Operations Specialist (NH-0301-02) 416 FLTS/DOOO

Air Force Test Center; Edwards Air Force Base (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base seeks an Operations Specialist to manage daily flight scheduling, airspace coordination, and aircrew support for the 412th Test Wing. This role serves as the unit’s primary contact for scheduling activities and airspace management.

You will ensure timely processing of flight authorizations, maintain mission readiness, and coordinate with AFMC, ARMS, and COOL systems while upholding security and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearances are required for this position.
• Experience with Air Force scheduling processes and Center Ops-Online (COOL) is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple concurrent flying operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and verify day-of-flying schedules with maintenance, 412th OSS, and scheduling divisions.
• Verify aircrew Go/No-Go items including currencies and flight documentation before missions.
• Plan and coordinate aircraft flying schedules and provide real-time coordination of airspace, aircraft, ranges, and telemetry.
• Prepare and manage Flight Authorizations and related documentation (4327/4324a, MAR, AFTO 781).
• Audit Flight Authorizations and MAR post-mission to ensure records align with AF instructions.
• Assist with Aeronautical Order requests and Aircraft Assignment/Qualification worksheets in collaboration with Stan/Eval.

Skills

Airspace coordination

Aircrew liaison

Scheduling

Documentation auditing

Customer service

Job description

These listed job announcements are covered by Direct Hire Authorities (DHA), which are separate from the traditional recruitment job announcements found on USA Jobs. For more information on DHA, click the Air Force Civilian Service image link on the right side of the page (or scroll to the bottom of your mobile device) and click “Find a Job.” You can also click the USA Jobs image link to view additional job announcements. For further assistance, please contact AFTC Enterprise Recruitment at [e-mail] .

NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Operations Specialist (NH-0301-02) to work at the 412th Test Wing, 412th Operations Group, 416th Flight Test Squadron, (416 FLTS/DOOO) at Edwards Air Force Base. In this position you will serve as the Unit's Operations Duty Desk and Aviation Resource Management office single point of contact for the scheduling of airspace, aircraft, ranges, and communications/telemetry frequencies. To act as the liaison for the Combined Test Force providing technical support of all Aviation Resource Management inquiries regarding aircrew training and proficiency.

Announcement Closes: 10/28/2026

Typical 2026 salary range: $47,490 - $113,185 per year (includes locality)

“If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.”

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Desired Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to audit documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable Air Force instructions, unit procedures, and records-management requirements.
• Ability to remain focused and produce accurate work in a busy office environment with significant activity, conversations, visitors, and engagement with senior-level personnel.
• Strong verbal communication and professional customer-service skills when working with aircrew members, senior leaders, maintenance personnel, and external organizations.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume operations environment while maintaining accuracy and meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize competing requirements, manage frequent interruptions, and maintain situational awareness of multiple concurrent flying operations.

Major Duties

• Coordinate and verify day of flying schedule with aircraft maintenance, Air Force Test Center (AFTC), 412th Test Wing Scheduling Division, and 412th OSS Current Operations, including Functional Check Flights (FCF's) for aircraft configurations/tail numbers.
• Verify aircrew member Go/No-Go items, to include Currencies, Boldface Test, Flight Crew Information Files, Physical, Physiological, and Aviation Service Date, prior to stepping aircrew members to assigned mission aircraft.
• Plan and coordinate aircraft flying schedules with 412th OSS Current Operations, AFTC, and 412th Test Wing Scheduling Division. Provide real-time coordination of airspace, aircraft, ranges, communication, telemetry, and all associated support activities for the unit.
• Prepare web-based Flight Authorizations 4327/4324a using the Center Ops-Online web-based program (COOL) and manage disposition of AFMC from 4327/4327a Flight Authorizations, Mission Accomplishment Reports (MAR), and AFTO 781.
• Accomplishes audits on AFTO Form 781, Flight Authorizations, and MAR during post mission review to ensure mission accomplishment and flight documentation coincides IAW Air Force Instructions.
• Prepare request for Aeronautical Order, facilitate Aircraft Assignment/Aircrew Qualification Worksheet 4324, and work in concert with unit Stan/Eval and Training Officer.
• Utilize the Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS) and COOL to retrieve and assign aircrew training, flyer availability information, and audit aircrew source documents' accuracy prior to entering aircrew training.

Qualifications / Requirements

Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This position requires Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearances as well as possible clearances with special access programs.

Comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in the AFTC scheduling process and scheduling of aircraft and aircrew, including the computer-based Center Scheduling Enterprise (CSE) system and Center Ops-Online (COOL). Knowledge of special use and FAA controlled airspace, ranges, and data collection systems.

In depth knowledge of, and practical experience with AFTC and other higher command echelon, administrative regulations, technical rules, policies, procedures, and precedents.

Skill in usage of computer system software, equipment, and databases in order to produce a wide range of documents and reports, spreadsheets, and complex formats for graphic displays and detailed spreadsheets.

Ability to plan and organize tasks to meet deadlines for scheduling. Ability to use judgment in interpreting and adapting to guidelines to specific situations.

Ability to complete and pass the 5-level Career Development Courses (CDCs), IAW AFI 11-421 and 1C0X2 Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP). Ability to navigate the web-based Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS) and Oracle Discoverer browser program.

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.

Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.

Learn more about the new resume requirements at:

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications for Federal Government Employees:

ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED