TECHNICAL ADVISOR

Conditions of Employment Continued: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position; the APDP level required specifically for this position will be identified locally. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements. This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Work requires the appropriate APDP certification: Practitioner (Formerly Level II or III) in Test & Evaluation (T&E). In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized 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 equivalent to the GS-13(or higher) grade level or equivalent pay systems (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Examples of specialized experience include mastery skill in applying a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of military activities, specifically related to combat aircraft, Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and related technology projects. In-depth knowledge of engineering standards and methods to formulate, execute, advise on, and explain recommendations or solutions to modify standard practices, equipment, devices, processes, and technique and resolve a wide variety of complex problems. Comprehensive knowledge of administrative laws, policies, concepts, regulations, and precedents applicable to the administration of Major Command, Air Force, and Department of Defense (DoD) program goals, objectives and applicable regulations related to major military operations. Expert knowledge of software and hardware development, integration, and testing. This knowledge should encompass systems characterized by very high complexity, such as C2 and ISR equipment, as well as a broad spectrum of C2ISR weapon systems for the Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD). 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-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 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: Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of military activities, specifically related to combat aircraft, Command and Control (C2), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and related technology projects. This includes knowledge of advanced analytical methodologies and test strategies to ensure sufficient testing is conducted to support senior decision-makers. Knowledge of Major Command, Air Force, and Department of Defense (DoD) program goals and objectives, as well as the sequence and timing of key operational test activity requirements, structure, milestones, concepts, principles, practices, and applicable regulations related to major military operations. Knowledge of and strong understanding of the relationships between military modernization planning operations and the planning and execution of operational test and evaluation (OT&E). This includes knowledge and skill in the application of Air Force cyberspace operations, control, and security for the execution of substantive military operations. Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to effectively negotiate complex issues and maintain good working relationships, sufficient to provide expert advice throughout the acquisition cycle, advising, and supporting senior members of various organizations, and facilitating the flow of information between agencies and activities. Ability to plan, organize, and advise others in test processes, studies or projects, and to negotiate effectively with leadership to accept and implement recommendations, such as when proposals involve substantial resources and require extensive changes in established concepts and procedures. Ability to advise the Squadron Commander and other Senior Leaders, as well as mentor and motivate the staff, sufficient to effectively advising on agency safety, security, personnel management, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, practices, and procedures. 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.
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: Serves as the senior technical operational test and evaluation (OT&E) expert, as well as principal civilian technical advisor to the Commander on Air Combat Command (ACC) operational test & evaluation (OT&E) of 53 major weapons systems/programs and 42 Tactics Development and Evaluations (TD&E).