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OPERATIONS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Air Force Elements, U.S. Special Operations Command

Salt Lake City, UTFull-time$91–118K/yrPosted 1 day ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$91–118K/yr
Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Valid Driver's License

Job overview

The Operations Support Specialist oversees day-to-day, midterm, and multiyear activities supporting combat operations. The role integrates and manages diverse programs and directorate efforts, represents the organization in senior-level professional networks, and provides long-term planning and technical guidance. Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent, including expertise in Special Tactics operations and related support programs.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Special Tactics OperationsSystems DesignSpecifications DevelopmentLogistics ManagementTactical Surveillance EquipmentTraining IntegrationTTP DevelopmentBudget FormulationBudget AdministrationBudget ExecutionDefense PlanningDoD AppropriationsProgram Objective MemorandumContractual ProcessesPersonnel ManagementOrganizational DesignSafety RegulationsSecurity RegulationsLeadershipMentorshipDecision MakingResearchProblem SolvingPolicy DevelopmentProgram PrioritizationDirectorate Coordination

Qualifications

One Year GS-12 ExperienceValid Driver's LicenseFAA Class III Flight PhysicalFederal Time-in-Grade

Full job description

Summary

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

Duties

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the Operations Support Specialist, a combat mission area that encompasses numerous operations support, intelligence, acquisitions, financial, communications, logistics management, equipment, production, integration, and training programs. Oversees the complex, numerous, and varied day-to-day, midterm, and multiyear activities that underwrite the success of assigned combat operations. The position is designed to engender the combined benefit of subordinate directorate efforts, to integrate and oversee diverse programs, and to chair the advancement of mission critical special programs. DUTIES: - Plans, organizes, and oversees the day-to-day, mid-term, and multiyear support activities that underwrite the combat success of a major organization - Represents the major organization and the major military command through an extensive network of senior-level professional contacts within the Defense Department, various government agencies, the academic community, and the commercial sector - Directs, coordinates and oversees the work of Personnel Recovery Operations, Operations Support, Acquisitions, Tactics and Special Programs, and Special Communications directorates through subordinate supervisors. - Participates in special projects and initiatives and performs special assignments to include long-term planning, functional/technical advice and guidance, and continuity of management Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (cont'd) - The work frequently requires temporary duty (TOY) travel at various CON US and OCON US locations, possibly for extended periods of time in hostile and/or isolated environments. This may require travel on military or civil aircraft, ships, and vehicles - Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. The incumbent may be required to work independently in the absence of the supervisor, requiring process oversight, schedule development, equipment management, and individual problem resolution - The work may require the employee to conduct freefall and/or static line parachuting, perform underwater operations, utilize alternate insertion/extraction methods, handle weapons/explosives, and drive motor vehicles and/or water craft in support of diverse mission, training, exercise, test, and maintenance requirements. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required for the position and the employee must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a FAA Class Ill flight physical if the commander so requires 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 and Program Series 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 expert knowledge of Special Tactics advanced operations, procedures, techniques, technology, tactics, systems, equipment, and methods to serve as an operational baseline for the integration of operational and support activities, the management of numerous support directorates, the integration of diverse programs, the development of special projects, regular senior-level interface, and the conduct of multiyear management continuity. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of systems design, specifications development techniques, and an understanding of technical requirements as well as joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizational functions so as to serve as the senior technical authority for logistics management, Tactical Surveillance Equipment (TSE), training and integration, Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) development, operational and financial signature reduction, personnel recovery developmental mechanisms and equipment, engineering survey and production, special category communications, acquisitions, as well as budget formulation, administration, and execution. 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 Special Tactics advanced operations, procedures, techniques, technology, tactics, systems, equipment, and methods to serve as an operational baseline for the integration of operational and support activities, the management of numerous support directorates, the integration of diverse programs, the development of special projects, regular senior-level interface, and the conduct of multiyear management continuity. 2. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of systems design, specifications development techniques, and an understanding of technical requirements as well as joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizational functions so as to serve as the senior technical authority for logistics management, Tactical Surveillance Equipment (TSE), training and integration, Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) development, operational and financial signature reduction, personnel recovery developmental mechanisms and equipment, engineering survey and production, special category communications, acquisitions, as well as budget formulation, administration, and execution. 3. Knowledge of and experience with the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP), Major Force Programs (MFP), DoD appropriations, Budget Estimate Submissions (BES), and Program Objective Memorandum (POM) programming methods, practices, procedures, regulations, policies, and processes in order to recommend reapportionments, supplemental appropriations, unfunded requirements, deferrals, and rescissions of funds. The incumbent must also possess the required knowledge and experience to serve as the senior party responsible for properly overseeing subordinate acquisitions and budgetary programs as well as to provide knowledgeable resource-constrained program prioritization; knowledge of contractual processes, procedures, legal guidance, and technical requirements; knowledge of personnel and organization design to include manpower and organizational management. 4. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures and the ability to apply these to the reduction of operational risk to the mission set and/or the force; skill and considerable experience in the fields of leadership, mentorship, and complex and/or time-constrained decision making so as to innovate, conduct exhaustive research, solve difficult problems, and develop new methods, criteria, or proposed actions; ability to analyze, plan, organize, coordinate, integrate, and adjust the work operations of multiple directorates either through subordinate supervisors or personally-in order to meet the combat focused requirements and objectives of the major organization within available resources. 5. Ability to develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures and to make substantive inputs to or interpret the frequently vague and/or conflicting higher headquarters guidance that governs major segments of the support activity 6. Ability to establish and maintain a network of useful senior-level relationships across a wide variety of joint service, governmental, and civil sector organizations and 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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. 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. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements. Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. 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. Other Information

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

How this job compares

Set against the 3,977 open Operations Management jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 29, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$91–118K/yr
  • Utah median$102–145K/yr27 salary ranges
  • US median$105–150K/yr2,224 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $105K, is 14% below the Utah median midpoint ($122K) — in the lowest quarter of Operations Management salary ranges in Utah.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 52 open Operations Management jobs in Utah and 3,977 across the US. 2% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Utah
Experience
This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience — less than three in four Operations Management postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 2,986 postings).
Education
857 of the 3,977 open Operations Management jobs (22%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 29, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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