LINK UNIT MANAGER (Indefinite, May Become Permanent)

Air National Guard Units • Sioux City, IA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Link Unit Manager (LUM) serves as the technical expert and advisor for planning, coordinating, and scheduling Tactical Data Link (TDL) operations, maintenance, and equipment for the Mobility Air Force Wing. The role oversees unit and Air Mobility Command TDL activities, develops procedures, provides technical training and support, improves TDL processes, recommends changes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities, and briefs wing leadership on TDL operation and performance.

The position manages TDL network architecture and operations, including coordinating network preparations, maintenance, equipment configurations, and support with local units, ranges, test facilities, commands, contractors, and other agencies. It supports complex data-link system troubleshooting and helps ensure aircraft and mobile ground stations can exchange required operational, intelligence, and communications data. The manager coordinates network execution and represents the Mobility Air Force in meetings and at higher organizational levels.

The role also oversees TDL network operations for testing and training missions, maintains and reviews checklists, coordinates with training and range organizations, and works to minimize impacts of system limitations on training programs. It maintains knowledge of local support agreements, reviews facility and environmental readiness, develops agreements such as LOAs, MOAs, and MOUs, and analyzes operational issues to advise officials and project managers. Other duties may be assigned.

This is an Iowa Air National Guard Title 32 excepted-service position at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa. It is indefinite and may become permanent, and is open to current military members of the 185th ARW. Military membership in a compatible Iowa Air National Guard assignment is required; the selectee must wear the military uniform and hold an enlisted rank of E-5 to E-7. A security clearance must be attained and maintained. The selectee must attend required courses, including the Joint Multi-TDL School JT-220 Link Unit Manager course within six months of appointment. A two-year trial period applies, or one year for veterans’ preference eligibles.

Requirements

• Current military membership in a compatible Iowa Air National Guard assignment is required; the position is open to current military members of the 185th ARW.
• Must wear the military uniform as a condition of employment.
• Military rank must be enlisted E-5 to E-7.
• Must attain and maintain the security clearance required for the position; if not held at hire, an application must be made within 30 days of the start date.
• Must attend required courses in accordance with TDL Planning and Operations publications.
• Must complete the Joint Multi-TDL School JT-220 Link Unit Manager course within six months of appointment.
• Must complete a two-year trial period, or a one-year trial period for veterans’ preference eligibles, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• General knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration gained through experience, education, or training.
• Experience compiling reports, letters, memoranda, and other materials, and using person-to-person contacts to convey information.
• Progressively responsible experience demonstrating the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the work or comparable work.
• Experience using computer and automation systems.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Program or managerial experience in work or functions directly related to the position, or comparable work or functions.
• Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out programs; and evaluating and recommending operational-method changes.
• Experience in supervisory, staff, or technical work involving study, analysis, or evaluation leading to improved managerial or administrative policies, practices, and procedures.
• Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and schedule Tactical Data Link operations, maintenance, and equipment for the Mobility Air Force Wing.
• Oversee TDL activities for the assigned unit and Air Mobility Command in accordance with applicable instructions.
• Develop tailored procedures, conduct technical training and support, and improve TDL processes for users and maintainers.
• Recommend operations and maintenance process changes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities.
• Brief wing leadership on the operation and performance of multiple TDLs.
• Coordinate with local reserve units to support weekend exercises.
• Coordinate TDL network preparations, maintenance, and equipment configurations, including coordination with major commands and contractors as needed.
• Troubleshoot complex data-link systems, including feeds, tasked sensors, and reporting systems in aircraft and mobile ground stations.
• Ensure transient, joint, and coalition aircraft have appropriate client software and that required data is received and distributed to subordinate command-and-control elements.
• Manage TDL architecture and coordinate with range and test facilities.
• Coordinate with Theater/Range JICOs, local airspace, TDL users, Electronic Scoring Ranges, and HQ Air Combat Command to manage and modify TDL networks.
• Represent the Mobility Air Force at higher organizational levels and at conferences with HQ USAF, DoD, and other agencies.
• Maintain effective working relationships with coordinating organizations and deliver presentations on status, accomplishments, problems, and support requirements.
• Advise major commands on position-description modifications for unit and Manpower Data System support, as needed.
• Ensure multi-TDL, sensor, and intelligence networks are combined and forwarded to the MPC Common Operational Picture.
• Assist Mobility Air Force aircrew with TDL network architecture planning for peacetime, contingency, and wartime operations.
• Oversee TDL network operations during testing and training missions and develop, manage, maintain, and annually review TDL checklists.
• Liaise with multi-command agencies and coordinate with Homeland Defense and range controllers on training plans and real-world operations.
• Coordinate testing and training capabilities, equipment availability, training system schedules, and system limitation impacts on training programs.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and support outside agencies conducting TDL training-system tests and evaluations.
• Attend training and system-configuration working groups to track changes in tactics, training, and aircraft equipment requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of local support agreements; review environmental controls, facility connectivity, and site activities for readiness and effectiveness.
• Develop LOAs, MOAs, and MOUs to meet mission requirements and provide operational guidance and project support.
• Analyze TDL operational issues and advise officials and project managers on feasible approaches and corrective actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type and other factors, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for specific benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed