Range Operations Specialist

United States Army Installation Management Command • Fort Eustis, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a term position with the U.S. Army Support Activity, Training Division, Range Operations, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The Range Operations Specialist manages daily range operations to support the safe and efficient use of ranges and training areas under Army regulations, range control procedures, DA Pam 385-63, standard operating procedures, and applicable policies. The role operates Range Control and Fire Desk functions, schedules and coordinates range use through the Range Facility Management Support System (RFMSS), and monitors live-fire activities.

The specialist oversees range safety and compliance, conducts inspections, coordinates with military and civilian organizations and training units, and operates range automation, communications, target systems, and related equipment during day and night firing. The role also investigates incidents, recommends and follows up on corrective actions, prepares reports and statistical data, and supports range program management and regulatory compliance for the Installation Range Officer and Training Division.

The position may be filled as a term appointment not to exceed two years, with possible extensions as described in the posting. It requires shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special situations; shifts rotate regularly. Planned and unscheduled overtime are required. The position also requires travel approximately 10% of the time, a valid state driver's license, successful completion of a Range Safety Certification Course, pre-employment and annual physical examinations, and pre-employment and random drug testing. The incumbent must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including assisting with live-fire training schedules using automated military scheduling systems such as RFMSS and supporting range control and fire desk operations by following established range safety regulations and procedures; alternatively, meet the stated graduate education or combined education-and-experience qualification.
• Applicants who have held a General Schedule position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07).
• Must have or be able to successfully pass a Range Safety Certification Course.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued by one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter to demonstrate continued fitness for the duties.
• Subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing, including testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing after direct involvement in an on-duty accident.
• Must work rotating shifts that provide coverage during evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
• Must work planned and unscheduled overtime.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds as part of regular duties.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• A one-year probationary period is required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Applicants must meet at least one of the listed employment authority categories to apply.

Nice To Haves

• A master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a field demonstrating relevant knowledge and skills, such as Safety Management or Occupational Safety; this is an alternative qualification pathway.
• A combination of qualifying education and experience meeting at least 100% of the qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily range operations to ensure safe and efficient use of ranges and training areas in accordance with Army regulations, range control procedures, DA Pam 385-63, SOPs, and applicable policies.
• Operate Range Control and Fire Desk functions, schedule and coordinate range use through RFMSS, and monitor live-fire activities.
• Monitor and enforce range safety requirements, including firing programs, direction of fire, safety distances, time sequences, ammunition restrictions, weather conditions, and approved training scenarios.
• Conduct range inspections and safety oversight to identify hazards, verify compliance, and ensure training activities are conducted safely.
• Provide technical guidance and coordinate with military and civilian organizations, Range Safety Officers, installation safety personnel, airfield operations, and training units on range safety and operational requirements.
• Operate and monitor range automation, communications, target systems, and equipment, including range tower systems, radio networks, and target movers, for day and night firing.
• Investigate range accidents and incidents, identify causes and impacts, recommend corrective actions, follow up on deficiencies, and prepare reports and statistical data for leadership.
• Support range program management and regulatory compliance by assisting with SOPs, safety programs, environmental requirements, inspections, reports, plans, and projects for the Installation Range Officer and Training Division.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
• Student loan repayment may be authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to applicable rules and agency determination.
• Salary negotiations for candidates new to Federal service may be authorized.
• Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level