PROGRAM ANALYST (NUCLEAR OPERATIONS)

Duties

SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a nuclear operations analyst and recognized expert, providing guidance on operational matters related to nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) in the context of USNORTHCOM Homeland Defense missions and support functions. Conducts NC3 program analysis and military operations reviews that further refine the details of risks associated with NC3 issues. Advises USNORTHCOM Commander and provides insight on the effects of NC3 courses of action related to warfighter requirements. Formal representative for USNORTHCOM on nuclear operations and nuclear command and control (NC2) issues. Acts as the external interface with DOD, Joint Staff, Services, and Agencies with regards to NC3 issues in the assigned area of expertise.

DUTIES:

Executes duties as USNORTHCOM Nuclear Planning and Execution System (NPES) model and simulation expert supporting National Command Authorities (NCA), Secretary of Defense (SecDef), Joint Staff (JS) and Combatant Commands (COCOMs) Homeland Defense missions related to NC2 Joint Mission Essential Tasks.

Provides NPES technical guidance on Nuclear Technical criteria, advisory support, and assistance for application of nuclear operations to DOD, JS and COCOM leadership and partners.

Provides operational support to USNORTHCOM Battle Staff at fixed and mobile sites in garrison and at deployed locations.

Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts.

Requirements

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 posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• 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.
• Access to certain Special Access Programs (SAP) may require the employee to submit to a Polygraph evaluation (not a pre-employment requirement).
• Work may require travel away from the normal duty station to locations within and outside of the Continental United States on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY).
• Incumbent may be required to obtain an official passport.
• Employee may be required to work non-traditional duty hours and/or be "on call" after normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Position is subject to short- or no-notice recall to duty during exercises, crises, or contingencies.
• Shift work may be necessary during exercises, crises, or contingencies. Incumbent may be required to support extended hours and 24-hour operations as directed.
• Physical/Medical examination is required as a condition of employment for pre-employment and as required, during employment. Incumbent must successfully pass examination and be able to continually perform the physical requirements of the duties.
• In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
• Required to perform N and NCJ1 Battle Roster functions during Exercise and Real-World events. Battle Roster functions may include but are not limited to: N and NC Command Center, CAC, ICC, and other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (CONT.):

• A Top Secret/Special Sensitive clearance is required for this position. The employee is required to possess and maintain a Top Secret/Special Sensitive as a condition of employment. Per AFGM2017-36-04, dated 4 Oct 17, the investigative requirement CANNOT be waived for special sensitive positions.
• This position is designated by the Air force as a Test 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. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
• IAW DoDI 3020-42 this position has been locally, or command designated as Mission Essential (ME). ME personnel perform a Mission Critical Function (MCF), which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency or during hazardous weather conditions to keep critical operations functioning. These personnel are required to report for duty at normal times when the base is closed or if delayed reporting is directed and remain on duty during phased or early release.
• This is a KEY position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent must continue to perform the duties until relieved by proper authority. The incumbent may be required to take part in readiness exercises. This position cannot be vacated during a national security emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively. This meets the criteria of a key position and requires that the incumbent be removed from any military recall status. Based upon a written request from NORAD and USNORTHCOM, the Reserve personnel centers will move selectees/incumbents from the Ready Reserves to the Standby or Retired Reserves , or discharge them under 10USC 271 (b).
• This position is Non-Combat Essential (NCE). Duties of this position are to provide support for expeditionary requirements in other than combat support situations. The employee could be deployed to support emergency operations, humanitarian missions, disaster relief or other expeditionary missions in the continental United States or overseas, that are not considered "combat" locations. Employee must meet the medical and suitability requirements of the positions and sign the DD Form 2365 as a condition of employment. Encumbering a Key Position requires the employee to be made exempt from military mobilization and recall.
• YA002 = Eligible for situational telework only, including Ad hoc, Emergency, or OPM prescribed "Unscheduled" Telework. This eligibility is separate and distinct from 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:
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 equivalent to the GS-12 (or higher) grade level or equivalent (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Examples of specialized experience include- knowledge of the policies, procedures, and methodologies pertaining to multiple levels of Nuclear Planning and Execution System (NPES) and nuclear command and control (NC2) operations; knowledge of the mission, organizational structures, and operation of DOD, Joint Force, and Combatant Command organizations; knowledge of national command systems and centers and their platforms, functions, limitations, and capabilities, the below, more specific knowledge, skills, and abilities are required; Knowledge of current and future NPES-based NC2 technologies (i.e., management, interfaces, software, planning, modeling and simulations) through products, processes and applications used to develop and execute corresponding training, exercises, assessments, and real-world events; Knowledge of and skill in the application of planning expertise as it applies to assigned programs and strategic and long-range planning functions; Expert knowledge of the use of the NPES software to monitor real-world status as well as produce exercise training scenarios that encompass specified training objectives in support of the branch's overall training program; Expert knowledge in NC2 operations and the application of the Emergency Action Procedures of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (EAP-CJCS) Volumes I-IX. This expertise applies to the training, exercise, and assessment of requirements levied on the branch, as well as having the knowledge to implement and explain the requirements contained in these volumes; Mastery of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of USNORTHCOM NPES-based NC2 training, exercises, assessments, and supported exercises; Thorough understanding of the application of National-level, CJCS, and USSTRATCOM command and control processes and procedures in the design, construction, and execution of NPES-based NC2 training, exercises, and assessments; and Expert knowledge of DOD, USNORTHCOM, USSTRATCOM, Component and Combatant Commander missions providing technical expertise and guidance in the design, construction, and execution of the NPES-based NC2 training, exercises, and assessments.

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): NOTE: See the EDUCATION section of this announcement.

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.

Education

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:

Knowledge of the policies, principles, concepts, guidance, procedures, techniques, and methodologies pertaining to multiple levels of Nuclear Planning and Execution System (NPES) and nuclear command and control (NC2) operations. Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of DOD, Joint Force, and Combatant Command organizations to provide command-level staff guidance and subject matter expertise on NPES and NC2 operations.

Knowledge of National Military Command System (NMCS), Primary Command Center (PCC) and Survivable Mobile Command Center (SMCC) platforms and their functions, limitations, and capabilities to provide command-level staff guidance and subject matter expertise on NPES and NC2 operations. Knowledge of current and future NPES-based NC2 technologies (i.e., management, interfaces, software, planning, modeling and simulations) through products, processes and applications used to develop and execute corresponding training, exercises, assessments, and real-world events.

Skill in applying the organization's policy and planning formulation process, along with its missions and objectives to prepare continuity polices and plans.

Skill to negotiate and defend findings and program support concepts.

Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, conduct analyses, devise recommended solutions, and package the entire process in briefings, papers, or reports suitable for senior leadership use and decision-making. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design to build and use models and simulations.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, sufficient to negotiate complex issues and maintain effective working relations.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click . 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 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 along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click 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 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.

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 .

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