specialized training and experience.
9. Specialized practical and theoretical knowledge of joint services Data Link systems/equipment for application to difficult and complex situations and problems that have no clear precedent. Ability to research and solve interoperability problems with a wide variety of complex interactions.
10. Extensive knowledge of military command structures at the Strategic, Operational, and Tactical levels of war. Knowledge of methods and techniques to execute complex MPC Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) architecture spanning the entire Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) TDL Area of Responsibility.
11. Knowledge of methods and techniques to execute complex responsibilities of Combat Crew Communications for maintenance and distribution of COMSEC in support of MPC and deployment operations.

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.

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