Special Operations Cognitive Performance Specialist (Camp Lejeune (Sneads Ferry), NC)

KBR

Full-time - Mid Level

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Special Operations Cognitive Performance Specialist position at Camp Lejeune (Sneads Ferry), NC, is a full-time role that focuses on enhancing the cognitive skills of Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel. This position is integral to the training and operational readiness of SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel, ensuring they develop the necessary cognitive skills to perform optimally in high-stakes environments. The Cognitive Performance Specialist will employ evidence-based practices from the fields of kinesiology, psychology, and motor learning to train SOF personnel in various cognitive, mental, and behavioral skills. This includes strategies for understanding, acquisition, retention, and performance improvement, all documented meticulously for accountability and progress tracking. The role involves conducting training sessions in both individual and group settings, focusing on areas such as goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, and emotional control. The Specialist will collaborate closely with the Human Performance (HP) Program Manager and other staff to enhance the quality of mental performance training provided to SOF personnel. Regular participation in meetings to review training effectiveness and identify areas for improvement is expected. Additionally, the Specialist will support ongoing research and maintain compliance with local command training requirements, ensuring that all practices align with the latest developments in human performance training. Candidates for this position must possess a Master's degree (Doctoral preferred) in Human Performance, Kinesiology, or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of experience as a mental performance coach or sport psychologist. The role requires U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret or Top Secret Clearance. Physical demands include the ability to lift weights up to 25 kilograms and to function in various challenging environments, including hiking over rough terrain and operating in austere conditions. Prior military or SOF experience is preferred but not mandatory. This position also offers relocation assistance, making it an attractive opportunity for qualified candidates looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and impactful field.

Responsibilities

• Train and educate SOF personnel in cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills.
• Assist and advise the HP Program Manager in matters relating to mental performance and exercise psychology.
• Provide information about mental performance factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity.
• Conduct training on goal-setting, performance profiling, visualization, and performance development.
• Participate in meetings to review human performance training and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with HP staff to enhance the quality of mental and human performance development.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay current with human performance care.
• Support research conducted under the supervision of the HP Program Manager.
• Assist in developing and maintaining practice guidelines for consistency across Human Performance Training Centers.
• Utilize computers, software, and technologies as required by the HP program manager and USSOCOM HQ.
• Maintain compliance with local mandatory command training requirements and attend necessary training and conferences.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must have a Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Master's degree in Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Sport Sciences (Doctoral degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a mental performance coach or Sport Psychologist with individual and group athletes.
• Experience with NCAA Division I, Olympic, professional athletes, or SOF Operators is preferred.
• Paid experience as a Government civilian or contract employee at US Army or Marine Corps Infantry Units may count towards qualifications.
• Ability to lift and manipulate loads up to 25 kilograms and meet physical demands of training with SOF.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior military and/or SOF experience is desired.
• Certification as a Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP) is desired.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance