Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Department of the Air Force

Air Force Materiel Command

Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC)

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 serve as a senior environmental specialist supporting Clean Air Act requirements and oversight.

This job is open to

The public

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

Clarification from the agency

This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Duties

Provides professional environmental technical expertise and program support to the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Installations, Environment and Logistics (SAF/IE), Headquarters Air Force (HAF) A7C, Environmental Restoration and Quality Program Offices, Major Commands (MAJCOMs), Regional Support Branches (RSBs), and installation staff. Initiates, develops, sets specific objectives, and evaluates performances of AFCEC and installation environmental programs to ensure compliance with pertinent governmental policies, directives, instructions, applicable laws, agreements, and other criteria established by Congress.
Collaborates with engineers, scientists, and other expert personnel at federal agencies, higher headquarters, installations, environmental regulatory agencies, sister services, and non-governmental organizations and stakeholders to ensure effective identification, evaluation, prevention, and resolution of complex environmental problems. Serves as an authority on subject areas involving the development of environmental concepts and methodology; interprets environmental regulatory requirements at the federal, state, and local levels; develops regional processes based on federal, state, and local requirements, participates in difficult negotiations with regulatory agency officials, and works closely with MAJCOMs and RSB team members, installation environmental staff, and Air Force legal staff to manage environmental compliance issues.
Develops near-term and strategic plans based on organizational goals and objectives. Identifies strategic sourcing opportunities and leverages a variety of execution methods to reduce cost and speedy delivery of products and services. Identifies program execution and contracting strategies to enable enterprise-wide efficiencies. Coordinates execution of environmental planning functions and completion of environmental impact assessment for Air Force activities.
Develops, reviews, and manages contracts for environmental projects and services. Performs risk analysis on funding, advocates for funding and contracting needs to take advantage of economies related to environmental procurements. Develops programming requirements for the Air Force environmental program. Forecasts Air Force environmental program funding requirements and prepares budgeting and funding documents during the annual budgeting and programming process (e.g., Program Objective Memorandum, Financial Planning, etc.).
Provides consultation and advisory services to leadership and customers. Validates and approves environmental program evaluations for mission changes, unit realignments, reports, and correspondence submitted by higher headquarters, MAJCOMs, and installations. Disseminates new regulations and regulatory changes. Makes significant recommendations based on expertise of the technical fields involved along with current knowledge of emerging environmental technological advances, as well as knowledge of established DoD, AF, and government policy and criteria. Provides training and develops guidance on new policy requirements and advises Air Force environmental managers of policy changes.
Communicates critical issues to serviced installations, superiors, and higher headquarters. Develops and presents briefing packages and prepares a variety of related reports. Prepares initial responses to Congressional inquiries, audit reports, inspection reports, press releases, and public concerns. Conducts public meetings, education programs, and technical review committees as required. Ensures all communications are correct and delivered in a professional manner. Presents oral presentations that address the designated issues. Identifies problems, both in broad and detailed terms, and resolves conflicts through persuasive discussions with responsible members in meetings or working forums.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship is required
Male must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
For more information on Acq Demo please go to DoD AcqDemo Homepage http://acqdemo.hci.mil/ and Fact Sheet http://acqdemo.hci.mil/faq.html
Disclosure of Political Appointments
Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
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.
This position may require travel.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

Basic Requirement for 0020, Community Planner Positions (You must provide a copy of your transcripts): A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in community planning; or related field such as urban affairs, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, sociology, geography, economics, political science, or public administration that included at least 12 semester hours in the planning process, socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, urban and regional economic analysis, and development finance. NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major in one of the disciplines, as shown above, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the disciplines, as shown above, of which at least 12 semester hours were in the planning process, and socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

Basic Requirements for 0401, Biological Scientist Positions (You must provide a copy of your transcripts): A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Basic Requirement for 0801/0819, General/Environmental Engineer Positions (You must provide a copy of your transcripts): A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. Click here to view occupational requirements for this position.

Basic Requirement for 1301, Physical Scientist Positions (You must provide a copy of your transcripts): A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the one of the basic individual occupational requirements above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience serving as a subject matter expert in environmental law and regulations governing air quality and experience managing environmental programs pertaining to air quality. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

This announcement establishes a pool of candidates to fill future positions. We accept applications continuously during the open period of this announcement. We review applications and refer candidates for selection consideration as vacancies occur within the organization. Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement upon its closing for up to 120 days.

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:

Knowledge of current U.S. environmental laws and regulations, DoD, and AF instructions, policies, directives, and applicable agreements; professional knowledge of new applications or developments in environmental programs to provide expert level support or advice. Deep technical knowledge of Clean Air Act (CAA) compliance, emissions management, and installation level air program operations and understanding of CAA Titles I-VI and DoD-specific regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of Air Force programming, budget, and funding processes and ability to forecast, develop, and evaluate resource requirements pertaining to environmental programs.
Knowledge of all existing operations with special emphasis and professional knowledge of environmental program management. Requires expertise in Department of the Air Force information management tools such as Air Program Information Management System (APIMS) and/or Environmental Program Information Management System (EPIMS). Ability to evaluate CAA permits, emission calculations, source classification, and control technologies.
Knowledge of applicable health and safety requirements as outlined in job-related safety standards, regulations, and orders.
Knowledge of construction and service contracting procedures relevant to executing environmental-related contracts.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with senior officials from a broad array of activities, including federal and local government, and industry.

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

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

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.

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.

This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Online Application: Questionnaire
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".
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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/06/2026

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12977969

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.

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).

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: AF Installation and Mission Support Center
2000 Allbrook Drive
Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433
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.

Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY Job