Clarification from the agency

About the Position: This is an open continuous announcement. Initial pull will be 22 December 2025. Recruitment will continue through the announcement closing date until the position is filled.

As a LINK UNIT MANAGER (TITLE 32), GS-0301-12, you will directly supports user requirements for planning, executing, evaluating, and reporting testing and training objectives, mission debrief capabilities, and associated contract Quality Control.

Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:

• Serve 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.
• Provide oversight of TDL activities pertaining to the assigned unit and Air Mobility Command (AMC) in accordance with the duties outlined in AFMAN 13-116.
• Develop tailored procedures, conduct technical training and support, and improve processes of TDL systems for users and maintainers.
• Recommend changes to operations and maintenance processes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities.
• Coordinate 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.
• Facilitate 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
• Ensure 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.
• Manage execution of the Data Link architecture and coordinates with range and test facilities.
• Coordinate with Headquarters United States Air Force (HQ USAF) and Theater/Range Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) on issues related to TDL Network interoperability.
• Analyze and resolve problems in order to maintain long-term Data Link architecture due to technology advancements, increased numbers of TDL Network injects, and increased complexity of systems while identifying current and future network information exchange requirements.

Conditions of employment

• This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the Illinois National Guard and in the military grade listed in the announcement. This is required prior to the effective date of placement. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
• Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
• Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
• IAW The Fair Chance Act, Agency employees may not request criminal history information at the point of initial application, upon receipt of an application, or prior to, during or after a job interview. If an Optional Form (OF) 306, Declaration of Employment is submitted prior to the point of a conditional offer, questions related to background information section may not be asked.
• Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required.
• The employee have a secret clearance prior to appointment and be able to obtain and maintain a current Top Secret security clearance and qualify for access to SCI and various special access programs. Failure to obtain the TS/SCI will result in removal from employment.
• This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. Pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing is a condition of employment. Note: The caveat is that the States, Territories, and the District of Columbia cannot drug test until a drug free workplace policy has been established and approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Strong background in TDLs desired; preferably a qualified Link Unit Manager with 2+ years of experience or JICO.
• Must attend required courses IAW TDL Planning and Operations publications.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available for this position.
• PCS expenses may be authorized.

Qualifications

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: The areas of considerations for this position, Title 32 Excepted Service (32 U.S. Code § 709), will be in the following manner and sequence,

• The FIRST area of consideration for this position will be all excepted permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG.
• The SECOND area of consideration will be all current Federal Employees.
• The THIRD area of consideration will be all Federal re-employment eligible.
• The FOURTH area of consideration will be applicants willing to become T32 Dual Status Technicians and gain ILNG membership.
• The FIFTH area of consideration will U.S. Citizens.

Military Grades: Rank Requirements E1-O6

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: MUST possess experience, education or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration; experience 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.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 Level. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-12 Level MUST possess at least 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level of GS-11; 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: MUST possess secret clearance prior to appointment and be able to obtain and maintain a current Top Secret security clearance and qualify for access to SCI and various special access programs. Failure to obtain the TS/SCI will result in removal from employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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 below. 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.

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 minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Technical Competence
• Technical Credibility
• Technical Problem Solving

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Your resume that clearly demonstrates experience that meets the requirements of this position. Your resume must contain identifiable information such as your name, address, and phone number. It should also show your work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.

• SF-50 - Must include if you are a current or previous federal employee.

Other supporting documents (as applicable):

• Certifications
• DD-214
• SF-50 - Please include if you are a current or previous federal employee.
• Official Transcript
• NGIL Form 73

https://www.il.ngb.army.mil/Portals/30/Documents/Jobs/NGILForm73.pdf?ver=2019-05-01-161908-260

*NGIL Form 73 - Illinois National Guard Technician Program Supplement to Application for Dual Status (DS), to reflect military qualifications.

Complete and accurate data is essential to ensure fair evaluation, applicants with no military qualifications must submit form stating, "not applicable" and signature on page 2 of the NGIL Form 73.

Documents NOT accepted: photographs, copies of position descriptions, training certificates, performance ratings, awards, and letters of appreciation.

Next steps