Intelligence Specialist (GG-13) - Department of the Air Force

Location: Patrick AFB, Florida Salary: $107,228 - $139,398 per year Announcement Closing Date: November 5, 2026

Are you an experienced intelligence professional seeking a challenging and rewarding career opportunity? The Department of the Air Force is actively recruiting for a highly skilled Intelligence Specialist at the GG-13 level, located at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. This position is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) and offers a unique chance to contribute significantly to national security while enjoying the comprehensive benefits of federal employment and the distinct status of an Air Reserve Technician (ART).

About the Agency: Department of the Air Force

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win... Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve this, the Air Force operates under a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power. This vision is underpinned by core competencies in Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting, and Integrating Operations. The Air Force is committed to three core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. This role is within the 71 Surveillance Squadron, a vital unit dedicated to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Job Responsibilities

As an Intelligence Specialist (GG-13) within the 71 Surveillance Squadron, your responsibilities will be critical to the unit's operational success. You will serve as a subject matter expert, providing crucial insights into Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This includes offering expertise on various intelligence disciplines such as HUMINT, SIGINT, GEOINT/MASINT, Acquisition Intelligence, Targeting, and All-Source/Fusion Analysis. Your work will directly support the execution of ISR tasking, collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination.

Key duties include:

Operational Oversight: Organizing, planning, and overseeing the activities and training programs of the squadron's operations.
ISR Expertise: Serving as a primary AFRC ISR expert, interfacing with AFRC and Air Force ISR Operations Centers to ensure effective command and control oversight and tasking of Air Force Reserve Forces.
Program Management: Managing flight operations, training schedules, and apportioning programs for ISR personnel.
Training and Readiness: Directing ISR training and ensuring readiness for the ISR Flight.
Policy and Planning: Developing and formulating operational and training plans and policies related to ISR operations.

Requirements

To be considered for this Intelligence Specialist position, you must meet the following essential requirements:

ART Commission: You must hold a commission or be commissionable as an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer in the Air Force Reserve.
Military Membership: You are required to maintain active membership in the Air Force Reserve unit to which you are assigned.
Security Clearance: Eligibility for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance is mandatory.
Adjudication: Must successfully undergo a Suitability/Fitness adjudication.
Drug Testing: This position is designated for drug testing, and you may be subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and safety mishap testing.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service.

Salary Overview

This is a GG-13 position within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The annual salary ranges from $107,228 to $139,398, commensurate with your qualifications and experience.

Benefits

As a federal employee and an Air Reserve Technician, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Federal Employee Benefits: Access to all benefits typically granted to federal employees in the competitive civil service.
Military Training: Participate in one weekend of military training per month (on average).
Active Duty Tour: Eligible for 15 days of active duty per year with full civilian pay.
Military Leave: Granted military leave for training and active duty tours.
Health and Retirement: Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
Life Insurance: Federal employee life insurance options.
Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Disabled Veteran Leave: Available to qualifying veterans hired on or after November 5, 2016.

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please follow these steps carefully:

Visit USAJOBS: Navigate to the USAJOBS website and locate this announcement.
Create/Login: Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing one.
Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the Application Questionnaire accurately and completely.
Submit Resume: Upload your resume. Ensure it does not exceed two pages and meets all formatting requirements (e.g., 10-point font, clear dates of employment, hours worked per week).
Upload Documents: Submit all required supporting documents as detailed in the 'Required Documents' section of the announcement. This may include transcripts, DD-214, SF-50s, or other relevant certifications.
Verify Submission: Confirm that your application package is complete and has been successfully submitted by the closing date of November 5, 2026.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience and skills directly relevant to the job description, particularly mentioning specific intelligence disciplines and ISR operations.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate impact.
Check Requirements: Ensure you meet all qualifications and eligibility criteria before applying. Pay close attention to the ART requirements and security clearance.
Document Everything: Provide clear, legible copies of all required documents. Incomplete documentation is a common reason for disqualification.
Proofread: Carefully review your entire application for any errors or omissions before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an Air Reserve Technician (ART)? A1: An ART is a federal civilian employee who also maintains active membership in an Air Force Reserve unit. They perform civilian duties full-time and military duties concurrently.

Q2: What specific intelligence disciplines are most valued for this role? A2: Experience in HUMINT, GEOINT/MASINT, SIGINT, All-Source Analysis/Fusion Analysis, DCGS, Targeting, and Acquisition Intelligence is highly preferred. Operational experience in at least two of these areas is particularly beneficial.

Q3: What is the required education level? A3: While a specific degree is not listed as a mandatory requirement, extensive specialized experience is necessary. If education is used to qualify, transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted.

Q4: How is the salary determined? A4: The salary is set within the GG-13 grade based on the selectee's qualifications and experience relative to the job requirements. The range is $107,228 - $139,398 annually.

Q5: What is the application deadline? A5: The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 5, 2026.

This Intelligence Specialist position offers a unique blend of civilian career advancement and military service, providing a dynamic and fulfilling path for experienced intelligence professionals. If you are ready to apply your expertise to critical national security missions and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply by the November 5, 2026 deadline. Join the Department of the Air Force and make a tangible difference.

