Supervisory Bulk Fuels Specialist Job

Become a Key Leader in Global Defense Logistics: Supervisory Bulk Fuels Specialist in Seal Beach, California

In the complex landscape of national defense, maintaining secure and efficient fuel supply chains is one of the most critical elements of military readiness. From powering naval fleets to fueling joint forces during international training exercises, the bulk petroleum distribution system serves as the lifeblood of global defense maneuvers. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking a highly skilled, mission-focused professional to step into the role of Supervisory Bulk Fuels Specialist (GS-13). Located in Seal Beach, California, this pivotal supervisory leadership position offers an exceptional opportunity to direct essential military fuel assets, coordinate with elite defense units, and lead a highly dedicated team of logistics experts. If you have a deep understanding of bulk petroleum distribution systems and possess the natural leadership qualities needed to guide a multi-functional team, this position is your chance to make a lasting impact on our nation's defense operations.

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About the Agency: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

As the nation’s premier combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) provides global logistics support for the missions of the Military Departments and the Unified Combatant Commands under both peacetime and wartime operations. Headquartered in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the DLA coordinates the acquisition, storage, and distribution of raw materials, medical supplies, combat gear, and vital energy resources to military forces, federal agencies, and allied foreign governments. Within this expansive mission, DLA Energy is charged with overseeing the acquisition and management of bulk petroleum, alternative fuels, and gaseous products. Working for DLA means joining an agency focused on operational excellence, innovation, and unwavering support to our armed forces around the globe.

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Job Responsibilities

The position of Supervisory Bulk Fuels Specialist is a multifaceted leadership role requiring strong technical expertise and strategic decision-making capabilities. As the leader of a multi-functional petroleum distribution team, your efforts will directly translate into the successful execution of complex defense missions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership & Administration: Serving as the supervisory team chief, you will direct mission accomplishments, evaluate workload trends, and design work procedures that maximize overall productivity and efficiency.
• Exercise Support & Program Design: Developing and implementing new bulk fuel distribution programs that specifically support joint military exercises, tactical operations, and specialized logistical trials.
• Crisis Management & Emergency Operations: Developing contingency plans and operational strategies to deal with sudden, regional, or national fuel shortages, transportation infrastructure failures, or abrupt supply source disruptions.
• Strategic Policy Interpretation: Evaluating, writing, and executing policies and procedures in alignment with DLA Energy guidelines, ensuring strict regulatory compliance across all defense distribution networks.
• Audit Stewardship: Leading and overseeing ongoing audit advancement and sustainment activities to ensure absolute transparency and operational compliance with defense financial policies.
• Liaison & Collaboration: Interacting with military leadership, authorized commercial stakeholders, and Defense Fuel Support Points (DFSPs) to coordinate the ordering, allocation, and secure distribution of bulk and packaged petroleum products.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-13 position, applicants must meet specific professional standards, security guidelines, and logistical requirements.

Specialized Experience

To meet the qualifications for the GS-13 level, applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal government, military service, or private sector. This experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to:

1. Manage wholesale fuel supply activities, including ordering, allocation, and strategic distribution of bulk and packaged fuels, oils, and chemical additives to military installations and commercial stakeholders.
2. Interpret and formulate detailed logistical policies, guidelines, and procedures to resolve complex bulk fuel distribution issues and navigate severe regional or national emergencies.
3. Utilize expert knowledge of logistics program management to organize team tasks, optimize operational workflows, and evaluate key performance metrics.

General & Security Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship: All applicants must be citizens of the United States.
• Security Clearance: The position requires a Secret Security Clearance. Continued employment is contingent upon passing a comprehensive background investigation.
• Drug Testing: As a testing-designated position, candidates must clear a pre-employment urinalysis screening for illegal substances. Additionally, the selected employee will be subject to ongoing random drug testing throughout their tenure.
• Financial Disclosure: The selectee must file a standard financial disclosure statement to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required to coordinate with regional logistics hubs or oversee military field exercises.

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Salary and Compensation Overview

The position is offered at the GS-13 grade level, providing a lucrative base salary supplemented by the locality pay applicable to Seal Beach, California. The current salary range is $124,085 to $161,313 per year, depending on steps and prior federal service credentials.

