Become a Transportation Operations Specialist with the Air Mobility Command
If you are a logistics professional with a passion for global mobility and national security, the Air Mobility Command (AMC) has a career-defining opportunity for you. Based at the historic Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, this Transportation Operations Specialist position places you at the center of the 618th Air Operations Center, where you will facilitate, plan, and manage critical air refueling and airlift operations.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as the key authority for the Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) Manday Program. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Program Management: Overseeing an annual budget of $150 million.
- Operational Coordination: Serving as the point of contact for Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units.
- Policy Implementation: Developing and enforcing directives to ensure maximum efficiency in global air transportation.
- Crisis Response: Analyzing complex data to provide solutions for rapidly changing strategic environments.
Requirements
This is a GS-12 position requiring high-level technical expertise. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Security Clearance: Ability to secure and maintain a Secret clearance.
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of programs like GDSS, IMR, and M4S.
- Documentation: Submission of a concise two-page resume that details your work history, including hours worked per week.
Comparison: General Schedule (GS) vs Private Sector Logistics
| Feature | GS-12 Federal Role | Private Sector Logistics |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Global/Strategic | Regional/Organizational |
| Security | High/Secret Clearance | Company Level |
| Benefits | Federal Retirement/Insurance | Variable/Market Rate |
| Mission | National Defense | Corporate Profit |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position ranges from $91,779 to $119,315 per year, based on experience and qualifications. This salary is commensurate with the high level of responsibility required for managing large-scale federal operations.
Benefits
Working for the Department of the Air Force offers more than just a paycheck. Employees gain access to:
- Robust health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
- The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid vacation and federal holiday schedules.
- Opportunities for professional development and career mobility within the federal government.
Application Tips
To succeed in your application, focus on the details. Recruiters are looking for evidence of your ability to manage complex transportation assets and budgets. Ensure your resume specifically outlines your experience with military or large-scale commercial transportation equipment. Most importantly, follow the formatting requirements exactly—if the posting asks for a two-page resume, do not provide a three-page document.
Serving as a Transportation Operations Specialist at Scott AFB is an opportunity to contribute directly to the airpower that keeps the United States safe. With a competitive salary, excellent federal benefits, and the chance to lead critical missions, this role is perfect for a dedicated logistics expert looking to advance their career in public service.
Why This Transportation Operations Specialist Job Matters
Launch a mission-critical career at the 618th Air Operations Center, managing global airlift operations that power our nation’s reach.
Transportation Operations Specialist Job Overview
The Air Mobility Command is seeking a highly skilled Transportation Operations Specialist to manage the planning, execution, and budgeting of over 400,000 Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) mandays annually. Based at Scott AFB, Illinois, this vital role acts as the primary point of contact for the Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard, ensuring that global airlift and refueling capabilities meet peacetime, contingency, and wartime requirements. You will work within a high-stakes environment where your decisions directly support critical national security objectives and complex mobility missions.
Requirements for Transportation Operations Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent.
- Must meet Federal Time-in-Grade requirements for competitive service positions.
- Possession of specialized knowledge in fleet operations, transportation procurement, or commercial terminal management.
- Proficiency in military mobility systems including M4S, GDSS, and IMR.
- Ability to work irregular hours, shifts, or overtime as required for contingency support.
Preferred Qualifications for Transportation Operations Specialist
- Comprehensive understanding of Air Force Instruction 36-2619.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex studies regarding air mobility asset utilization.
- Extensive experience in military personnel appropriation manday programming.
- Proven expertise in resolving complex, ambiguous global transportation problems.
- High level of autonomy and communication skills for multi-agency coordination.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays and Leave
- ✓Telework Opportunities
- ✓Career Advancement Programs
💡 How to Apply Transportation Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Transportation Operations Specialist Job
- Log in or create an account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full vacancy announcement requirements carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment and hours worked per week for each role.
- Complete the required online application questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as SF-50s or DD-214s.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; longer resumes will be excluded.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your pay plan, series, and grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Double-check that your questionnaire responses align with the details in your resume.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan by checking your application status.
- Clearly label all documents with your full name to ensure they are matched to your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this position?
The role manages $150 million in MPA mandays to ensure Air Reserve Component forces can support global mobility operations.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this position may require travel and support for emergency or wartime mobility requirements.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. Resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
What is the closing date for this application?
The application window closes on September 15, 2026.
Is telework available?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to organizational policy.
Job from Air Mobility Command
The Air Mobility Command serves as the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s global mission. With a vision focused on global reach, vigilance, and power, the AMC coordinates the movement of personnel and equipment to respond to peacetime emergencies, humanitarian crises, and wartime objectives. Working here means aligning yourself with the core values of integrity, service, and excellence.