Summary To find additional information on "What Is DHA" and to view and/or apply to current DHA opportunities listed on Air Force Civilian Service's "Direct Hire Job Board", please click here. In this position you will serve as the Command-level Chief of Protocol, providing leadership and comprehensive advice on the full range of protocol functions to the Commander of the 412th Test Wing. Responsibilities For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here. As Chief of Protocol, applies experience, analyzes, develops, and evaluates issues, and develops recommendations to resolve substantive problems/issues of effectiveness and efficiency of all protocol operations. Plans, executes and directs all details of itineraries pertaining to visits by distinguished persons, including general officers, their civilian counterparts, top military and government leaders, and comparable foreign dignitaries. Plans and directs social functions hosted by the Wing's Commander, Vice Commander, and other high-ranking Test Wing and AFTC officials. Participates in various protocol matters such as award and retirement ceremonies, courtesy calls, and special ceremonies or social events. Arranges for appropriate ceremonies to honor retirees and award recipients at which the Wing Commander, Vice Commander, Senior Technical Director or Senior Installation Director will officiate. Performs supervisory personnel management responsibilities for one Protocol Specialist. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here. 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 located here. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02 or equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is providing Protocol support to the leadership of Air Force Test Center (AFTC) located at Edwards Air Force Base in the realm of Distinguished Visitors (DV) visits, events, and ceremonies. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to plan, organize, and develop protocol instructions, methods, and practices to advise on and ensure complete consideration and proper treatment afforded distinguished visitors and ranking personnel. Familiarity with a variety of foreign customs and language factors to anticipate project elements which may require added research and planning. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to apply considerable tact and diplomacy in personal contacts with senior level personnel and visitors. Familiarity with the available automated information management systems and the ability to analyze applications of the immediate office to coordinate the development and improvement of computer system capabilities and resources. Working knowledge of pertinent budgeting and accounting practices to project, monitor and document expenditures. Ability to lead and manage a subordinate workforce. Desired Skills: Protocol and Diplomatic Etiquette Expertise: In-depth knowledge of military, governmental, and international protocol procedures, including customs, courtesies, and ranking structures, Event Planning and Coordination: Strong ability to plan, organize, and execute high-profile events, visits, and ceremonies involving military leaders, government officials, and foreign dignitaries Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with senior leaders, foreign dignitaries, and internal stakeholders professionally and tactfully Education Additional Information Please note: Positions in this field/series may or may not be available, depending on current manning. For the most up-to-date notifications on available positions, we recommend candidates subscribe and complete their profile here, indicating their position and location preferences. 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. Air Force Civilian Service Employment Benefits: Paid Time Off: 11 Federal Holidays off per year Vacation time (Annual Leave) accumulates based on length of employment. Starts at 13 days (104 hours) per year and up to 26 days (208 hours) per year 13 sick days per year (104 hours) Retirement: Pension: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) 401K: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) available with up to 5% agency matching Health & Wellness: Various Medical, Dental & Vision packages to choose from for entire family Flexible Spending Account Federal Long Term Care Insurance, and Life & Disability Insurance Work/Life Balance: Family and Medical Leave Act Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Work Arrangements (dependent on position) Career Development: Tuition Assistance & Professional Development opportunities Career enhancement and promotion opportunities Direct Hire Authority: 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.