GS-12 vs. GS-13 Comparative Breakdown

To help visualize the transition of expectations between standard operational roles and this supervisory leadership position, review the comparative table below:

Parameter	GS-12 Standard (Minimum Prep Level)	GS-13 Supervisory Standard (Target Level)
Core Role Focus	Operational execution of bulk fuel deliveries and localized inventory management.	Strategic leadership, team direction, and agency-level policy development.
Problem Solving	Troubleshooting transactional supply chain issues and coordination errors.	Formulating systems-level solutions for regional fuel shortages and emergency failures.
Leadership Scope	Individual contributor or project-based team lead.	Direct, formal supervisor responsible for performance reviews, awards, and work processes.
Policy Interaction	Adhering to and implementing established petroleum distribution policies.	Interpreting, rewriting, and establishing regional policy frameworks for DLA Energy.
Audit Responsibility	Gathering data and maintaining operational logs for review.	Supervising and sustaining audit readiness and regulatory compliance structures.

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Comprehensive Benefits

Federal employment with the Defense Logistics Agency comes with a premium suite of benefits designed to support long-term physical, mental, and financial well-being:

• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), combining a defined-benefit pension with Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP operates similarly to a 401(k), offering up to a 5% matching contribution from the agency.
• Healthcare Choices: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, featuring top-tier medical, vision, and dental plans with a substantial portion of premiums paid by the government.
• Generous Paid Leave: Employees earn paid annual leave (for vacation and personal use), sick leave, and observe 11 paid federal holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: This position is eligible for telework opportunities in accordance with agency operational requirements and supervisor approval.
• Professional Accommodations: DLA ensures that all employees with disabilities receive fully conformant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) options to perform their duties successfully.

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Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Applying for a federal job requires close attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application package is processed correctly:

1. Locate the Announcement: Navigate to the official USAJobs listing using the links provided below.
2. Develop Your Resume: Draft a professional resume that details your experience, starting/ending dates, weekly hours worked, and specific accomplishments. CRITICAL WARNING: Your resume must not exceed exactly two (2) pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be instantly disqualified from consideration.
3. Initiate Your Application: Click the "Apply Online" button on USAJobs to transfer your information to the USA Staffing platform.
4. Answer the Questionnaire: Complete the self-assessment questionnaire. Ensure your resume fully supports the answers you provide.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: Submit all required documents, which may include your SF-50 (for current/former federal employees), transcripts, and any applicable veterans' or military spouse preference documentation.
6. Complete the SSJT: Once your initial application is received, qualified candidates will receive an invitation to take the DLA Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT). You must complete this assessment within 48 hours of receiving your unique URL link.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use my university degree to qualify for this position?

No. This GS-13 position does not permit the substitution of education for the required specialized experience. All qualifying experience must be documented on your resume.

2. Why is there a strict two-page limit on the resume?

DLA Energy has instituted this hard limit to streamline the review process and ensure candidate evaluations are based on concise, impactful summaries of relevant experience. Resumes that run longer than two pages will be automatically disqualified.

3. What is the DLA Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT)?

The SSJT is an online assessment designed to measure your supervisory competencies, such as conflict management, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and resilience. Expect the test to take up to three hours to complete.

4. How does the military spouse preference work for this vacancy?

Eligible military spouses can apply under the Priority Placement Program (PPP) to receive priority referral. You must submit your spouse’s PCS orders, your marriage certificate, and a completed PPP self-certification checklist to qualify.

5. What are the drug-testing parameters for this position?

Selected candidates will undergo a urinalysis screen prior to appointment. The DLA panel screens for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and fentanyl. Due to federal regulations, use of marijuana or CBD products remains prohibited for DLA employees.

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The GS-13 Supervisory Bulk Fuels Specialist role at Seal Beach is more than just a logistics position—it is a vital leadership post at the heart of our nation’s defense readiness network. If you are a strategic thinker, a capable manager of people, and an expert in bulk petroleum logistics, this position offers the perfect blend of responsibility, professional growth, and federal benefits. Ensure your two-page resume is ready, and submit your application today to start your career journey with the Defense Logistics Agency.