OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (COUNTERTERRORISM) Job in Peterson AFB, CO

Vacancy No. 6X-AFPC-12838534-012906-AMC Department U.S. Northern Command
Salary $108,165.00 to $140,616.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/19/2025 Close Date 11/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Peterson AFB, CO


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is: To coordinate and synchronize Counterterrorism (CT) operations, activities, and investments (OAIs) within the USNORTHCOM (NC) area of responsibility (AOR).

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Clarification from the agency

The Area of Consideration is limited to the DoD personnel only.

Duties

  • Serve as a counterterrorism operations expert.
  • Direct team members that provide maintenance, communications, scheduling and operation of the USNORTHCOM Compartmented Planning and Operations Center (CPOC).
  • Manage NC/J34 support to the USNORTHCOM WMD counter-proliferation efforts.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • 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 position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • Subject to short notice recall. Must reside within normal commuting distance of Peterson Air Force Base (50 miles).
  • The employee may be required to travel by commercial or military conveyance in the performance of temporary duty (TDY) assignments.
  • Duty hours may vary, and overtime may be required. May be required to work holidays, weekends, and non-standard hours to support military operations.
  • In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
  • Employee may be responsible for assuming newly identified or unusual additional duties.

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment Continued:

  • A Top Secret/Special Sensitive clearance is required for this position. The employee is required to possess and maintain a Top Secret/Special Sensitive as a condition of employment. Per AFGM2017-36-04, dated 4 Oct 17, the investigative requirement CANNOT be waived for special sensitive positions.
  • Required to apply for Staff-Like Access (SLA)--unescorted access to controlled facilities, information systems, security
    systems or products containing sensitive security information in order to perform temporary duty with Other Government Agencies. A polygraph examination may be required.
  • This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use. As a mandatory requirement for employment in the TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) when required, to submit to urinalysis testing. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
  • This is a KEY position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent must continue to perform the duties until relieved by proper authority. The incumbent may be required to take part in readiness exercises. This position cannot be vacated during a national security emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively. This meets the criteria of a key position and requires that the incumbent be removed from any military recall status. Based upon a written request from NORAD and USNORTHCOM, the Reserve personnel centers will move selectees/incumbents from the Ready Reserves to the Standby or Retired Reserves, or discharge them under 10USC 271 (b).
  • May be required to perform NC/J3 Battle Roster functions during Exercise and Real-World events. Battle Roster functions may include, but are not limited to, Contingency Command Center; Crisis Action Center; Joint Enabling Capability, and other tasks as assigned.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialize experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions- Miscellaneous Administration & Program (0301).

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes Knowledge of organization, programs, missions, and functions to participate in the direction of multiple program segments that include diverse mission areas (i.e., intelligence analysis and production, strategic, operational and tactical planning, mission specific training). These programs support the engagement plan of USNORTHCOM as well as selected specific commands that directly affect complex, multi-mission military operations. Assignments require skill in conducting detailed analysis of complex functions and work processes. Knowledge to organize, plan and direct the work program of an interagency analytical element charged with threat analysis and preparation of intelligence estimates, annexes, target packages and feasibility assessments regarding specifically designated organizations within the USNORTHCOM AOR. Skill in analyzing and understanding warfare situations and problems; and skill in interpreting and developing policy, regulations, procedures and system processes. Mastery of military air, land, maritime and space concepts and principles; DoD military command and control operations, command and control of air, land, maritime and space forces, geographical areas of responsibility for the Command's air, land, maritime and space operations at both the operational and strategic levels.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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. Knowledge of military and Joint operations doctrine and the missions, functions, goals, objectives, and work processes pertinent to conducting counterterrorism operations at the combatant-command level (i.e., USNORTHCOM).
  2. Knowledge of organizations involved with counterterrorism, including DoD and Joint organizational structures; national intelligence organizations; state and federal emergency organizations; and pertinent interagency organizations involved with counterterrorism.
  3. Familiarity with combatant command (i.e., USNORTHCOM's) crisis response processes and the command and controls systems used by the command, subordinates, and component commands.
  4. Understanding of Component, Partner Nation and interagency mission capabilities; Ability to develop Joint operations plans and orders in support of command-level (i.e., USNORTHCOM's) objectives.
  5. Ability to react in a high stress environment to intense domestic and Partner Nation event situations; make critical characterization judgments; formulate recommendations that may have major national impact/consequences and
    transmit those recommendations clearly and concisely to possibly the highest civilian authorities in the Government.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

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.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

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

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.

The resume/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.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

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 of your 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).
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 (ET) on 11/26/2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12838534

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.

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
NORTHCOM
250 Vandenberg Street
Suite B016
Peterson SFB, CO 80914
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.