Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens only.

The Section Head, Arctic Sciences Section, a senior member of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) management team, is responsible to the Office Director for the overall planning, management, and commitment of budgeted program funds for the Section. The incumbent provides leadership to the Section, which supports discipline-based programs encompassing glaciology, atmospheric, biological, ocean and earth sciences and social sciences, as well as interdisciplinary Arctic Systems Science and long-term observations through the Arctic Observing Network Program. The incumbent guides the Section in formulating and implementing its research and research related education and outreach objectives and manages its administrative, fiscal and personnel aspects. The incumbent also oversees the provision of logistics and facilities for certain Arctic research and education activities. The incumbent works closely with the OPP Front Office Integration Team on matters concerning environment, safety, health, communications, budget and policy in implementing research objectives requiring an Arctic presence, and with the Section Head for Antarctic Sciences in supporting research activities occurring at both poles.

Conditions of employment

• One Year probationary period for all new Career SES appointments.
• Requires an "Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report" (OGE-278).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information Clearance.

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

Qualifications

EXECUTIVE/MANAGERIAL (E/Ms): Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the E/Ms. If you fail to do so, you will only be considered for an IPA assignment (if applicable). 

Essential

1. Leading Change.  Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals.  Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

2. Leading People.  Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.  Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

3. Results-Driven Leadership.  Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations.  Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

4. Business Acumen.  Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

5. Building Coalitions.  Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, non-profit or private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL (P/Ts): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the P/T qualifications. You must address each P/T qualification separately. If you fail to do so, you will only be considered for an IPA assignment (if applicable). 

Essential

1. Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience, or a combination of education and equivalent experience in one or more areas of current or emerging research interest in polar regions (e.g., glaciology, biological, ocean, atmospheric, earth or social sciences, and/or their intersections).
2. Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship and leadership in one or more of the major fields in polar research, as evidenced in publications and other professional contributions.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with scientists from a variety of disciplines, fostering forefront disciplinary and interdisciplinary research programs and research experience involving large-scale infrastructure, logistics ad/or interagency or international partnerships.
4. Broad understanding of institutions where research is conducted and knowledge of grant and contract administration, fiscal management, and budget preparation with experience in research support.

When responding to each of the P/T and E/M qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses that are clear, concise, emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, complexities of the programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.

Applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive/Managerial (E/M) Qualifications; but a narrative statement for each of the Professional/Technical (P/T) qualifications is required.

For detailed guidance on Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's
Guide to Executive Qualifications.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applicants will be screened for basic eligibility according to the qualification requirements.  Eligible applicants will be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel according to the criteria based on the qualification requirements.  The best qualified candidates will be referred to the appropriate official who will recommend selection.  All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit reason.