Position: Space Operations Specialist
Series/Grade: NH-0301-III, (GS 12/13 Equivalency)
Value of Position: ** $106,382 - $129,304 (without locality)
Org: USSPACECOM/J3
Location: Peterson Space Force Base, CO
Suspense: Resumes from interested candidates are due by COB 10 April 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 a Space Operations Specialist, NH-0301-03 (GS-13 equivalent) position. Come join our amazing team who helps ensure there is never a day without space!
There’s a reason Colorado Springs has ranked in the top 10 U.S. cities to live for the past several years. There is so much the Pikes Peak Region has to offer including beautiful mountain views, an abundance of recreational activities, good economic growth, top-rated schools, and lots of activities for families such as parks, museums, zoos, and more!
Description of Position: Employee plans and carries out assignments independently; conceives and defines solutions to highly complex problems; analyzes, interprets, and reports findings of projects; and guides technical and programmatic work of team members in comparable junior grades. Completed work and reports are reviewed for feasibility, compatibility with other work or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results.
Position Responsibilities:
- Serves as senior technical advisor and matrix team leader. Integrates space capabilities into strategic and operational planning and execution processes. Analyzes issues and develops recommendations to resolve matters. Disseminates headquarters guidance through publication of operational orders and publications. Collaborate with the staff, components, centers, and other agencies, to tailor briefing products for the Commander.
- Coordinates the joint planning processes to support DoD space operations. Applies operational experience, technical expertise, and unconstrained thinking to support development of space operation strategies, contingency/supporting plans and other space related activities. Supports contingencies/ongoing operations and command exercises.
- Utilizes combatant command and Joint Staff resources to conduct the operational employment of assigned and allocated forces. Routinely provides military advice to the Combatant Commander, the Director of Operations, and senior Department officials at the national, OSD, CJCS, and O-10 levels. Integrates and synchronizes space effects into strategic and operational planning events for execution. Conducts contingency and crisis action planning for DoD space operations. Provides tailored, responsive space effects in support of national security objectives and Combatant Commander global and theater operations.
- Establishes relationships with organizations outside the command on matters related to future space operations, contingency missions, and crisis planning events. Supports the Boards, Bureaus, Centers, Cells and Working Groups (B2C2WG) Battle Rhythm events. Establishes feedback and provides recommendations on how to improve the B2C2WG processes.
- Develops space effects exploitation, space protection priorities, and operational solutions to support global operations and other combatant commanders, while protecting the US ability to operate in and through space. Provides guidance, training, and technical insight on space operations issues to the US military department staff and other government and non-government agencies. Establishes and provides input to space related concepts and policy initiatives using broad general guidance and an understanding of policies and best practices. Trains and prepares multi-service planners to lead Operational Planning Teams (OPTs).
Desired Skills/Expertise:
- In-depth knowledge of USSPACECOM, JS, and OSD policies, directives, and guidance; broad military expertise in applying Joint operational doctrine, the Joint Planning Process, and the Military Decision-Making Processes.
- Extensive knowledge of DoD organizational structures and missions, to include SAP/STO operations and interrelationships.
- Advanced skills to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiates complex issues; and maintains good working relationships with diverse groups and executive-level command management.
- Expert skill in making oral presentations to senior staff and government officials to affect long-term combatant command strategies.
- Superior ability to plan, organize and direct functions, within available resources and time constraints.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization.
Qualification Requirements: **Refer to OPM Qualification Standards for information on required position series/education requirements at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
- Experience at the next lower broadband/grade level (or equivalent).
- An advanced Degree(s) such as a Master’s or Ph.D. is highly desired.
- Minimum one year of joint planning experience in space operations.
- Familiarity with national military strategy and associated processes.
- Experience at a combatant command or joint task force is preferred.
- Familiarity with Command and Control of the Information Environment (C2IE), Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and Joint Lessons Learned Information System (JLLIS) is preferred.
Conditions of Employment:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- 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.
**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 Mr. John G. Higby at 719-554-5647. All eligible interested applicants must forward their 2-page resume directly to john.higby.3@usspacecom.mil no later than COB 10 April 2026.
