Operational Planner

Copperhead Technologies, an operating firm of Command Holdings is seeking qualified Operational Planners in support of the United States Air Forces Central (USAFCENT) Headquarters mission, at Shaw AFB, SC. This position is responsible for providing direct support to the Air Operations Center - Weapon System (AOC-WS) while adding operational planning, program management and the integration of Special Technical Operations to support USAFCENT's headquarters organizations and activities that are designed to enhance and improve actual mission performance within the dynamic environment of USAFCENT's assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• USAFCENT's Special Technical Operations (STO) planners: Provide direct support in the development of current and future planning documents IAW JOPES. As directed, coordinate with Service components, higher headquarters (HHQ), and coalition partners.
• Provide STO planning guidance for the Global Force Management forces requested or attached to USAFCENT in the USCENTCOM AOR.
• Provide briefings to senior officers in person, via video teleconference (VTC) and/or in writing on ongoing theater operations, planning issues, and exercises.
• Provide direct support to all aspects of operations planning for USAFCENT to include basing, force flow and integration into combined operations.
• Provide direct support in the development and coordination of Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff (CJCS)-directed deliberate plans during steady-state operations.
• Provide direct support to deliberate and crisis response planning for the effective deployment of CENTCOM theater response forces.
• Provide direct support in the planning and sustainment of all aspects of Time Phased Force Deployment Document (TPFDD) support for USAFCENT during current and future contingency and steady state operations to include exercise planning and execution.
• Provide direct support in the development of contingency requirements based on current operations.
• Review current and future theater and service component OPLANS, Concept Plans (CONOP), exercise plans, AF instructions, and joint publications. Make recommendations for changes/updates as required/requested.
• Provide direct support to theater level Strategy (STRAT), Target Engagement Team (TET), and Master Air Attack Plan (MAAP) processes resulting in the development of on the shelf Air Tasking Orders and/or Air Battle Plans.
• Provide direct support to the development of joint and coalition integration into Command and Control (C2) plans for future and contingency plans.
• Support planning and execution of CJCS, Combatant Command (COCOM), USAFCENT, and other component exercises in the USCENTCOM AOR.
• Provide direct support to the development of exercise constructs to include concept development, training audience, training and main exercise objectives, joint exercise control group operations, overall execution, and after-action review.
• Organize and conduct meetings, conferences, briefings and site surveys in support of approximately seven or more CJCS and other command exercises annually.
• Develop and present exercise-related briefings to command leadership.
• Coordinate with HHQ, host nation partners and other commands in the development and execution of CJCS exercises.
• Deploy in support of the exercise project officer for CJCS, COCOM, USAFCENT and other component exercises as required/requested.
• Attend/participate in USCENTCOM, USAFCENT and other component exercise conferences, VTCs as directed. Conduct all administrative requirements to facilitate exercise planning, briefs, and travel.
• Serve as Special Technical Operations Planner for the respective exercises with military service components and joint partners for assigned exercises.
• Develop and manage long range exercise schedules with (Air Combat Command (ACC), United States Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC), and Headquarters Air Force (HAF).

This position is contingent on award .

Work Environment:

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone and printers) and /or occasional Loud noise (airfield, large equipment).
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.
• Ability to work in confined areas.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to sit, stand, talk, and hear.
• Employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to operate a computer.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel:

• 11-20% / Occasional travel expected: offsites, meetings, training, a conference.
• This position may require travel to remote overseas locations for extended periods of time.

Copperhead Technologies, an operating firm of Command Holdings, is a tribally-owned firm providing management consulting services to U.S. government agencies.

Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Native Americans and spouses in all phases of employment.

At Copperhead, our employees are the embodiment of our success as a firm. Our team is comprised of a tenacious group of professionals located across the globe. It includes military veterans and spouses of active duty troops, former federal employees, policy experts, academics, attorneys, and technical and business experts, all of whom share a strong work ethic and the skills to succeed in both collaborative and independent environments. Copperhead is invested in the long-term success of both our clients and colleagues for the right reasons. Our dedication to putting good government into practice is underpinned by a merit-based culture that measures success by productivity and credibility.

Copperhead will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants who are unable to utilize our online application system due to a disability. Please send your request to the Human Resources Team .

Copperhead is committed to equal employment opportunity based on merit. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, and in accordance with EO 14173 and Federal Employment Laws: Equal Employment Opportunity and Employee Polygraph Protection Act.

Copperhead's Affirmative Action Program is available to any employee or applicant for employment for inspection upon request, to the extent required by federal regulations. The Affirmative Action Program can be accessed during normal business hours by making an appointment with the Human Resources Team .

Requirements

• Current, active Top Secret security clearance.
• Must be able to obtain SCI eligibility.
• Must be able to pass random counterintelligence scope (CI-scope) polygraph examinations.
• Five years' experience in a numbered Air Force or component command staff or higher level or other service equivalent.
• In-depth understanding of the Joint Planning Process, Joint Targeting Cycle, MAAP/ATO production, and AOC operations.
• Must be able to travel to remote overseas locations for extended periods of time.
• Outstanding communication skills, influencing abilities, and client focus.
• Professional proficiency in English is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using all Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to access federal facilities in compliance with Real ID. More information about Real ID can be found here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/about-real-id and at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification .
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Copperhead will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Current, active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Proven experience in integrating multi-source intelligence into kinetic/non-kinetic targeting plans.
• Demonstrated leadership in joint or coalition operational environments, including large-scale planning, crisis response, or combat operations.
• Familiarity with AOC systems such as LINK16, TBMCS, GCCS, MIDB, JTT, and operational data platforms (e.g., Palantir).
• Experience with Large Force Exercises (LFE) as either Mission Commander or Mission Planning Cell Chief.

Benefits

Copperhead offers a competitive benefits plan including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

Eligibility requirements apply.