Joint Operations Planning Specialist

*** All eligible interested applicants MUST forward their 2-page resume directly to Lt Col Newman at joseph.newman.3@usspacecom.mil no later than COB 09 August 2026.***

Position: JOINT OPERATIONS PLANNING SPECIALIST

Series/Grade: NH-0301-III, (GS 12/13 Equivalency)

Value of Position: ** $76,463 - $118,204 (without locality)

Org: USSPACECOM/J4 Logistics & Engineering Directorate

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Suspense: Resumes from interested candidates are due by COB 09 August 2026

PCS Entitlements: May be offered

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be offered

Telework: Situational Only

The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Colorado Springs, CO is searching for a well-qualified candidate to fill our JOINT OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT PLANNING MANAGER / FUNCTIONAL MANAGER (JPES/JOPES) within the Logistics and Engineering Directorate.Come join our amazing team who helps to ensure there is never a day without space!

Description of Position: Plans and coordinates all deployments of joint space capabilities (manpower and systems), provided to Combatant Commands (CCMDs) for operations. Provides guidance oversight and facilitation over all subordinate JPES/JOPES operators; controls access and management of USSPACECOM operational plans; sets permissions for subordinate JPES/JOPES operators; and develops supplemental letters of instruction to all members of the JPEC as to how to deploy, employ, and redeploy USSPACECOM capabilities.

Position Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, and oversees the command's JPES/JOPES operational activities as the Functional Manager for CDRUSSPACECOM. Establishes, revises, or reviews policies, procedures, mission objectives, and organization design for the staff, as necessary to eliminate work problems or barriers to mission accomplishment, promote team building, implement quality improvements, or in response to concerns with regulatory compliance and/or customer requirements.
• Serves as JPES/JOPES/Time-Phased Force Deployment Data (TPFDD) Program Coordinator. Participates in series of working groups with members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Staff (JS), and CCMDs level to identify real world operational TPFDD requirements based on course of action (COA) analysis, resulting in decision briefs to CDRUSSPACECOM.
• Represents USSPACECOM JPES/JOPES Operational TPFDD equities at conferences; briefs GOs and makes GO-level recommendations. Represents the commands and presents command position on operational TPFDD equities at Joint Staff level conferences.
• Manages command-level operational planning requirements and implements operating policies and procedures for USSPACECOM supporting operational TPFDD plans. Manages and provides oversight of program area support to achieve tasks, complete objectives, and accomplish the missions assigned. Coordinates with the JS, OSD, CCMDs, and USSPACECOM directorates and components as necessary to ensure completion of assigned operational TPFDD planning tasks.Liaises with Operations Directorates of USSPACECOM and its components to ensure unity of effort and compliance.
• Authors, updates, and releases the associated guidance, policies, processes, procedures, and provides oversight of the implementation and management of unit and force level movement and deployment data that support USSPACECOM missions. Supports and coordinates USSPACECOM operational deployment planning, design, and execution and exercise training force movement support.

Desired Skills/Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of a broad range of space weapon systems, capabilities, support or sustainment requirements, systems owner/operators, associated contract, and overall structure supporting national defense.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DoW military command structure, mission, and relationship factors to make recommendations that influences the development, interpretation, and execution of DoW operations and exercise planning.
• Knowledge of the roles and organization of the Services, CCMDs, and DoW agencies as they apply to crises and consequence management. Knowledge of DoD security policies and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. National Policy (i.e. National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, National Military Strategy, Unified Command Plan, Guidance for the Employment of the Force, Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan, Guidance for the Development of the Force, Global Force Management Allocation Plan, Global Force Management Implementation Guidance and other applicable national plans and policy documents) as well as security issues and an understanding of military forces capabilities and functions to develop operations orders and crisis action plans.
• Expert knowledge of policy, procedures, processes, and information flow associated with JOPES/JPES on behalf of CDRUSSPACECOM. Knowledge of joint and service operational planning, budgeting, evaluations processes, management procedures, software, and hardware for GFM and JOPES IT systems.
• Ability to lead teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects within established guidelines.
• Exceptional ability to solve broad organizational issues, implement strategic plans within and across organizational components, and ensure a cooperative teamwork environment.
• Advanced skill sufficient to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships with diverse groups and executive-level command management.
• Previous experience at a Combatant Command and/or Service HQ/The Joint Staff/OSW-level staff is highly desired.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Security Clearance.
• Position requires drug testing.
• Occasional travel away from regular duty location may be required.
• May be required to work irregular duty hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions.

**Value of Position (VOP): If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated VOP, your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Lt Col Joe Newman at joseph.newman.3@usspacecom.mil. All eligible interested applicants must forward their 2-page resume directly to Lt Col Newman at joseph.newman.3@usspacecom.mil no later than COB 09 August 2026.