Why This Intelligence Specialist Job Matters

Unlock your potential as an Intelligence Specialist! Join a critical mission with the Department of the Air Force and leverage your expertise in a dynamic, high-impact role. This is more than a job; it's a chance to contribute to national security and grow your career.

Intelligence Specialist Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force, Headquarters, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Intelligence Specialist to join the 71 Surveillance Squadron. This GG-13 position within the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) offers a unique opportunity for individuals with a strong background in intelligence operations, analysis, and collection management. As an Air Reserve Technician (ART), you will serve as a full-time civilian employee and maintain active membership in the Air Force Reserve, combining your federal career with valuable military training and service. If you possess a deep understanding of ISR operations, analytical methodologies, and a passion for national security, this role is for you.

Requirements for Intelligence Specialist

Must possess a commission or be commissionable as an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer in the Air Force Reserve.
Must meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements.
Must be eligible for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
Must be eligible for Suitability/Fitness adjudication.
This position is designated for drug testing, subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and safety mishap testing.
For male applicants born after December 31, 1959, registration or exemption from the Selective Service is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Intelligence Specialist

Fully qualified and experienced intelligence officer.
Operational experience in at least two of the following intelligence disciplines/operations: HUMINT, GEOINT/MASINT, SIGINT, All-Source Analysis/Fusion Analysis, DCGS, Targeting, Acquisition Intelligence, collection management, analytical production management, and dissemination.
Experience in ISR operations and the Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) of national, Global Hawk, U2, and Predator/Reaper platforms.
Senior-level knowledge of worldwide ISR operational requirements and processes supporting Combatant Commands and Theater Air Force Component Commands.
Understanding of ISR concepts, capabilities, and operations.
Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and precedents affecting Flight ISR operational programs and related support resources.
Ability to formulate operational and training plans and policies for ISR operations and training.
Knowledge of advanced management and organizational principles, major issues, program goals, and administrative operations of the ISR Group, 10 AF, and HQ AFRC.
Knowledge of operational and training programs within the group to conduct studies and make recommendations.
Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, and devise recommended solutions for top management use.
Ability to plan and organize workload, manage multiple taskings, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to integrate Air Force Reserves into ISR operations and maintenance missions, ensuring command/control oversight and proper tasking authorities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓All benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service.
✓Maintain active membership in the Air Force Reserve unit.
✓One weekend of military training per month (average).
✓15 days of active duty tour per year with full civilian pay.
✓Eligibility for military leave.
✓Subject to immediate call to active duty during national emergencies.
✓Potential for recruitment and/or retention incentives.
✓Disabled veteran leave eligibility (for qualifying veterans).

💡 How to Apply Intelligence Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Intelligence Specialist Job

Review the complete job announcement and all instructions carefully.
Create an account or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to begin the application process.
Complete the application questionnaire thoroughly and accurately.
Upload your resume, ensuring it does not exceed two pages and meets all specified formatting requirements (e.g., 10-point font, clear identification of duties and employment dates/hours).
Submit all additional required documents as listed in the 'Required Documents' section (e.g., transcripts, DD-214, SF-50 if applicable).
Ensure all uploaded documents contain your full name.
Verify that your application package is complete and submitted by the closing date (November 5, 2026, 11:59 PM ET).
Confirm successful submission and document processing through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Thoroughly read the entire job announcement, paying close attention to 'Other Significant Facts,' 'Requirements,' and 'Required Documents.'
Tailor your resume to specifically address the specialized experience and KSAs mentioned in the announcement. Use keywords from the job description.
Ensure your resume includes dates of employment and hours worked per week for each position to meet qualification requirements.
Clearly identify any paid and unpaid/part-time experience, including volunteer work, and specify the hours per week for each.
If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts; ensure the institution is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
Carefully review and answer all questions in the Application Questionnaire. Your responses will be compared to your submitted documents.
Double-check that all required documents are uploaded correctly and contain your full name. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure you submit the necessary supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA letter).
For federal employees, include relevant SF-50s to demonstrate time-in-grade and grade level.
Make your USAJOBS resume and profile searchable to allow recruiters to contact you for potential opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position?

An Air Reserve Technician (ART) is a full-time civilian employee who also holds a military membership in the Air Force Reserve unit where they are employed. ARTs maintain equivalent military positions within their Reserve unit and participate in military training while enjoying the benefits of federal civilian employment.

What are the typical duties of an Intelligence Specialist (GG-13) in this role?

As an Intelligence Specialist, you will provide expertise on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, including various intelligence disciplines and analytical products. You will also organize, plan, and oversee ISR operations and training programs, serve as an expert interface with ISR operations centers, and manage ISR training and readiness for the unit.

What level of security clearance is required?

The position requires eligibility for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for this GG-13 position is $107,228 to $139,398 per year.

Do I need prior military experience?

While not explicitly stated as a mandatory requirement, significant operational experience in intelligence disciplines is highly preferred. Military experience, particularly within ISR operations, is valuable and may be credited towards specialized experience.

What documentation do I need to submit with my application?

You will need to submit your resume (max two pages), complete the Application Questionnaire, and any additional documents required based on the eligibility you claim (e.g., transcripts, DD-214, SF-50s, VA letters). Refer to the 'Required Documents' section for a comprehensive list.

Intelligence Specialist Job

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