Skip to main content
U.S. flag
 

STRATEGIC PLANNING SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
U.S. Northern Command

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position: This is a developmental position with known promotion potential to the target position of NC1577, Strategic Planning Specialist, GS-0301-13. Incumbent works closely with the supervisor in performing duties identified in the full performance standard core personnel document/core document.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 06/10/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 10, 2026
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$76,650 - $142,022 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Promotion potential
13
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
6X-AFPC-12978343-284217-JSH
Control number
871973200

Duties

Help

Summary (GS-13):
The primary purpose of this position: Serves as a Policy and Plans Specialist in the Requirements, Analysis, and Resources Directorate under North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). Conducts comprehensive planning to meet Secretary of Defense (SecDef) and Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff (CJCS) strategies and plans in support of national security objectives. Prepares and coordinates policy and analysis input to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Joint Staff on a myriad of Homeland Defense, Aerospace Defense, Civil Support, Security Cooperation, and DoW globally synchronized or supported strategies and plans.

Duties

  • Develops and coordinates strategic/operational level policy and plans, in response to SecDef and CJCS direction, through the CJCS Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS) in support of national objectives.
  • Writes, develops, edits and revises documents, formal briefings, instructional papers, meeting notes, articles and formal documents in support of the N/NC missions and functions, and Commander directed special initiatives and projects.
  • Evaluates National and DoW policy, doctrine, strategy, and planning documents to ensure N/NC integration and compliance.

Requirements

Help

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 position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Relocation 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.
  • This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmental Information clearance as a condition of employment.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY).
  • In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
  • Employee may be required to work and/or be “on call” after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment (cont.):

  • This position is designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive position presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied as identified as a TDP.
  • May be required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercise and Real World events. Battle Roster functions may include, but are not limited to, Joint Personnel Operation Cell, Contingency Command Center, Future Operations Center, Joint Enabling Capability, and other tasks as assigned. These duties may require additional duty hours and/or alternate duty locations.
  • YA002 = Eligible for situational telework only including Ad hoc, Emergency, or OPM prescribed "Unscheduled" Telework. This eligibility is separate and distinct form the employee's eligibility. A civilian employee's telework arrangement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request.
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, Administrative and Management Positions, Miscellaneous Administration and Program Series 0301.

GS-11 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of National and DoW strategic planning guidance, military and joint planning doctrine, service roles and responsibilities, DoW goals and objectives, and the history and application of military concepts, operational art and strategy to accomplish assigned missions; knowledges of policy doctrine, strategy and plans for traditional combatant command activities as they apply to CJCS planning, review, and decision processes for N/NC missions; knowledge of military strategy and planning; the relationships of the various combatant command missions and organizations, and the respective agents for those commands involved in the overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations; and how strategic, operational, deliberate planning, crisis and contingency planning, and war games support them.

OR
EDUCATION:

master's or equivalent graduate degree
or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related
NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position.
NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.

GS-12 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 knowledge of National and DoW strategic planning guidance, military and joint planning doctrine, service roles and responsibilities, DoW goals and objectives, and the history and application of military concepts, operational art and strategy to accomplish assigned missions; knowledges of policy doctrine, strategy and plans for traditional combatant command activities as they apply to CJCS planning, review, and decision processes for N/NC missions; knowledge of military strategy and planning; the relationships of the various combatant command missions and organizations, and the respective agents for those commands involved in the overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations; and how strategic, operational, deliberate planning, crisis and contingency planning, and war games support them.

GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes broad knowledge of National and DoW strategic planning guidance, military and joint planning doctrine, service roles and responsibilities, DoW goals and objectives, and the history and application of military concepts, operational art and strategy to accomplish assigned missions; expert knowledge of policy, doctrine, strategy and plans for traditional combatant command activities as they apply to CJCS planning, review and decision processes for N/NC missions; expert knowledge of military strategy and planning; the relationships of the various combatant command missions and organizations, and the respective agents for those commands involved in the overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations; and how strategic, operational, deliberate planning, crisis and contingency planning, and war gaming support them.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 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:
  1. Knowledge of Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS), Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) processes to include but not limited to, joint operation planning, joint strategy reviews, joint capabilities identification and development, joint policy and doctrine, and CJCS assessment processes and documents.
  2. Knowledge of the relationships between the various combatant command missions and organizations and the respective agents for those commands involved in overall planning and executing military operations, and how deliberate and crisis action planning supports them. Knowledge of the National, DoW, and Joint Staff strategic planning documents and development processes.
  3. Skill in articulating information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; negotiates complex issues, listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Skill in using correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
  5. Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, conduct expert analysis, devise recommended solutions, and package the entire process in briefings, papers, or reports suitable for leadership decision-making.
  6. Ability to develop effective strategies consistent with the mission and function of the organization in a global setting. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.

Education

Qualifications (cont.):

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.

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 dated within 30 days 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.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

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.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

U.S. Northern Command

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win...Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA)
  • DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
  • EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • National Service (Peace Corps and VISTA)
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • Non-Appropriated Fund
  • Non-DoD Transfer
  • Other (Interchange Agreements)
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • 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
  • Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act
  • Veterans Recruitment Authority

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

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.