INFORMATION OPERATIONS PLANNING SPECIALIST

Summary

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Duties

• The primary purpose of this position is: To function as the USSOCOM J39-Special Activities Branch (SAB) special operations forces (SOF) information operations (IO) planner for the purpose of coordinating, training, and implementing the operational applications of associated elements of IO. Member ensures USSOCOM IO is integrated into DOD-level plans, as well as supports intelligence supporting agencies in order to synchronize IO as a warfighting function within the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Duties: Serves as a Planner, Technology Support Office Section, Special Activities Branch, Information Operations Division, serves as the architect and developer of strategic IO planning efforts. Directly responsible for operational planning and capabilities assessments for the conduct of sensitive IO operations, exercises, and sensitive activities involving USSOCOM, its components, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and supporting forces. Initiates and coordinates research and analysis on adversarial intelligence collection efforts targeted towards USSOCOM, operations, exercises, acquisition programs, and other sensitive activities. Assures and directs regular liaison, communications and interface with national-level information operations agencies, open source information agencies, and intelligence support elements. Incumbent is responsible to ensure the core classified national information protection security disciplines of information are fully covered from a policy and programmatic view point to ensure overall

Qualifications

Condition of Employment: 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, the incumbent is to refrain from the use of illegal drugs and, if requested, submit to urinalysis testing. Appointee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied as a Testing Designated Position. 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- Management and Program Analysis (0343). 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 mastery of knowledge of the body of laws, regulations, policies, standards, procedures, methods, and techniques applicable to a broad range of IO requirements sufficient to plan, direct, and coordinate diverse IO programs and advise key managerial personnel on courses of action affecting Command operations, work operations and processes, etc., which impact on the preservation of resources. Expert knowledge of military operations, USG strategic communications, and the associated and/or supporting elements (OPSEC, MILDEC, PSYOP, EW). Mastery of knowledge of the body of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to IO programs relating to resource preservation. This knowledge is used to sufficiently interpret and modify, or significantly depart from standard techniques in devising specialized operating practices concerned with accomplishing project objectives, and explaining the reasons and purposes for applying measures and procedures, minimizing or abating operational deficiencies. Mastery of knowledge of the intelligence principles, practices, and standards required to both support a diverse range of IO while employing a wide range of TTPs in support of special operations worldwide; to ensuring applicable intelligence regulatory provisions compliance with applicable IO. Mastery of knowledge of the special operations mission and forces involvement with the theater combatant commands and theater special operations commands to establish, coordinate, and implement IO programs. 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-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: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the authorities, responsibilities, policies, and procedures of the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Military Department Counterintelligence Organizations (MDCOs), Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)), Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)), and National Security Council necessary to coordinate with, and support the requirements of those organizations and respond to their inquiries Knowledge of military operations, USG strategic communications, and the associated and/or supporting elements (OPSEC, MILDEC, PSYOP, EW). Knowledge of the role of defense support to public diplomacy and the concepts and methods of military public affairs and military and DOD information support. In-depth knowledge of information and personal security regulations, practices, and procedures related to sensitive compartmented information, special access programs, clandestine operations, and other sensitive activities. Skill to communicate effectively in making oral presentations and conducting meetings in order to negotiate complex issues within various levels of the Command, JS, OSD, and other government agencies. Skill in written and oral communications commensurate with the requirement to coordinate with general officers and senior civilians with whom frequent contact is required, including maintain successful professional relationships. Ability to analyze, interpret, and query financial data in preparing reports, schedules, and statements. 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.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/11/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13056074 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. 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 name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.