COOP - EPPA III

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 118,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Wellbeing programs

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare program

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory seeks a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning Specialist to lead COOP program development, training, and exercises across domestic and international sites. The role reports to the ECMG within the Protective Services Division and requires strong collaboration and diplomatic communication.

The position emphasizes COOP expertise, devolution/reconstitution procedures, and high-quality program delivery, with security clearances as a potential requirement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management or related field with 6 years of experience; Master’s with 4 years; PhD with 2 years.
• Extensive understanding and practical application of advanced COOP principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of devolution and reconstitution procedures and policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking with a creative, flexible approach to challenges.
• High standards for project quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Review and maintain current COOP plans and reports.
• Deliver program training and develop/execute exercises at domestic and international facilities.
• Provide expert support to ECMG across emergency management areas.
• Assist with Emergency Operations Center processes, group software development, and volunteer resource development.

Skills

COOP Expertise

Program Knowledge

Communication

Problem Solving

Quality Assurance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

Job Details New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will report to the Supervisor of the Emergency and Continuity Management Group (ECMG) within the Protective Services Division, Security Operations Section. The primary focus of this role will be to provide Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning at JPL. Responsibilities include reviewing and maintaining current COOP plans, delivering program training, developing and executing ongoing exercises at domestic and international facilities, and preparing and submitting required COOP reports. Additionally, this position is expected to provide expert support to the ECMG across various emergency management areas, including Emergency Operations Center processes, Group software development, volunteer resource development, and other tasks as needed. The COOP role within the Emergency and Continuity Management Group tackles a wide range of traditional and emerging challenges. The work is highly diverse, requiring diplomatic and tactful communication, as well as a demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships, foster teamwork, and encourage collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, Public Administration, or a related field with 6 years of experience; master’s degree with 4 years of experience; or a PhD with 2 years of experience.
• COOP Expertise: Extensive understanding and practical application of advanced COOP principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Program Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of devolution and reconstitution procedures and policies.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem Solving: Excellent critical thinking skills with a creative, flexible approach to overcoming challenges.
• Quality Assurance: High standards for project quality and compliance.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Top Secret (TS) or the ability to obtain that level of clearance based upon Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).

Preferred Qualifications

• CEM - Certified Emergency Manager
• COOP experience in a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
• Professional or Master Professional Continuity Practitioner
• FEMA Certified Business Continuity Professional or strong working knowledge of Business Continuity Planning

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California. $118,144 - $145,184

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law. In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EEO is the Law. EEO is the Law Supplement Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.

About JPL

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance. Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.