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OPERATIONS PLANNING SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
U.S. Northern Command

Summary

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Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/15/2026 to 05/22/2026
Salary
$90,838 - $118,092 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Fort Eustis, VA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
9B-AFPC-12964750-283739-LEB
Control number
869554700

Duties

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The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES)/GFM Specialist, in the Plans and Policy Directorate (J5), serving as a SME for all things Joint Operation Planning and Execution System/Global Force Management Division.

DUTIES:

  • Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES): A professional expert on JOPES matters, responsible for providing support to the planning, coordination, execution of force deployment of Headquarters, JTF-CS and allocated DCRF units ISO deliberate, crisis and exercise planning process.
  • Global Force Management (GFM): Command professional expert who provides technical support in the performance of all the GFM processes, force assignment, apportionment, and allocation methodologies in support of joint force requirements.
  • Perform/Prepare for CBRN Response Operations: Participate in all directed CBRN Response Enterprise operations; may deploy to potential hazardous locations and may be required to operate in field conditions.
  • Represents JTF-CS at U.S. Northern Command: Hosted CONPLAN and OPLAN, GFM, planning conferences, crisis action planning conferences, and unit force flow planning conferences and working group meetings

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • A Top Secret/Special Sensitive clearance is required for this position. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Special Sensitive clearance as a condition of employment
  • Work may require employee to drive a government motor vehicle. A valid driver's license is required for this position
  • Incumbent may be required to wear an organizational civilian uniform with appropriate footwear and other personnel protective equipment to be issued by the organization
  • May be required to work non-traditional duty hours which includes evenings, weekends and holidays. Overtime may be required on short notice. Shift work may be necessary during exercises, crises, or contingencies
  • Must be a graduate of JOPES Support Personnel Course (JSPC) and Joint Planning and Execution System (JOPES) courses or the Marine MAGTF Planner Course
  • Must be a graduate of the Joint Capabilities Requirement Manager (JCRM) course

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (Cont'd)

  • This position is designated Non-Combat Essential and is a KEY position IAW DODD 1404.10. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbent of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available.
  • This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TOP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TOP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TOP.
  • Frequently, incumbent may be required to be on a two or four-hour recall. Incumbent may be required to carry a phone and/or pager (Government furnished). Additionally, Incumbent must participate in any "call back" drills conducted by the organization (unless on approved leave).
  • Work may require travel by military or commercial aircraft or other modes of travel away from the normal duty station to locations within and outside of the Continental United States. Travel may be on very short notice and may be under field conditions.
  • Deployments may expose incumbent to hazardous conditions and potentially life-threatening conditions. Training may be required to prepare the incumbent for extended TOY under field conditions. Special dietary or religious requirements may not be accommodated during TOY or training exercises.
  • As a condition of employment, must be able to don Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protective clothing, including a protective mask, unassisted, in the requisite amount of time to ensure the employee's safety, and remain in this posture until conditions are declared safe for removal of protective clothing. Grooming standards must be compatible with all required protective equipment.
  • A pre-employment medical exam is required. The duties of this position require moderate physical exertion involving walking and standing, possible use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. This position has deployment requirements for CBRN Response IAW NNCI 44-163 and DoDI 6490.07. Selectee must meet the requirements specified on the SF-178 Certification of Medical Examination. Certification of medical readiness is required annually as a condition of employment. Any condition that would cause the employee to be a hazard to him/her or others is disqualifying. The incumbent must immediately report to his supervisor any significant changes in health status and/or medication requirements.
  • Vaccinations and medication necessary to deploy to, and operate in, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or High Explosive (CBRNE) contaminated environment are required IA W NNCI 44-163 as a condition of employment. Maintaining a current and medically deployable status is a condition of employment.
  • Employee is expected to have a family care plan in place (if applicable) to allow employee to deploy in as little as 4 hours after notification. Employee's plan must allow for the possibility of deployments of at least 30 continuous days or more.
  • Be a graduate of Joint Basic Operations Course (JBOC) and Joint Planning and Execution System (JOPES) course required. The JOPES Specialist will have experience in contingency planning and operations, and knowledge of joint staff operations. A minimum of 5 years JOPES experience is required, with one billet at the Joint or planning level highly desired.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Miscellaneous Administration and Program Series, 0301.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods techniques to issues or studies concerning deployment and force generation for tasked nits including joint command relationships/responsibilities and deployment characteristics, and JOPES and JCRM automated systems; comprehensive knowledge of all facets of military forces deployment planning, i.e., deployment orders process, planning, organizing and executing military force deployments within the CONUS and Territory locations. Work requires knowledge of relationships with all DoD Force Providers (FORSCOM, ACC. MARFORCOM, FFC, etc.), Lead Federal Agencies (HHS, OHS, DOS, etc.) and key administrative support functions within the employing agency or in other agencies.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-inĀ­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Ability to make critical analytical judgements sufficient to formulate clear recommendations, which may have major command; skill to coordinate strategic force deployment and force sourcing.
  • Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues utilized in studies concerning deployment planning/force sourcing for tasked units including joint command relationships/responsibilities and deployment characteristics.
  • Knowledge of all facets of military force deployments planning/force sourcing, i.e., deployment orders process, planning, organizing and executing military force deployments within CONUS and its territories.
  • Knowledge of applicable policy and doctrine as it relates to CBRN response operations: Joint policies and procedures; DoD, Services and joint organizational structures; U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other key interagency organizations involved in CBRN response and support; knowledge of a wide range of all services military technical methods of force deployment and force sourcing.
  • Skill to independently gather, assemble and analyze information, develop appropriate courses of action, draw conclusions and formulate recommendations, and communicate a resolution or decision in a well written or oral presentation at the senior leader level.
  • Skill to lead a large, highly diverse group of mid- to senior-level military/civilian personnel of competing agency interests, loyalties, and agendas, to get this group to work together effectively and productively to achieve the goals and objectives of interagency coordination and cooperation; skill in effective oral and written communications.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

U.S. Northern Command

US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Mission Statement: Conduct operations to deter, prevent, and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility; and as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provide defense support of civil authorities including consequence management operations. Find out more click here.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA)
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
NORTHCOM
250 Vandenberg Street
Suite B016
Peterson SFB, CO 80914
US

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