What are the responsibilities and job description for the C-UAS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST position at NORAD?
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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 advanced knowledge of DoW and OSW policy, goals, objectives, functions, operations, procedures, and practices as it relates to C-UAS to ensure N/NC complies with mandated directives, develop innovative solutions and guidelines, provide technically authoritative expert guidance to senior leaders, and support N/NC personnel executing missions and operations; Mastery of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment of C-UAS threats to provide accurate and relevant information on shortfalls, limiting factors, and impacts to the command's missions, goals, and objectives; Comprehensive knowledge of interagency coordination processes, including collaboration with joint, interagency, and multinational partners to align C-UAS policies and capabilities with national security objectives and high-priority missions; Mastery knowledge of UAS and UxS current and emerging technologies, such as RF detection, PNT systems, radar, and EO/IR systems, and their integration into operational strategies to enhance detection, identification, and defeat capabilities; Proficient skill in analyzing and evaluating complex operational challenges, identifying mission gaps, and developing actionable recommendations to enhance C-UAS readiness and operational effectiveness; In-depth knowledge of property accountability, inventory management, and life cycle processes for C-UAS FAKs, including the coordination of hardware and software upgrades, to ensure operational readiness and rapid deployment; Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to produce high-quality operational documents, represent the command in senior-level forums, and build consensus across interagency and multinational environments.
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:
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.
The primary purpose of this position: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Operations Specialist within the NORAD and USNORTHCOM (N/NC), Directorate of Operations (J3). Responsible for planning, coordinating, and institutionalizing C-UAS capabilities, policies, and operations to address complex and evolving threats within the N/NC Areas of Responsibility (AOR). This includes leading interagency coordination, integrating emerging technologies, and managing specialized programs such as the Forward Area Kit (FAK) to ensure operational readiness and alignment with national security objectives. The position provides expert guidance to senior leaders, shapes strategic decision-making, and enhances mission effectiveness through innovative solutions and comprehensive program management.
Duties:
Qualifications:
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 advanced knowledge of DoW and OSW policy, goals, objectives, functions, operations, procedures, and practices as it relates to C-UAS to ensure N/NC complies with mandated directives, develop innovative solutions and guidelines, provide technically authoritative expert guidance to senior leaders, and support N/NC personnel executing missions and operations; Mastery of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment of C-UAS threats to provide accurate and relevant information on shortfalls, limiting factors, and impacts to the command's missions, goals, and objectives; Comprehensive knowledge of interagency coordination processes, including collaboration with joint, interagency, and multinational partners to align C-UAS policies and capabilities with national security objectives and high-priority missions; Mastery knowledge of UAS and UxS current and emerging technologies, such as RF detection, PNT systems, radar, and EO/IR systems, and their integration into operational strategies to enhance detection, identification, and defeat capabilities; Proficient skill in analyzing and evaluating complex operational challenges, identifying mission gaps, and developing actionable recommendations to enhance C-UAS readiness and operational effectiveness; In-depth knowledge of property accountability, inventory management, and life cycle processes for C-UAS FAKs, including the coordination of hardware and software upgrades, to ensure operational readiness and rapid deployment; Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to produce high-quality operational documents, represent the command in senior-level forums, and build consensus across interagency and multinational environments.
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:
- Knowledge of C-UAS capabilities, policies, and operational planning, including the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to address complex and evolving threats.
- Knowledge of interagency coordination processes and policy implementation, including the ability to lead high-level engagements and build consensus across joint, interagency, and multinational environments.
- Knowledge of UAS and UxS current and emerging technologies, including RF detection, PNT systems, radar, and EO/IR systems, with the ability to provide strategic guidance on their integration into operational strategies.
- Knowledge of property accountability, inventory management, and life cycle processes for C-UAS FAKs, including the coordination of hardware and software upgrades.
- Demonstrated skill in analyzing and resolving complex operational challenges, providing actionable recommendations to senior leaders, and shaping strategic decision-making.
- Skill in developing and implementing training programs, including the coordination of personnel, resources, and logistics to ensure operational readiness and standardization.7. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, producing high-quality operational documents, delivering impactful briefings, and influencing senior-level decision-making.
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.
Responsibilities:
Summary:The primary purpose of this position: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Operations Specialist within the NORAD and USNORTHCOM (N/NC), Directorate of Operations (J3). Responsible for planning, coordinating, and institutionalizing C-UAS capabilities, policies, and operations to address complex and evolving threats within the N/NC Areas of Responsibility (AOR). This includes leading interagency coordination, integrating emerging technologies, and managing specialized programs such as the Forward Area Kit (FAK) to ensure operational readiness and alignment with national security objectives. The position provides expert guidance to senior leaders, shapes strategic decision-making, and enhances mission effectiveness through innovative solutions and comprehensive program management.
Duties:
- Plans, organizes, and institutionalizes C-UAS capabilities through guidelines, policies, and operational documents.
- Leads the coordination of C-UAS policy implementation, capability deployment, and development with interagency and external partners.
- Manages the NORAD & USNORTHCOM FAK program to ensure operational readiness, rapid deployment, and alignment with strategic objectives.
Salary : $109,246