Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US citizens.

The 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 Transportation Manager has responsibilities that include oversight of the intercontinental airlift and sealift operations needed to maintain and improve USAP infrastructure and to enable USAP science. To accomplish these tasks, the incumbent's primary responsibility will be to ensure development of budgets and tasking that enable the smooth conduct of intercontinental airlift and sealift operations critical to the support of the USAP. The incumbent will also develop appropriate long-range plans and budget requirements associated with areas of responsibility and will participate in development, negotiation, review and oversight, of contracts, inter-agency agreements, cooperative agreements, and other proposals that are critical for the overall success of the USAP.

The Transportation Manager will work with other AIL and USAP science program officers to help ensure that the transportation operations are 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 full-time program managers, part-time Antarctic station managers (generally not on-site at NSF/HQ), DoD liaison officers, contract personnel, a polar coordination specialist, and support staff. The direct budget for this responsibility is variable but is approximately $65M.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Builds and maintains effective, collaborative relationships with military partners of the USAP, and with transportation managers of other national Antarctic Programs, negotiating annual agreements with them.

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

Develops and implements plans and budgets for the logistical capability provided by Department of Defense organizations for inter- and intra-continental airlift and sealift in support of the USAP.

Reviews financial reports from the major support entities.

Participates in development of agreements between the NSF and other National Antarctic Programs for logistical cooperation.

Develops statements of work for contracts as needed to maintain and improve transportation systems that support USAP activities.

Provides technical direction to the contractor.

Approves invoices received by NSF for payment from contractors or government agencies.

Supports special projects and assignments as determined by the AIL Section Head.

In addition to the responsibilities, the incumbent will deploy to the Antarctic to perform oversight responsibilities, but may also on occasion serve as the National Science Foundation Representative in Antarctica. This position may require extensive periods of travel.

Service as the NSF Representative, Antarctica entails the following principal duties:

Coordinate science and NSF contractor requirements with other USAP participant organizations (including the Commander, Support Forces Antarctica), to carry out the annual USAP operational support plan for austral summer operations. 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 AIL Section Head and other stakeholders in OPP on the progress and problems of the field operations.

Serve as the on-site federal representative other OPP/AIL Activity Based Managers for oversight and direction of the NSF contractor's efforts at McMurdo, South Pole, and inland field locations for execution of the annual program plan, involving the contracting officer or their designated representative as appropriate.

Implements regulations in conservation and environmental stewardship and ensures compliance with permits issued.

Coordinates with the NSF Science Representative to assure USAP meets support requirements for all Antarctic Research Programs.

Conditions of employment

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

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

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 in the bargaining unit.

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

Qualifications

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

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

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

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 

1. Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, overseeing, and critically evaluating intercontinental transportation operations, to include airlift and sealift.

2. Strong interpersonal skills for interfacing with diverse stakeholders with varying interests.

3. Demonstrated experience in developing annual and long range financial plans including budget estimation, development, and accounting of expenditures.

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

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

6. Knowledge of and experience with USTRANSCOM, Air Mobility Command, and Air Force deployment methodology will be considered favorable attributes.