Duties

This position is situated in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). Consisting of three sections and Front Office service groups, with a staff of approximately 60, OPP currently manages an annual budget of approximately $600 million. OPP supports research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in polar regions through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations.

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 150-180 Antarctic 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 Station Manager will provide on-site day-to-day oversight of the operation of supporting infrastructure and facilities at McMurdo Station for the execution of the annual program plan as well as oversee logistics and operations decisions impacting the execution of programs at South Pole and inland field locations. The Station Manager will ensure that the operation is responsive to 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 full-time program managers, DoD liaison officers, contract personnel, and support staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Station Manager has the following specific responsibilities:

A. Off-Ice (Period where the incumbent is not deployed).

Participates in activities that are conducted by NSF-OPP in support of the overall USAP mission. Duties this period include:

• Support project and budget review
• Manage projects of appropriate technical scope.
• Conduct site visits of other USAP facilities (in the Antarctic or otherwise)
• Review and measure collaborator performance.

B. On-Ice (Period where the incumbent is deployed at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Approximately six-months of the year.). Duties during this period include:

• Serves as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal. The U.S. Deputy Attorney General has authorized the U.S. Marshal Service to appoint the NSF Station Manager as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal. As Special Deputy U.S. Marshal the NSF Station Manager is authorized to search, detain and arrest for specific offenses alleged to have been committed by a United States person at any Antarctic location.
• Provides on-site day-to-day oversight of the operation of supporting infrastructure and facilities at McMurdo Station for the execution of the annual program plan as well as oversee logistics and operations decisions impacting the execution of programs at South Pole and inland field locations.
• Provides technical direction, where applicable, to the contractor in the areas of station operation.
• Implements regulations in conservation and environmental stewardship and ensures compliance with permits issued for collecting biological specimens and other regulatory measures affecting persons working in Antarctica under auspices of the USAP.
• Provides frequent status updates (written and oral) to the Antarctic Operations Manager.
• Serves as Director of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when emergency or Search and Rescue (SAR) situations arise.
• Provides program performance reviews and compliance audits of the USAP support contractor.
• Coordinates, as necessary, with other National Antarctic Programs in support of the USAP mission.

C. The Station Manager assumes the duties of the NSF Representative, Antarctica, when that position is not formally delegated to another member of OPP (typically March-September annually). Service as the NSF Representative, Antarctica entails the following principal duties:

• Coordinates science and NSF contractor requirements with other USAP participant organizations (including the Commander, SFA), to carry out the annual USAP operational plan. Reports to NSF/OPP any instances where the operational units are not making a reasonable effort to fulfill the objectives of the USAP.
• Advise the Antarctic Operations Manager, Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section Head, and other stakeholders in the Office of Polar Programs on the progress and problems of the operations measured against current program plans and requirements.
• Coordinates with the NSF Science Representative to assure USAP meets support requirements for all domestic and International Antarctic Research Programs.

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 ( Foreign Talent Definitions ). 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.

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement, subject to such exceptions as required by law. This policy applies to all NSF staff, to include employees, Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignees, Visiting Scientists, Engineers, and Educators (VSEEs), as well as fellows and interns. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 22, 2021 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or on-boarding with the agency, if after November 22. Upon selection, NSF will provide additional information regarding what documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. 

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

0 || $ctrl.vacancy.usajobsExternalJobBoard.conditionsOfEmployment.length === 0">
Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Basic Criminal Investigators course.

You will need to satisfactorily complete a physical examination according to standards used for USAP medical/dental 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 a relevant field, 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 a relevant field, 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 managing and overseeing the planning and execution of complex operations in remote environments.

Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Basic
Criminal Investigators course and satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to standards used for
USAP medical/dental 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.

Additional information

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds

This announcement is open to All US Citizens OR current NSF employees who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.

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.