Protocol Specialist

Department of the Air Force

Hickam AFB, Hawaii Full-time $93,445 – $144,457 Closes Jun 23, 2026

Summary

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Duties

  • The United States Space Forces – Indo-Pacific (SPACEFOR-INDOPAC) at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii is searching for a Protocol Specialist (NH-0301-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).
  • Description: United States Space Forces – Indo-Pacific (SPACEFOR-INDOPAC) is seeking a highly organized Protocol Specialist (PS) to join our Executive Team at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, located on Oahu.
  • Serving as the principal protocol advisor for the command, the PS will lead the planning and execution of distinguished visitor engagements, military ceremonies, conferences, official visits, and special events supporting the Commander and senior leadership.
  • The PS will oversee end-to-end event management, including military ceremonies, command conferences, flight line arrivals and departures, office calls, receptions, official social functions, and multinational engagements.
  • As the command's primary liaison for distinguished visitors, the PS will plan and coordinate official visits involving General and Flag Officers, Senior Executive Service members, elected officials, allied and partner nation leaders, and other senior representatives by overseeing security coordination, transportation, lodging, itineraries, and ceremonial support, while ensuring all activities comply with Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, and United States Space Force policies and protocols.
  • The position maintains close working relationships with Headquarters United States Space Force, U.S.
  • Pacific Air Forces, and partner protocol offices throughout the Indo-Pacific theater.
  • Our ideal candidate is a poised, detail-oriented professional who thrives in high-visibility environments where discretion, adaptability, and excellence are vital.
  • They possess a deep understanding of military protocol, ceremonies, customs, and courtesies, and confidently engage with senior military leaders, government officials, allied representatives, and international distinguished visitors.
  • Success in this role requires a collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to supporting the broader Executive Team, recognizing that mission success is achieved through trust, shared effort, and collective dedication.
  • Key Skills and Abilities: 1.
  • Knowledge of the official federal government protocol functions and responsibilities to ensure proper recognition and treatment of distinguished visitors, US and foreign military rank structure, political configuration and order of precedence. 2.
  • Knowledge of DAF policy concerning expenditures of appropriated and non-appropriated protocol funds such as Official Representation Funds (ORF). 3.
  • Knowledge of DoD and/or Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy and regulations relative to Protocol.
  • Knowledge of Air Force and Space Force organization, mission, ceremonies, and customs and courtesies.
  • Knowledge of personnel management and communication principles, methods and techniques. 4.
  • Knowledge of missions, organizational structure and operations and skill in applying this knowledge in the planning and directing details of assigned formal visits of high-ranking dignitaries, both from within the federal government and internationally. 5.
  • Knowledge on military ceremony key player stage and formation movements as well as flag placement and protocols. 6.
  • Skill in dealing tactfully and pleasantly with a wide range of personalities in complex and delicate situations. 7.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate last minute changes with regards to organization and coordination of official functions, meetings, conferences, etc.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM’s General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Required Documents

  • Resume: You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.
  • You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable.
  • Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  • If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • Your resume must provide: Personal information – your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number Education information – the name of the school and the dates you attended Work experience – paid and unpaid work with the following information: Job title Detailed duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.) Hours per week Salary, if applicable Other qualifications – skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

About this role

The Protocol Specialist position with the Department of the Air Force is based in Hickam AFB, Hawaii. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. The role pays $93,445 to $144,457 per year.

Day to day, the work involves the United States Space Forces – Indo-Pacific (SPACEFOR-INDOPAC) at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii is searching for a Protocol Specialist (NH-0301-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.

Who should apply

Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what federal administrative work experience this Protocol Specialist position requires. It is graded at GS-12, which sets both the pay band and the experience reviewers expect you to document. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Protocol Specialist position with the Department of the Air Force in Hickam AFB, Hawaii, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.

How competitive it is

At $93,445 to $144,457 per year, this is a mid-to-senior role where a precisely tailored application matters most. Based in Hickam AFB, Hawaii, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on June 23, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.

This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.

Job Details

Department Department of the Air Force
Job Type Full-time
Location Hickam AFB, Hawaii
Salary $93,445 – $144,457
Pay Period Per Year
Closing Date Jun 23, 2026
Posted Jun 16, 2026
Source ID SF-FY26-6K-NH-0301-3-SPLASH
Ready to apply? This application is hosted on the official USAJOBS site.
Apply Now ↗
← Back to all Jobs