Advance Your Career: Mission Support Specialist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Are you a seasoned logistics and operations professional looking to make a significant impact on national security? The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is currently hiring a Mission Support Specialist at the GS-14 level. Based in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, this high-stakes role is essential for ensuring that agency divisions have the resources, policy guidance, and logistical support needed to neutralize global threats.
Job Responsibilities
As a Mission Support Specialist, your day-to-day work will influence millions of dollars in budget allocation and operational planning. Key duties include:
- Personnel Oversight: Managing the activities and tasks of 20+ contractors and civilian staff.
- Logistical Execution: Serving as the primary expert for the Defense Travel System (DTS) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
- Strategic Coordination: Collaborating with subject matter experts to identify and fill mission support gaps.
- Security Management: Ensuring department compliance with all DoD security protocols.
- Policy Innovation: Designing and implementing standard operating procedures where none currently exist.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet rigorous federal standards:
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Technical Mastery: Proven ability to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and logistics systems.
- Leadership Skills: Experience providing oversight to multidisciplinary teams.
- Documentation: A concise, two-page federal resume is mandatory.
Candidate Comparison Table
| Criteria | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Experience required (no substitution) |
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 pages |
| Clearance | SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Info) |
| Drug Test | Required (Pre-employment & Random) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with the high level of responsibility required for a GS-14 grade position.
Benefits
Employees of the DTRA enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous leave accrual programs.
- FERS retirement system including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.
- Eligibility for telework and flexible scheduling.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Any submission over two pages will be immediately removed from consideration.
- PDF Only: Save all your documents as PDFs to ensure the formatting and page count remain intact during the upload process.
- Detail Your Impact: When writing your resume, focus on your achievements using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.
- Review Eligibility: If claiming veteran preference or other hiring authorities, ensure your supporting documents (DD214, SF-50) are complete and uploaded properly.
Serving as a Mission Support Specialist at DTRA is more than a job—it is a critical role in the defense of the nation. If you possess the leadership and logistical expertise to manage complex DoD programs, we encourage you to review the full job announcement and submit your application today.
Why This Mission Support Specialist Job Matters
Join the elite team at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and lead mission-critical operations that protect the nation.
Mission Support Specialist Job Overview
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking a highly skilled Mission Support Specialist at the GS-14 level to work at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this pivotal role, you will oversee administrative, logistical, and operational resources for a multi-million-dollar portfolio. You will act as a key liaison for mission assurance programs, guiding strategic direction while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
Requirements for Mission Support Specialist
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
- Expert knowledge in developing mission support policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated experience with DoD logistics systems and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
- Proven ability to manage interdisciplinary teams and provide project oversight.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
- Successful completion of a drug screening and ongoing random testing.
- Submission of a concise, two-page resume in PDF format.
Preferred Qualifications for Mission Support Specialist
- Experience briefing senior leadership and defending complex programmatic decisions.
- Demonstrated success in identifying mission requirements and resolving technical operational bottlenecks.
- Strong background in organizational awareness and strategic planning within a DoD environment.
- Expertise in acting as an Authorizing Official for the Defense Travel System (DTS).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the DoD.
💡 How to Apply Mission Support Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Mission Support Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full announcement and prepare your documents.
- Draft a federal resume limited to exactly two pages.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including SF-50 and veteran/preference documents.
- Submit your application package before the deadline of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; any exceedance results in immediate disqualification.
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment, hours worked per week, and detailed duties.
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri and maintain at least 0.5-inch margins.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are in PDF format to maintain formatting.
- Monitor your email for status notifications throughout the hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security requirement for this position?
This role requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance due to the nature of the work.
Can I use education to qualify for this GS-14 role?
No, substitution of education is not permitted for this grade level; you must demonstrate specialized experience.
Are there strict formatting rules for the resume?
Yes. Your resume must not exceed two pages, must use a minimum 10-point font, and must have at least 0.5-inch margins.
What happens after I submit my application?
Your application will be evaluated against the job qualifications. If found qualified, you may be referred to the selecting official for an interview.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation expenses are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Defense Threat Reduction Agency
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is the U.S. Department of Defense's official combat support agency for countering weapons of mass destruction. By providing cross-cutting solutions, DTRA enables the U.S. government and its international partners to deter strategic attacks and prevail against WMD-armed adversaries. Working here means joining a team dedicated to global security and technical excellence.