Launch Your Civilian Federal Career with the U.S. Air Force
Are you a recent college graduate eager to tackle complex challenges, support high-tech military systems, and build a stable, rewarding career in public service? The Department of the Air Force is seeking motivated professionals for the Configuration and Data Management Specialist position under the prestigious PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program.
This position offers an entry point at the GS-07 pay grade with a clear developmental ladder leading up to GS-12. Located at major installations including Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, this role places you directly at the intersection of defense technology, operational support, and logistics management.
About the Agency: Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) & Talent Readiness
The U.S. Department of the Air Force defends the nation through global vigilance, reach, and power. Underlying every operational mission is a massive network of dedicated civilian specialists who ensure aircraft, technical documentation, operational data, and supply systems function seamlessly.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) provides structured developmental pipelines such as the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program. Managed by AFPC Talent Readiness, PAQ selects talented recent graduates and invests heavily in their training, technical education, and professional development. As a PAQ specialist, you aren't just taking an entry-level job—you are joining a community built around three core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Job Responsibilities and Daily Work
As a developmental Configuration and Data Management Specialist in the Logistics Career Field, your primary function is to oversee technical data, track baseline changes, and maintain critical operational records for Air Force systems. Under the guidance of senior technical managers, you will gradually assume complex responsibilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing Technical Baselines: Assisting in maintaining technical data packages, data architectures, and software/hardware configuration records.
- Conducting Analytical Studies: Participating in special initiatives and research projects to evaluate operational bottlenecks or workflow improvements.
- Drafting Documentation: Creating official technical correspondence, briefings, newsletter items, procedural guidance, and administrative reports.
- Interagency Coordination: Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams consisting of engineers, acquisition professionals, and military logistics personnel.
- Monitoring Quality Standards: Ensuring data entries, configuration items, and administrative records align strictly with defense standards and Federal guidelines.
Qualification & Education Requirements
Because this position is filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Recent Graduates, specific educational and experience criteria apply.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recent Graduate Status: You must have completed a qualifying degree from an accredited institution within two years of appointment (or up to four years for military veterans who had active service obligations).
- Security Clearance: You must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Secret security clearance.
- Probation Period: Successful completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period is required.
Qualifying at the GS-07 Grade Level
You can meet qualifications through education, experience, or a combination:
- Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): A 4-year bachelor's degree with documented SAA (e.g., GPA of 2.95+ overall, GPA of 3.45+ in major field, standing in the upper third of graduating class, or membership in a qualifying national scholastic honor society).
- Graduate Education: One full year (18 semester hours) of graduate study or a Master's/Ph.D. in related fields such as Business Administration, Industrial Management, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Psychology, Public Administration, Political Science, or Government.
- Specialized Experience: At least 12 months of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 level in data management, records control, or administrative program management.
- Combination: A qualifying mix of graduate education and specialized experience totaling 100%.
Salary Overview & Career Growth Ladder
The General Schedule (GS) system provides clear, predictable salary increments and promotional opportunities. Candidates selected for this PALACE Acquire role enter at the GS-07 band, but possess non-competitive promotion potential up to GS-12 as they demonstrate technical competence.
Career Progression Comparison Table
| Pay Grade | Annual Salary Range (Base + Locality Varies) | Expected Level of Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| GS-07 (Entry Level) | $50,460 – $65,600 | Structured learning, entry-level tasks under close supervision, basic data tracking. |
| GS-09 (Intermediate) | $61,700 – $80,200 | Moderate complexity assignments, drafting reports, assisting project managers. |
| GS-11 (Advanced) | $74,600 – $97,000 | Independent execution of recurring projects, data quality assurance, cross-team tasks. |
| GS-12 (Target Level) | $89,400 – $120,696 | Full performance level, subject-matter expert on configuration management baselines. |
Note: Exact compensation varies based on physical duty location (e.g., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH vs. Hurlburt Field, FL).
Benefits & Government Perks
Working for the Air Force Civilian Service provides a comprehensive benefit package designed to support financial stability, career development, and personal wellbeing:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Care: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) with major government premium subsidies.
- Retirement Pension: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), combining a defined annuity pension with Social Security.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Federal equivalent to a 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Earn 13 days of paid annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and observe 11 federal holidays each year.
- Career Development: Fully funded training opportunities, technical certifications, and dedicated mentorship throughout the PAQ program lifecycle.
Application Tips & Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a federal position requires strict attention to detail. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success:
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume
- Strict Two-Page Limit: Your resume MUST NOT exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this length are automatically rejected by HR filters.
- Mandatory Resume Details: For every single job entry, state exact dates (MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY) and the exact number of hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hrs/wk).
