Program Specialist (Military Records Liaison)

Quick Facts

• Role: Program Specialist (Military Records Liaison)

• Work schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday

• Duty location: Onsite/out-based duties at the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

• Telework: Eligible only for situational (ad hoc) telework with supervisory approval; routine telework not authorized

• Security clearance: Must have or be able to secure and maintain a Top Secret clearance

• Grade progression: GS-11 to GS-12 (promotion potential subject to requirements)

Description

This position supports Veterans’ disability claims by conducting onsite research of classified and sensitive military records and reconstructing unit activities relevant to hazardous and dangerous operations. The role involves pulling, reviewing, extracting, and organizing records from multiple sources, documenting stressor/exposure incidents, and recording findings in a designated tracking tool. You will coordinate with archivists and other agencies to locate records and provide timely research updates to internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct onsite research of classified and sensitive records under direction to substantiate Veterans’ service-connected disability claims.

• Perform day-to-day records research: pull, review, extract, and organize information from military unit records and related documents.

• Reconstruct events involving units participating in hazardous/dangerous operations, verify unit presence in covered locations, and identify/document stressor and exposure incidents.

• Enter findings into the designated tracking tool, complete research within established timeframes, and escalate issues that may affect completion.

• Coordinate with onsite archivists, military service offices, and agencies such as NARA and Air Force Office of Special Investigations to locate records and obtain guidance.

• Travel when needed to repositories (e.g., NARA) to conduct onsite research such as deck logs and command histories.

• Support internal coordination and VBA program initiatives, projects, and policy changes related to military records research.

• Respond to inquiries from stakeholders with accurate research findings/status updates and refer sensitive or classified matters to leadership.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance

• Selective Service registration for eligible males

• Meet specialized experience (GS-11/GS-12) and/or education requirements (education substitution available for GS-11 only)

• If a current Federal GS employee: meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date

• Submit required transcripts if using education to qualify

• Pass background/security investigation and onboarding requirements

• Ability to perform physical duties associated with archive work (lifting/carrying record boxes and manual dexterity/visual acuity)

• Be able to serve a probationary period (if required) and meet post-probation certification requirements

Benefits

A federal career provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families; eligibility depends on the specific position type and work schedule.