PROJECT SPECIALIST Job in Helena, MT

Vacancy No. MT-13058123-T5-26-596 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $61,722.00 to $80,243.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/11/2026 Close Date 9/26/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Helena, MT


PROJECT SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units
Montana Air National Guard - Business Transformation Office

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION

This position is for a Project Specialist, Position Description Number T0042000, and is part of the MT Air National Guard, BTO.

Selecting Official: Lt Col Steichen

Also advertised:
Title 32
- Open to current employees and military members of the MTNG, and anyone willing & eligible to join the MTNG at MT-13058116-AF-26-594
Title 5 - Open to veterans & the public (Veterans' Preference DOES apply) at MT-13058126-T5-26-609

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to the following Categories (CAT): CAT 1 - current MTNG permanent Title 5 employees, CAT 2 - current MTNG permanent Title 32 employees, CAT 3 - current Term and NTE T5 MTNG employees, CAT 4 - current Indefinite or NTE MTNG T32 employees, CAT 5 - current & former (honorable service) military members of MTNG, & CAT 6 - current & re-employable (career status) Federal Employees (Veterans' Preference DOES NOT apply).

Duties

Coordinates, analyzes, directs, and evaluates one-of-a-kind and non-recurring projects/programs and operations. Administers and evaluates internal management plans, directions, and practices which require consideration and integration of specialized needs. Participates and provides significant input to the planning of program studies and organizational changes to the project/program. Makes recommendations on administrative practices. Performs work based on broad experience and familiarity to organizations, applicable policies, procedures and regulations, and pertinent precedent, as well as practical knowledge of guidelines associated with applicable laws, regulations and other official guidance. Conducts research, interviews subject matter experts and technical specialists, collects data, analyzes findings, prepares recommendations and writes reports regarding a variety of administrative issues and functions on the most economical methods of achieving project/program goals and objectives. Conducts fact-finding studies to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of internal work. Evaluates the impact for new or revised policies and procedures on existing projects/programs. Makes recommendations for courses of action, implementation, or revisions required. Measures work accomplishments against management goals. Identifies data required for use in the administration of business functions and develops reporting systems as required. Recommendations made by the incumbent often result in significant changes in project/program work. Explains necessity for changes to administrative personnel, clarifies new procedures, and provides guidance in the application of new administrative guidelines. Responds to key suspense items of high priority for completion of projects/programs.

Assembles background information, drafts portions of response as appropriate. Determines actions needed by other staff elements and follows-up to ensure responses are complete and timely, resolves conflicts, and refers only the most significant problems for resolution. Incumbent handles unusual or unprecedented problems independently, taking actions or recommending solution to the supervisor. On own initiative, resolves a variety of problems related to administrative process that support the project/program. Assists supervisor in identifying personnel requirements, resources, and services needed to ensure the effective use of manpower, money and materials to support the mission. Develops or assists in the development of graphs, charts, and drafts of narratives in coordination with Project Manager(s) for inclusion in project documents and reports. Assembles available information relating to programming and justification data for the budget submission process. Prepares and completes project plan presentations and public meetings with local sponsors, and leadership throughout the organization. Actively participates in staff and/or management level meetings/discussions pertaining to the activities encompassed in the project/program.

Implements procedures for the control, maintenance and disposition of records relating to projects/programs. Conducts inspection of project/program files to ensure compliance with regulations. Incumbent handles unusual or unprecedented problems independently, taking action or recommending solutions to the supervisor. Exercises initiative to resolves a variety of problems related to project/program processes and procedures. Carries out any additional special assignments characterized as unique one-time requirements or issues, involving research to gather, analyze and evaluate information, facts and data concerning administrative management processes used to complete the project/program. Maintains office files and ensures compliance with applicable regulatory guidance. Maintains relevant publications, guidelines and directives, ensuring they are current and updated periodically. Initiates actions and conducts follow-up on administrative issues, until final concurrence, disposition or resolution is obtained. Coordinates and arranges various meetings and training events held.