- Keep It Professional: Do NOT include photos, SSNs, dates of birth, or religious affiliations.
Step 2: Assemble Required Documents
- Transcripts: Submit unofficial or official college transcripts showing degree conferral date, major, and overall GPA.
- Veterans Preference Documentation: Include DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or official military certification letters if claiming veterans' eligibility.
Step 3: Complete USAJOBS & HireVue
- Log in to USAJOBS, complete the candidate questionnaire, attach documents, and submit.
- Access the Air Force portal to complete the HireVue video interview and online assessment prompts. Failure to complete HireVue will invalidate your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What locations are available for this opening?
This vacancy covers multiple locations, primarily Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Q: How long does the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program last?
The program typically lasts between 2 to 3 years, during which candidates receive hands-on training, regular performance reviews, and annual grade promotions.
Q: Can I qualify using a foreign degree?
Yes, foreign education can be accepted if you provide formal proof that the credentials have been evaluated by an accredited U.S. evaluation service as equivalent to U.S. higher education.
Q: Is travel required for this role?
Travel requirements are minimal (Travel Code 1), though occasional travel for training conferences or specialized technical site visits may occur.
If you want to jumpstart your career while making a tangible contribution to national security, the Configuration and Data Management Specialist position within the U.S. Air Force is an extraordinary opportunity. With competitive pay, robust federal benefits, structured mentorship, and rapid advancement to GS-12, this PALACE Acquire position offers an unbeatable foundation for recent graduates. Submit your resume and complete your application today!
Why This Configuration And Data Management Specialist Job Matters
Launch your civilian federal career with the U.S. Air Force through the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) Recent Graduate program as a Configuration and Data Management Specialist!
Configuration And Data Management Specialist Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is actively recruiting high-caliber college graduates for the Configuration and Data Management Specialist role under the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) centrally managed program. Located at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, this developmental position provides structured career broadening, professional mentorship, and direct progression from GS-07 up to the GS-12 level. Selected candidates will gain hands-on experience in logistics, data management systems, technical documentation, and administrative process management.
Requirements for Configuration And Data Management Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of application.
- Must meet Recent Graduate eligibility (awarded a qualifying degree within 2 years of appointment, or up to 4 years for eligible military veterans).
- Must possess a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (GPA 2.95+ overall, GPA 3.45+ in major, upper 33% class ranking, or Honor Society membership) OR 1 year of relevant graduate education OR 1 year of specialized GS-05 level experience OR a combination.
- Ability to obtain and successfully maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
- Must complete a mandatory 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Resume MUST be strictly 2 pages or under, containing start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Preferred Qualifications for Configuration And Data Management Specialist
- Master's degree or graduate coursework in Business Administration, Industrial Management, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Psychology, Public Administration, or Political Science.
- Demonstrated background in data analytics, technical writing, or logistics system management.
- Strong communication, analytical reasoning, and structured problem-solving skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Accelerated promotion ladder from GS-07 to GS-12.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance through Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with automatic 1% agency contribution and matching up to 5%.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) defined-benefit pension.
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Relocation incentives / Permanent Change of Station (PCS) support where applicable.
💡 How to Apply Configuration And Data Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Configuration And Data Management Specialist Job
- Confirm eligibility as a Recent Graduate under Direct Hire Authority guidelines.
- Draft a federal resume adhering strictly to the 2-page limit, ensuring employment dates (MM/YYYY) and hours per week are listed.
- Gather official or unofficial transcripts proving graduation date, degree conferred, and GPA/class ranking for SAA verification.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing deadline.
- Complete the required HireVue online interview and assessment prompts at afciviliancareers.com/recentgraduates.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly enforce the 2-page resume rule; any resume exceeding 2 pages will be completely disqualified.
- Do not include personal identifiers such as photos, Social Security Numbers, birth dates, or religious affiliations on your application.
- Explicitly detail your Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) qualification criteria in both your resume and transcripts.
- Complete the HireVue video assessment immediately after submitting your USAJOBS questionnaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) Program?
PAQ is a formal, two- to three-year developmental program designed to recruit top college graduates into Air Force civil service positions, offering structured training, professional development, and rapid career advancement up to GS-12.
Who qualifies under the Recent Graduate criteria?
Individuals who earned a qualifying undergraduate or graduate degree within 2 years of appointment date. Military veterans who had service obligations qualify up to 4 years post-degree.
Is telework or remote work available for this position?
No, this position is designated as non-telework eligible and requires full-time, on-site participation at Hurlburt Field, FL, or Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
How does promotion potential work for this role?
Selected candidates enter at the GS-07 pay band ($50,460+) and can advance non-competitively up to the GS-12 level ($120,696 maximum range) upon satisfactory completion of program milestones.