Become an Operations Manager at Malmstrom AFB: Lead Lodging Logistics under the Big Sky

Are you an experienced hospitality or logistics leader looking for a meaningful career in service of our nation's military community? The Department of the Air Force has an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated Operations Manager to join the 341 FSS Malmstrom Inns & Suites at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. This position offers more than just a job; it provides a stable, long-term pathway with the Air Force Services Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) team, where you can oversee complex daily logistics while securing a comprehensive suite of federal benefits.

Great Falls, Montana, famously known as "Big Sky Country," offers beautiful natural scenery, legendary outdoor recreational spaces, and a welcoming local culture. Serving as an Operations Manager at Malmstrom Air Force Base positions you at the heart of an essential support network for military personnel, offering you the unique opportunity to balance a rewarding administrative career with an enriched lifestyle.

About the Agency: 341 FSS Malmstrom Inns & Suites

Malmstrom Air Force Base is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command's 341st Missile Wing. A critical part of the base's operational readiness relies on the quality of support provided to active-duty personnel, families, and retirees traveling through the region. This support is facilitated directly by the 341st Force Support Squadron (FSS) through the Malmstrom Inns & Suites lodging program.

As a Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employer, Air Force Services provides Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs that maintain a high standard of living for our military families. NAF employees enjoy access to premium resources and exceptional career-broadening frameworks, allowing them to advance through leadership training, specialized certifications, and tuition assistance. Working for the 341 FSS is more than working in commercial hospitality—it is a commitment to keeping our forces supported, rested, and ready.

Job Responsibilities

The Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless daily execution of housekeeping, lodging maintenance, warehousing, and logistics. Depending on the size and structure of the lodging operation, you will either supervise all three of these domains or focus deeply on specialized supply and maintenance operations. Your leadership will directly affect guest satisfaction and the physical upkeep of base resources.

Key duties and daily responsibilities include:

Personnel Leadership and Management: Supervise, hire, promote, motivate, discipline, and manage scheduling for lodging employees. You are directly accountable for the quality of work performed by your team.
Facilities Upkeep and Maintenance Audits: Coordinate and track base structural requests by drafting and submitting AF Form 332 (Base Civil Engineer Work Requests). Ensure that maintenance work orders are monitored closely until completion.
Regulatory Safety Inspections: Maintain current safety inspections for lodging buildings, fire extinguishers, and tools, ensuring compliance with OSHA and Air Force occupational safety guidelines.
Supply Chain and Warehousing: Establish and audit minimum stock levels of all expendable tools, parts, amenities, and supplies. Keep track of perishable items to avoid spoilage and manage security for high-value inventory prone to theft.
Vehicle Fleet Stewardship: Perform routine check-ups on government vehicles assigned to the lodging facility. Drive state-regulated motor vehicles to inspect distant facilities, common areas, and exterior grounds to identify building wear, safety hazards, and aesthetic deficiencies.
Training and Operations Standards: Provide comprehensive initial and recurring training program regimens to subordinate personnel to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.

Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this competitive federal leadership position, you must demonstrate a strong professional background in lodging operations and staff supervision.

Minimum Requirements:

Experience: Progressively responsible experience in a military or civilian lodging, hospitality, or housing program. You must have direct supervisory experience, demonstrating your capability to assign tasks, motivate a diverse team, and run efficient operational workflows.
Driving Record: You must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license and provide an official driving record during your application.
Communication Skills: You must show a clear ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse stakeholders, contractors, base personnel, and senior officers.
Background Checks: Satisfactory completion and favorable adjudication of a Tier 1 background investigation is required.
Drug Testing: This is a designated drug testing position; you will be subject to random drug screens throughout your tenure.

Note: This position does not allow for educational substitution. You must satisfy the requirements based on professional work experience alone.

Position Overview & Compensation

This position is classified as a regular full-time position within the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) pay band. Below is a structured summary of the position details:

Position Characteristic	Job Details
Job Title	Operations Manager
Position ID	26-5JFSV822482
Pay Rate	$25.50 per hour
Guaranteed Hours	35 to 40 hours per week
Location	Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT
Education Substitution	Not Allowed
Travel Authorization	None (0% Travel)
Relocation Benefits (PCS)	Not Authorized
Closing Date	September 4, 2026

Compensation & Benefits

When you step into a regular full-time position with Air Force Services NAF, you gain access to an industry-leading benefits package designed to safeguard you and your family’s well-being. This compensation package stands out significantly from private sector hospitality roles.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to premium DoD Health Insurance, Group Life Insurance, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment plans.
Retirement Planning: Secure your future with a dual approach—a structured, defined-benefit pension program alongside a competitive 401(k) Savings Plan with matching options.
Generous Paid Time Off: Accrue Annual (Vacation), Sick, Administrative, and Family Friendly Leave, along with federal holiday pay.
Career & Education Growth: Enrich your professional prospects through Tuition Assistance, Leadership Training, Non-Resident Professional Military Education (PME) programs, and national Career Vectoring frameworks.
Base Facility Perks: Live and play where you work! Enjoy base access to premier fitness centers, libraries, auto hobby shops, bowling centers, the base community center, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals.