Composes and prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, records, briefing materials, and statistical and narrative material required to support the project/program. Uses office automation applications to produce a wide range of documents into final form from own composition brief instructions, or rough draft from other staff members. Uses database or spreadsheet applications to enter, revise, sort and retrieve data for reports; and uses graphic software to provider charts and graphs. Assures that the content of all outgoing correspondence is consistent with the organization's mission, goals and objectives. Ensures clarity, completeness of reply, grammatical and procedural correctness, and conformance to regulation and command standards.

Performs other duties as assigned.

(A Position Description can be obtained from HRO upon request.)

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • External applicants must be able to start within 6 months of selection.
  • 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.
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
  • May be required to travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Must have 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. (MUST address these general experiences in detail on resume to be considered for this position)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Must have one of the following:

A) 1 year specialized experience, education or training equivalent to at least the next lower grade level of GS-7. Must have experience providing technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable work of the position to be filled. Must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures and practices of management. Experience developing administrative procedures.
(MUST address these experiences in detail on resume to be considered for this position.)

OR

B) A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. (MUST provide copies of all relevant transcripts to be considered for this position, if using this option to qualify. Official transcripts may be required at a later date.)

OR

C) A combination of Specialized experience and Education equal to 100% of the requirements. (MUST address the specialized experiences in detail on resume AND provide copies of all relevant transcripts to be considered for this position, if using this option to qualify)




PLACEMENT STATUS/TENURE OF SELECTEE FOR A NON-PERMANENT T5 POSITION:

TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT/CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE - For Title 5 permanent current employee as selectees only: This is an obligated position. If a permanent employee in the Title 5 MT NG Excepted civil service employee accepts this position, he/she will retain their permanent status AND have rights to return to their previous or similar Title 5 position.

TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT/CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE - For Title 5 Term current employee as selectees only: This is an obligated position. If a Term employee in the Title 5 MT NG Excepted civil service employee accepts this position, he/she will retain their Term status AND may have rights to return to their previous Title 5 position (if still available).

INDEFINITE APPOINTMENT - For Current Title 32 selectees (any Status) or Title 5 NTE/VRA employees: This is an obligated position. If an on-board employee in the Title 32 or NTE T5 excepted civil service accepts this position, he/she will convert to a T5 Term appointment (tenure 3) with possible permanent status OR without possible permanent status. This employee will have NO reemployment rights to their previous T32 position; but may be reinstated to Title 5 NTE/VRA position if still available.

INDEFINITE APPOINTMENT - State National Guard Members not currently a MT NG federal employee: This is an obligated position. Selectee will be appointed as a TERM T5 Term employment with possible permanent status OR without possible permanent status (tenure 3).


Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories below are eligible to apply with this preference.

  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees
  • Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference (MSP)
Documents for applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categoriesApplicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible must submit the following documentation:
  • Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-3)
  • Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
  • Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement must submit the following documentation:
  • Military Reserve and Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-2)
  • Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
  • Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.
Applicant claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees must submit the following documentation:
  • DoD Retained Grade Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-1)
  • SF-50 effecting the placement in retained grade status
  • Copy of the notification letter the employee received (RIF or classification downgrade)
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference must submit the following documentation:
  • DoD Military Spouse Preference Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-4)
  • Sponsor's PCS Orders
  • Proof of Military member's current active duty status
  • Marriage Certificate

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

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.

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.

Required Documents

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

1. Your resume showing:

  • Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
  • Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (at least month/year-month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
  • Education, certifications or licensures.
If resume is NOT detailed in these requirements; you could be deemed INELIGIBLE. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

2. Transcripts: All relevant transcripts must be included in your application, if using education as a qualifying factor.

3. Other required or supporting documents:
  • CAT 5 Applicants - Must provide membership proof, i.e., copy of NGB 22/22a or other membership proof/honorable service.
  • CAT 6 Applicants - Copy of most recent SF-50. (Copy of most recent SF-50 is recommended for this agency's Federal employees.)

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13058123

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

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.


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/.

Agency contact information

Vanessa Toquero
Email
vanessa.toquero.civ@army.mil
Address
MT JFHQ ANG
1956 Mt Majo St
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Air National Guard Units

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

Agency contact information

Vanessa Toquero
Email
vanessa.toquero.civ@army.mil
Address
MT JFHQ ANG
1956 Mt Majo St
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US

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