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Joint Fires Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Fires, Protection and Sustainment Warfighter functions. The Training Specialist also prepares ... IAW Army, Joint or NATO doctrine. * Knowledgeable in Observer Controller/Trainer functions.

... Fires, Protection and Sustainment Warfighter functions. The Training Specialist also prepares ... IAW Army, Joint or NATO doctrine. * Knowledgeable in Observer Controller/Trainer functions.

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Joint Fires Observer information

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$12

$21

$44

How much do joint fires observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for joint fires observer in the United States is $21.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Joint Fires Observers?

Joint Fires Observers (JFOs) are specially trained military personnel responsible for coordinating and directing various types of fire support, such as artillery, mortars, naval gunfire, and close air support, onto enemy targets. They serve as critical links between ground forces and supporting fire assets, ensuring that fire missions are accurate and effective while minimizing the risk of friendly fire. JFOs work closely with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and other fire support teams to enhance the lethality and safety of military operations.

What are some of the common challenges Joint Fires Observers face in coordinating with multiple units during operations?

Joint Fires Observers (JFOs) often work in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, requiring them to coordinate effectively with various ground and air units. One common challenge is ensuring real-time communication and accuracy of information across different teams, especially when integrating artillery, aviation, and naval fire support. JFOs must be adept at quickly assessing situations, relaying target data, and adapting to changing mission parameters to prevent miscommunication and ensure mission success. Building strong working relationships and maintaining situational awareness are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Joint Fires Observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Joint Fires Observer, you need a solid understanding of fire support operations, target identification, and military tactics, often gained through specialized military training and certification. Familiarity with advanced targeting systems, communication equipment, and digital mapping tools is essential for effective mission execution. Strong situational awareness, precise communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills for coordinating complex joint operations. These skills and qualities ensure accurate and safe delivery of fire support, which is vital for mission success and minimizing friendly casualties.

What is the difference between Joint Fires Observer vs Forward Observer?

AspectJoint Fires ObserverForward Observer
CertificationsMilitary fire support and communication certificationsMilitary fire support and communication certifications
Work EnvironmentJoint military operations, often in diverse terrainsFrontline combat zones, close to troops
Employer/IndustryMilitary, defense, and joint operationsMilitary, primarily Army units
Search/Comparison IntentHigh overlap in duties and certificationsCommonly compared with Joint Fires Observer in military contexts

Both Joint Fires Observers and Forward Observers are vital military roles involving fire support coordination. While they share similar certifications and operate in military environments, Joint Fires Observers typically work across joint services in diverse terrains, whereas Forward Observers are primarily attached to Army units close to combat zones. Understanding these differences helps clarify their specific responsibilities and deployment contexts.

More about Joint Fires Observer jobs
What job categories do people searching Joint Fires Observer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Joint Fires Observer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Joint Fires Observer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 12% As Needed, 7% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 76% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,178 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Joint Effects Division (JED) Manager 1 with Security Clearance

Serco Inc.

Leavenworth, KS

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications If you seek a rewarding, high profile and challenging position supporting projects for the US Army then Serco has a wonderful opportunity for you! Serco supports the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), which trains Army Corps, Divisions, and Brigades in the Army Mission Command System and Operations Process. This is accomplished through integrated simulations that replicate complex operating environments and enable realistic Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) training.

As the Joint Effects Division (JED) Manager, you will join our team at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where you will provide direct support to MCTP Military Joint Effects Division (JED) for the preparation and execution of fictional scenarios to enable U.S. Army Corps and Divisions exercises. Exercises include appropriate theater enablers and Division subordinate units.

Fictional scenarios are based on the theater appropriate Decisive Action Training Environments (DATE) or other theater level concepts based on Army leadership guidance. This may include efforts to enable Joint and / or Combined exercises. The Joint Effects Division (JED) operates in direct support of the MCTP Military Joint Effects Division (JED) in developing, implementing, and providing recommendations to stimulate training needs in kinetic and non-kinetic environments.

This includes the Joint Targeting Team responsible for the targeting database and concept of operations (kinetic and non-kinetic), and the Media and Information Environment Team responsible for the replication of the Information Environment. Each of these includes both OPFOR and BLUFOR. In this role you will: * Conduct planning (in coordination with Plans) to develop and refine scenarios for Warfighter exercises.

* Coordinate with Military Scenario Design for exercise personnel staffing and administrative support. * Lead and supervise staff responsible for scripting to supplement training scenarios and participate in exercise planning conferences, meetings, and operational planning teams. * Serve as the central point for integrating and synchronizing lethal and non-lethal targeting and information environment related efforts, enable the Higher Headquarters Response Cell (HICOM) and monitor execution.

* Provide injects as part of storylines to create desired training conditions and serve as a conduit to Plans to provide incremental improvements to the scenarios based on lessons learned during execution * Work directly with Plans, CUOPS, and respective Operations Groups to ensure that the exercise (scenario) provides the appropriate inputs and stimulus to training audiences. * Adjudicate lethal and non-lethal effects to maintain the appropriate balance between OPFOR and BLUFOR, accomplish training objectives, and achieve realistic exercise outcomes. * Acquire, develop, and retain a talented and diverse workforce providing subject matter expertise with military intelligence, fires, cyberspace, space, information operations, and media as required by the contract performance work statement.

* Anticipate unit training needs based on exercise trends and generate solutions for consideration and integration into future exercises. * Staff and provide recommendations to MCTP JED on scenario related matters to generate desired training conditions. * Lead and manage the JED staff in execution as the Exercise Control Group scenario proponent.

* Integrate and account for Army guidance with regards to specific training conditions, variables, missions, and environments. * Anticipate, account for, and respond to Warfighting Function specific requests for information associated with the scenario and order. * Lead a team to provide a simulated information environment replicating a realistic internet, social media, and traditional broadcast journalism.

* Supervise training objective crosswalk with training scenarios and the simulation, developing storylines and injects to fill training needs not achieved thru the simulation. * Provide for all aspects of JED contractor team including administrative support and operational direction. To be successful in this role, you will have: * Must possess an active DoD TOP SECRET * US Citizenship * Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of DOD experience * Graduate of U.S.

Army Command and General Staff College or equivalent (MEL 4). * Prior U.S. Military field grade officer (MAJ, LTC, COL) * Successfully served in a key developmental position at Brigade / Division level * Served in a Division / Corps level staff position with recent mission command experience * Able to travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations unassisted 25% of the time * Familiar with current Army and Joint doctrine Additional desired experience and skills: * Mastery of current Army and Joint doctrine * OIF or OEF experience * Experience as an OCT (Observer, Coach, Trainer) and as a WFX participant * Joint qualified; experience at the Joint, Unified Command, or Joint Task Force level * U.S.

Army War College or service equivalent (MEL 1) * MCTP COG experience and / or Army service school instructor Company Overview Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation.

We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S.

Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world.

Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters. To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1.

Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email. Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D.

(with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.

Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email .

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting.

This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets.

In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role): * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract * 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds * Tuition reimbursement program * Life insurance and disability coverage * Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection * Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits * Employee Assistance Plan To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us . Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans.

The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site.

If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, pleas