DESERT DISRUPTORS

About the Air Force Test Center:
The Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is where tomorrow’s Air Force is tested! Long considered the “Center of the Aerospace Testing Universe”, AFTC is truly where Air Force superiority begins. Home to many Aerospace establishments and records, AFTC remains the state-of-the-art leader in Aerospace testing, and provides the warfighter with cutting-edge technology. AFTC does not only celebrate its past, but we continue to lead from the front. Join our team today and make Aerospace history!

About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Protocol Specialist (NH-0301-03) to work at the 412 Test Wing, Wing Staff Agency, Protocol Office (412 TW/CCP) at Edwards Air Force Base.

The primary purpose of this position is to 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 (412 TW). This position also provides 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.

APPLY NOW! THIS JOB CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME!

Location: Edwards, CA (Edwards Air Force Base)
Typical 2025 salary range: $103,316 – $159,716 per year (includes locality)
Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible
Incentives: This position MAY be eligible for paid relocation (Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs MAY be paid). Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

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.

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

Major Duties:
– 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.
– Serves as source of protocol expertise for the entire installation. Develops instructions, directives, and checklists pertaining to Wing protocol requirements. Recommends variations in approach or procedures to ensure accomplishment of all protocol arrangements associated with special 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.

Qualifications/Requirements:
– U.S. Citizenship
– Obtain & maintain Security clearance (if applicable)
– Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) by military or commercial aircraft approximately 10 days per calendar year.
-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.