Full Job Description
Operational Readiness Planner
Location: Arlington, VA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI Required
Position Overview
Dynamic Planning & Response LLC (DP&R) is seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Planner to support the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under the Watch Information Sharing Evolution (WISE) program. This position plays a critical role in ensuring operational readiness for a 24/7/365 watch environment by coordinating personnel readiness, training, documentation, operational planning, and continuity of operations.
The successful candidate will work closely with program leadership to develop operational processes, onboard and train personnel, maintain mission-critical documentation, and support incident management activities during steady-state and surge operations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Planning & Readiness
- Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop, maintain, and optimize staffing schedules supporting continuous 24/7/365 operations.
- Ensure operational readiness of watch personnel through effective planning and coordination.
- Participate in operational planning teams and Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning efforts.
- Maintain organizational notification and recall rosters.
Training & Workforce Development
- Lead onboarding activities for newly hired personnel.
- Develop and deliver training programs to ensure seamless integration into operations.
- Train existing staff on updated operational procedures, policies, and mission requirements.
- Verify readiness of new personnel by coordinating:
- Government account creation and management (HSIN, CISA Gateway, WebEOC, classified systems, and social media platforms)
- Facility and system access
- Familiarization with critical operational resources and information systems
Documentation & Process Improvement
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve operational documentation, including:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Operating Instructions (OIs)
- Workflows
- Briefing materials
- Operational templates
- Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
- Standardization documentation
Support implementation of an all-hazards information-sharing approach aligned with DHS planning doctrine and CISA operational guidance.
SharePoint Administration
- Manage SharePoint site collections and permissions.
- Maintain SharePoint content and operational documentation.
- Serve as the primary SharePoint representative for assigned CISA Central initiatives when required.
Incident Management Support
Provide operational support during incident response activities involving:
- CISA Crisis Action Team (CAT)
- DHS Operations Crisis Action Team
- FEMA National Response Coordination Center
- Regional operational centers
Support surge operations during emergencies, including after-hours, weekends, and extended operational periods as required.
Program Support
- Assist the Program Manager with special projects and operational initiatives.
- Coordinate cross-functional operational readiness activities.
- Support continuous process improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
- Experience supporting federal emergency management, homeland security, military operations, or similar operational environments.
- Experience developing operational procedures, documentation, and training materials.
- Knowledge of Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning.
- Experience supporting 24/7 operational environments.
- Strong organizational, planning, and documentation skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting CISA, DHS, FEMA, or other federal operational organizations.
- Experience administering SharePoint environments.
- Knowledge of DHS Planning Process and Integrated Operations Division (IOD) doctrine.
- Experience with emergency operations centers or watch centers.
- Familiarity with all-hazards information sharing and intelligence support operations.
Required Skills
- Operational Planning
- Workforce Readiness
- Training Development & Delivery
- Standard Operating Procedure Development
- Process Improvement
- SharePoint Administration
- Documentation Management
- Incident Management Support
- Continuity of Operations (COOP)
- Cross-Functional Coordination
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Organizational Communication
Work Environment
- Full-time, on-site position located in Arlington, Virginia.
- Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week.
- Position supports a 24/7 operational mission and may require extended hours, shift adjustments, or surge support during emergency operations.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
- Ability to respond during emergency operational periods as required.