Duties

As a Program Manager, you will perform the following duties:

• Serve as program manager for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Diving Program. Oversee diving activities performed on behalf of NOAA's scientific research and operations. Oversee planning and execution of annual budget. Investigate and implement new diving technologies and techniques. Provide guidelines on training for NOAA divers, including employees, contractors and volunteers. Oversee procurement of diving-related equipment and services, including contractors performing maintenance of equipment. Foster relationships with Federal, state and local and other diving programs.
• Develop program policies and standards. Oversee program policies, standards, rules and regulations for NOAA divers. Determine impacts of new or revised standards and policies. Ensure accurate communication of program standards, policies and activities.
• Ensure diving program safety and compliance. Oversee inspection of diving facilities and observation of divers to ensure compliance with diving standards and regulations. Ensure safe and well maintained diving equipment through the Standardized Equipment Program. Ensure annual assessment of diver medical fitness and maintenance of medical proficiency and qualifications. Monitor safety and effectiveness of program and ensure action is taken to address issues.
• Evaluate program and operational effectiveness. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct studies of programs, operations and organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Identify procedural issues, analyze findings, and make recommendations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Time-in-grade/band must be met by closing date of announcement.
• If selected, required to complete OGE Form 450 financial disclosure.

· 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 (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

· Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 45 days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency's telework policy.

This position requires a Moderate Risk Security Clearance.


This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). This system replaced the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.

The ZA-5 is equivalent to the GS-15.

NOTE:

* A one year probationary period may be required.

* Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized.

* This position is not in the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Continued From Requirements Section:

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The incumbent must meet physical requirements for NOAA Diving as described in the NOAA Diving Medical Standards and Procedures Manual.
• The incumbent must successfully complete a NOAA Diving physical exam and receive clearance to dive from the NOAA Diving Medical Officer at entry on duty.
• The incumbent must be able to swim and work in a water column.
• The incumbent must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, lift or carry up to 60 pounds on land and aboard small vessels.
• The incumbent must utilize SCUBA equipment underwater.
• The incumbent must be capable of performing various office tasks.
• The incumbent must be able to work outdoors on land and aboard small boats exposed to the elements.
• The incumbent must be capable of working in the water and in harsh conditions. This includes cold temperatures, low visibility, and around hazardous marine life.
• This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle.

Applicants must meet ALL application requirements, to include a complete online resume, by 11:59 p.m. EASTERN TIME (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications Section Begins:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy .

EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify at the ZA-5 or GS-15 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-4 or GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Applying program management principles and practices in planning and executing research diving program operations;
• Assisting in conducting evaluation of diving program compliance with regulatory/organizational requirements and safety standards; and
• Participating in analyzing program and operational performance to assess effectiveness and recommend corrective action for identified deficiencies.

Education

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.

Additional information

CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ .

CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

A copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).

A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade level, and duty location;

A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and

Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;

A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc;

A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and

Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

NOAA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.