PROTOCOL SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force HeadquartersLackland AFB, Texasusajobspublished 10/15/2026
Must-have:SAPSecuritySeniorPrincipal

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as protocol advisor to the 16 AF Commander and HQ 16 AF senior staff. Incumbent serves as the consultant for 16 AF worldwide activities on matters dealing with, and related to protocol, conferences, special events, ceremonies and distinguished visitors. Salary ranges include local market supplements.

Major duties

Manages and coordinates protocol efforts across the 16 AF enterprise. Research, interprets, analyzes, and applies all protocol guidance and polices outlined in DAFI 90-1201, Protocol. Accomplish work assigned by the Chief of Protocol based on organization priorities, considerations of difficulty and to effectively meet organization and customer needs. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with Air Force, Joint Services, Joint Base San Antonio, foreign embassies, state and local organizations' executive staff and greets high-ranking dignitaries upon their arrival to the installation. Instructs and educates conference/summit project officer on proper customs and courtesies for any special award presentations and recognitions during conferences.

Qualifications

This is a GG-11 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-11 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-11 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job. 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 EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of executing protocols regarding conferences, special events, ceremonies and distinguished visitors that has been supplemented by skill gained through job experience to permit independent performance of recurring assignments, expanded professional or administrative knowledge gained through relevant graduate study or experience which has provided skill in carrying out assignments, operations, and procedures, and skill in applying this knowledge to such assignments as the design and planning of difficult, but well-precedented projects. OR EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your official transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade level specified. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your official transcripts. 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 protocol, official funding sources, administrative and security regulations, instructions, methods and procedures. 2. Knowledge of the organization and its functions sufficient to process incoming and outgoing correspondence. 3. Knowledge of ceremonies for Air Force, other U.S. Armed Forces, Department of State, and other organizations within the federal government. Conducts analysis of complex ceremonial functions and procedures to determine appropriate requirements and independently resolving problems areas and making on-the-spot decisions to correct any problems. 4. Knowledge of rank structure of U.S. or foreign military and civilian distinguished visitors. 5. Knowledge of religious preferences, cultural differences, customs and courtesies, dietary restrictions, personal interests and habits of foreign and domestic distinguished visitors in order to afford the proper courtesies and amenities. 6. Skilled in diplomacy when dealing with high-level officials and senior Major Command members, joint agency staff either in person, video teleconferencing or on the telephone and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONT'D: 1. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. 2. DRUG TESTING: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing 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. 3. The work requires frequent long periods of standing for briefings, seminars, ceremonies, conferences/summits, social events, flight line arrivals, meeting/greeting guests and movement among various locations during visits and tours. Work is sometimes settled. Work is accomplished both inside and outside workspaces. The incumbent may be required to function in varying weather conditions. 4. Incumbent must be able to work under stressful conditions and cope with problems created by dealing on a day-to-day basis with high-ranking officials. Perform well in a fast-paced environment, by frequent changes in visit itineraries, conference schedules, social events, guest lists, menus, facility availability, etc. 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.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package. For additional information on DCIPS, click here