Become an Operations Specialist with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

Are you looking to take your career to the next level within the Department of the Army? The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is currently hiring for an elite Operations Specialist. This position is designed for experienced professionals who excel in high-pressure, complex environments and want to contribute to the mission of the nation's premier aviation organization.

Job Responsibilities

As the senior civilian Regiment Operations Officer, your daily duties will be both diverse and high-impact. Key responsibilities include:

Command Advisory: Provide expert technical advice to the Regiment Commander regarding operational execution.
Operational Coordination: Synchronize efforts between staff sections and subordinate units.
Policy Integration: Develop and implement command-level policies that govern training and readiness.
Project Oversight: Review and evaluate assigned projects to ensure they meet strict DoD standards.
Briefing & Assessment: Conduct operational assessments and brief commanders on program objectives and compliance status.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must meet specific federal qualification standards.

Specialized Experience: You must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Professional Competencies: You must demonstrate strong decision-making, attention to detail, and stress tolerance.
Clearance: Must hold or be eligible to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
Assessment: Must successfully complete the USA Hire online assessment.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Experience

Criteria	General Experience	Specialized Experience
Focus	Broad administrative tasks	High-level aviation/military operations
Impact	Support level	Command advisory/Strategic planning
Requirement	Not sufficient for this role	Mandatory GS-11 equivalent required

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale at the GS-12 grade. The salary range is competitive, currently set between $89,508 and $116,362 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay.

Benefits

Working for the Department of the Army offers more than just a paycheck. You will benefit from:

Extensive Federal health and life insurance options.
A robust pension program via FERS.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Potential recruitment and relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Keep it to two pages. Detail your hours per week for every position listed.
Avoid Jargon: While you are an expert, the HR specialist reviewing your resume needs to clearly understand your contributions without deciphering acronyms.
Assessments Matter: Treat the USA Hire test as a critical interview step. Prepare accordingly.

Serving as an Operations Specialist with the 160th SOAR is a rare opportunity to influence the operational backbone of elite aviation. If you meet the criteria and are ready for the challenge, submit your application before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work remotely?

No, this position is onsite at Fort Campbell, KY.

Is relocation paid?

This position does not authorize Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs, but other incentives may be negotiable.

Who can I contact for help?

Use the official Army HR portal for any inquiries regarding your application status.

Why This Operations Specialist Job Matters

Step into a critical leadership role with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and shape the future of elite tactical aviation readiness.

Operations Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Army Special Operations Command is seeking a highly skilled professional to serve as the senior civilian Regiment Operations Officer at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In this pivotal role, you will act as a key advisor to the Regiment Commander, overseeing complex aviation operations, policy integration, and unit readiness. This position is essential for ensuring that high-stakes missions are supported by robust, well-vetted operational strategies and seamless command-level coordination.

Requirements for Operations Specialist

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Proven expertise in senior staff actions and policy integration within a Special Operations Aviation or complex tactical military aviation environment.
Ability to develop and advise on operational plans, training exercises, and unit readiness parameters.
Experience in identifying operational shortfalls and creating policy improvements.
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements if you have held a GS position within the last 52 weeks.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Completion of a pre-employment certification for Selective Service (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications for Operations Specialist

Demonstrated history of conducting operational assessments.
Ability to brief command staff on program objectives.
Strong proficiency in interfacing with enterprise-level military staffs.
Experience ensuring 100% compliance with rigorous reporting timelines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay.
✓Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Potential for recruitment, relocation, or advanced-in-hire incentives.
✓Access to a variety of government-wide work-life balance programs.

💡 How to Apply Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Operations Specialist Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJobs to verify your eligibility.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, focusing on specialized experience.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
Attach all required supporting documentation, including SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete all assessments within 48 hours of notification to finalize your application.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically disqualified.
Be specific about your hours worked per week in each role to prove your experience level.
Use plain language and avoid internal military acronyms that may not be easily understood by HR reviewers.
Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once you receive your link.
Ensure you have a recent SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee to verify your time-in-grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this position?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is designated as a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk position.

Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?

Yes, however, you must meet one of the specific hiring authorities listed in the 'Who May Apply' section, such as being a veteran, a military spouse, or an individual with a disability.

What happens if I miss the 48-hour deadline for the online assessments?

Failure to complete the USA Hire assessments within the specified 48-hour window will result in your application being removed from consideration.

Job from U.S. Special Operations Command (Army)

Civilian employees are the backbone of the U.S. Army. They provide specialized technical skills and long-term continuity that complement the rapid rotation and specialized focus of military personnel. By joining the Department of the Army as an Operations Specialist, you become an integral part of the 'Total Army,' working directly with elite command staff to ensure operational superiority.