Application Steps & Expert Tips

Applying for a federal job requires attention to detail. Follow these professional recruitment steps to ensure your application package stands out:

Build a Targeted Resume: Create a resume that explicitly highlights your lodging and housing experience. Make sure to detail your supervisory experience—include the number of employees you led, the size of the properties you managed, and the inventory budgets you oversaw.
Secure Your Documents: You must submit your valid Driver's License and an official copy of your Driving Record. Missing documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
Answer the Questionnaire Precisely: Your responses to the online assessment questionnaire must align with the factual experience outlined on your resume. Be honest; HR professionals will verify your claims during resume review.
Claim Your Eligibility: If you qualify for military spouse, veteran, or transitional hiring preferences, prepare and submit documents like your DD-214, PCS Orders, or Marriage Certificate. Tip: You may sanitize these documents to hide sensitive personal data of other individuals before submitting.
Monitor Your Dashboard: Check your USAJobs account regularly to track updates on your application status.

Is drug testing required?

Yes. The Operations Manager role is designated as a drug testing position, meaning you are subject to both pre-employment screening and ongoing random drug checks.

What happens if I forget to upload my driving record?

Your application will be marked as incomplete and will not receive consideration. Be absolutely sure that both your valid driver's license and driving record are uploaded before the closing date.

Are there opportunities for promotion?

Yes, NAF career structures actively promote professional broadening, allowing you to advance into higher operational roles, general manager positions, or transfer to other Air Force and Space Force installations worldwide.

If you have a strong passion for leadership, lodging operations, and supporting military readiness, the Operations Manager position at Malmstrom Air Force Base represents a phenomenal opportunity. With guaranteed full-time hours, competitive pay of $25.50 per hour, and a stellar benefits package, you can grow your career with a stable federal employer while enjoying the unparalleled quality of life in Great Falls, Montana.

Review your documents, prepare your resume to highlight your supervisory achievements, and submit your application package before the closing date on September 4, 2026!

Why This Operations Manager Job Matters

Step into a vital leadership role under the beautiful Big Sky of Montana! Direct lodging and maintenance logistics as an Operations Manager at Malmstrom AFB, enjoying premium federal retirement benefits, a guaranteed 35-40 hour work week, and unmatched access to base-level recreation.

Operations Manager Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force is seeking an experienced, proactive Operations Manager to lead lodging, supply, and maintenance logistics at the 341 FSS Malmstrom Inns & Suites, located on Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. This regular full-time position ensures high-quality hospitality operations for military personnel and their families while offering excellent federal benefits, comprehensive retirement plans, and structured professional development.

Requirements for Operations Manager

Must be a United States Citizen or meet the 3-year residency requirement for Non-U.S. Nationals residing in a U.S. Territory.
Demonstrated progressive supervisory and leadership experience in a military or civilian lodging facility.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license and provide an official driving record.
Ability to pass a Tier 1 background investigation and suitability/fitness adjudication.
Subject to random drug testing as this is a designated testing position.
Must register with the Selective Service (if male and born after December 31, 1959).
Must complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.

Preferred Qualifications for Operations Manager

Prior experience operating in a military lodging framework or lodging management program.
Experience coordinating building maintenance requests and tracking civil engineering projects.
Familiarity with supply chain management, warehousing, and inventory audits for high-value items.
Familiarity with basic vehicle maintenance and checking specialized equipment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive DoD Health Insurance & Group Life Insurance.
✓Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.
✓Flexible Benefits Plan.
✓Generous 401(k) Savings Plan with agency matching.
✓Defined benefit Federal Retirement Plan.
✓Paid leave programs including Annual, Sick, Administrative, and Family Friendly Leave.
✓Paid Federal Holidays.
✓Career growth opportunities through Career Broadening, Leadership Training, and Tuition Assistance.
✓Access to exclusive base facilities: fitness centers, bowling alleys, library, auto shop, and outdoor recreation.

💡 How to Apply Operations Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Operations Manager Job

Click the Apply link to access the online application platform.
Log into your existing USAJobs account or create a new profile.
Review and verify your primary resume and ensure it details your lodging, supervision, and logistics experience.
Answer all questions in the online occupational questionnaire honestly and thoroughly.
Upload your valid Driver's License and an official Driving Record by the closing date.
Submit any other applicable documents (e.g., DD-214, Marriage Certificate, VA Disability Letter) required to prove preference status.
Submit the completed application package prior to 11:59 PM (EST) on September 4, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses your experience managing teams, performing lodging logistics, and conducting inspections.
Do not attempt to substitute education for experience; this position is evaluated purely on your professional lodging work history.
Double-check that you have uploaded your driver's license and driving record, as missing these specific files will result in an immediate application rejection.
Sanitize files containing sensitive personal information (such as spouses' Social Security numbers on PCS orders) prior to uploading.
Provide clear, up-to-date contact details for your professional and personal references directly on your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the general public?

Yes, this job opportunity is open to the public. However, applicants who claim specific priorities, such as Military Spouse Preference (MSP) or Veteran status, will be categorized accordingly.

Can I substitute college coursework or degrees for the required experience?

No, this position does not allow for educational substitution. You must meet the experience requirements through civilian or military lodging operations work.

Does this job authorize relocation expenses?

No, Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Are the working hours stable and guaranteed?

Yes, this regular full-time position guarantees a minimum of 35 hours per week, with potential scheduling up to 40 hours weekly.

Can anyone apply for this position?

Yes! This position is open to the public. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, though preference factors (such as military spouse or veteran statuses) will be applied during the ranking process.