Duties

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for an Operations Manager (Antarctic Programs) position for the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.

For more information on GEO please click here .

For more information on OPP please click here .

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Consisting of four sections with a staff of 50, OPP is one of the most diversified organizations in the National Science Foundation. OPP supports research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in the polar regions through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations. Its responsibilities also include management of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP)which provides for infrastructure, operations, and logistics needed for the conduct of its research programs. OPP supports research programs in the Antarctic focused on glaciology, astrophysics and geospace sciences, ocean and climate science, earth sciences, organisms and ecosystems, integrated system science as well as providing for multidisciplinary research support and instrumentation. In addition, OPP interfaces with other federal agencies to meet their mission needs in Antarctica, and interfaces with foreign national Antarctic programs for cooperation in logistical support for science or for US interests under the Antarctic Treaty.

The Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL) Section is responsible for planning, budgeting, and overseeing the science support, infrastructure, operations, and logistics support for the USAP. This includes: direct field and laboratory support for 150-180Antarctic field research projects; operation, engineering and construction needed to maintain three permanent Antarctic stations and the supporting infrastructure; oversight for the operation of two icebreaking research vessels; development of specialized information technology and communication infrastructure; and coordinating the airlift, and sealift that comprise the Antarctic logistics infrastructure.

The Operations Manager will work with other logistics and science program officers to help ensure that the operating infrastructure is responsive to the other Program functions that include science support; safety and health; logistics; information technology development; facilities, engineering, and construction. The incumbent will work within a diverse section that is composed of fulltime program managers, part-time Antarctic station managers (generally not on-site at NSF/HQ), DoD liaison officers (normally 2),contract personnel, a polar coordination specialist, and support staff.

The Operations Manager has the following specific responsibilities: Coordinates development of the annual and long-range program plans for sustaining and improving the operations of the infrastructure necessary to support the USAP.

Provides day-to-day oversight of the operation of supporting infrastructure and facilities.

Interacts with the other AIL and Antarctic Science Section program managers to ensure that operating requirements are reflected in infrastructure development, and to integrate operational support requirements associated with science, logistics, construction, information technology, DoD and government agencies.

Reviews financial reports from the major support entities for which the incumbent has oversight responsibilities to ensure expenditures are consistent with operational activity.

May serve as a member of the Performance Evaluation Committee (PEC) for the principal USAP support contract.

Develops statements of work for contracts, cooperative or memoranda of agreements as needed to complement/supplement existing technical, engineering, and construction expertise to sustain or develop the USAP infrastructure operations.

Provides technical direction to the contractor in the areas of infrastructure operation and/or development.

Approves invoices received by NSF for payment from contractors or government agencies that fall under his/her responsibility or oversight.

The Operations Manager provides day-to-day supervision of the Antarctic Station Managers, including operational management, performance management, and management of diversity and inclusion.

The Operations Manager will deploy to the Antarctic to perform oversight responsibilities, but may also on occasion, depending on staffing requirements, serve as the National Science Foundation Representative in Antarctica.

Travel Required

50% or less - 50% or less - The Operations Manager will deploy to the Antarctic to perform oversight responsibilities, but may also on occasion, depending on staffing requirements, serve as the National Science Foundation Representative in Antarctica.

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
04

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
• US citizenship.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to the standards used for USAP medical screening for travel to Antarctica.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Master's degree in Civil, Mechanical or Structural Engineering, plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical or Structural Engineering, plus after award of the degree, ten or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

Relevant experience includes civil, mechanical, structural engineering or management of complex operations in remote environments. Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to the standards used for USAP medical screening for travel to Antarctica.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Additional information

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds

This announcement is open to All US Citizens.

This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position. In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used.

We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below. This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.

Quality Ranking Factors

Knowledge of and experience with cold climate engineering and technology.

Demonstrated experience in managing complex operations and strong capability in managing people.

Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, completing, overseeing and critically evaluating operations.

Demonstrated experience in applying technologies to the development of infrastructure related to operations.

Demonstrated knowledge of contracts, MOAs, and cooperative agreements, and their implementation including negotiations of statements of work, cost, and performance evaluation.

Demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve issues with equivalent ranking levels of management in the military, civilian Federal service, and private sectors.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.

You should upload your letter of recommendation(s) or the individual(s) can email the letter of recommendation(s) to adsearch@nsf.gov ; please ask him/her to put your name and the job announcement number in the subject line.

Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials.

All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.