Become a Subject Matter Specialist in Air Quality with the U.S. Air Force

Are you ready to take your environmental engineering or science career to the federal level? The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is seeking a dedicated Subject Matter Specialist to serve as a key lead in our air quality compliance programs. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical knowledge to protect the environment while supporting the operational readiness of the United States Air Force.

Job Responsibilities

As a Subject Matter Specialist, your core mission will be to ensure that Air Force installations adhere to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and other critical environmental regulations. Key responsibilities include:

Providing expert technical support to Headquarters Air Force and local installation staff.
Interpreting complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
Managing environmental program budgets, funding, and contracting strategies.
Evaluating emission calculations, source classifications, and control technologies.
Leading negotiations with regulatory agency officials.
Presenting briefings to leadership and managing public inquiries regarding environmental impact.

Requirements

This position requires a high level of academic and professional expertise. You must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant field such as engineering, biological science, or community planning.
At least one year of specialized experience at the NH-02 (GS-11 equivalent) level.
Ability to provide expert guidance on environmental law.

Requirement Type	Essential Criteria
Education	Relevant Bachelor's Degree + Transcripts
Experience	52 Weeks at GS-11/NH-02 equivalent
Documents	2-Page Max Resume, Transcripts

Salary and Benefits

The NH-03 broadband position offers a competitive salary range from $90,823 to $140,403 per year. Beyond the paycheck, federal employment includes a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous leave accrual programs.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework options.

Application Tips

To stand out in the federal hiring process, follow these guidelines:

Respect the Resume Limit: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. Quality over quantity is essential.
Be Specific: Include exact hours worked per week and dates (month/year) for every role to prove you meet the 52-week specialized experience requirement.
Tailor Your Content: Align your skills directly with the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement.

Serving as a Subject Matter Specialist for the Air Force is more than just a job; it is a commitment to national excellence and environmental stewardship. If you possess the skills to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and want to make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply to this vacancy today.

Why This Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters

Shape the future of environmental stewardship for the U.S. Air Force. We are seeking a Subject Matter Specialist to drive Clean Air Act compliance and sustainable infrastructure.

Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is seeking a highly qualified Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) to provide expert-level technical guidance. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring Department of the Air Force installations remain in compliance with complex environmental laws. You will collaborate with senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and installation staff to resolve critical environmental challenges, manage programmatic budgets, and develop strategic plans that support our global mission.

Requirements for Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - Direct Hire Authority

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Completion of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Community Planning, Biological Sciences, Engineering, or Physical Science) with specific credit hour requirements.
Minimum of one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-02 broadband (or GS-11 grade level).
Experience serving as a subject matter expert in environmental law, specifically air quality regulations.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Submission of official academic transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications for Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - Direct Hire Authority

Proficiency with Department of the Air Force information systems such as APIMS or EPIMS.
Experience in construction and service contracting procedures for environmental projects.
Proven track record of managing and forecasting budgets for environmental programs.
Expertise in evaluating CAA permits, emission calculations, and control technologies.
Strong communication skills for presenting reports to senior officials and conducting public meetings.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Telework eligibility as authorized by agency policy.
✓Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Subject Matter Specialist (Air Quality) - Direct Hire Authority Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or fewer, including dates and hours worked.
Gather and upload official transcripts and any relevant performance appraisals.
Submit your complete application package via the official portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced and applications exceeding this will be disqualified.
Ensure your resume includes the specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for all previous roles.
Verify that your uploaded documents are legible and clear to avoid immediate rejection.
Review your responses to the questionnaire carefully against your resume content to ensure consistency.
Apply early to allow time for system processing and to address any potential technical issues before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay scale for this position?

This position is part of the acquisition demonstration project (NH-03), which is equivalent to the GS-12 through GS-13 grade levels, with a salary range of $90,823 to $140,403.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to organizational needs and manager approval.

What happens after I submit my application?

You will receive an automated email confirmation. Your qualifications will be reviewed against the specialized experience requirements, and you may be referred to hiring officials if you meet the necessary criteria.

What is the significance of the 2-page resume limit?

*A: The limit is enforced to ensure recruiters can quickly identify your most relevant and recent accomplishments. Resumes longer than this will be rejected.*

Can I apply if I don't have a degree in engineering?

*A: Yes, if your degree is in a closely related field like Biological Sciences or Physical Science and meets the credit hour requirements for the specific job series.*

Job from Air Force Materiel Command

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is responsible for providing high-quality, professional engineering services to the Department of the Air Force. From managing environmental restoration projects to ensuring global facility compliance, AFCEC is at the heart of the Air Force mission. Working here means contributing to a vision of global reach and global power, underpinned by the core values of integrity, service, and excellence.