The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Physical Science Administrator (Program Director) position for the Office of the Assistant Director within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Physical Science Administrator (Program Director) position for the Office of the Assistant Director within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
Applications will be accepted from current NSF agency employees who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
The responsibilities of the NSF program officer are constantly evolving. The program officer is guided by the goals of NSF's Strategic Plan: (1) enable the United States to uphold a position of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, and engineering, (2) promote the discovery, integration, dissemination, and employment of new knowledge in service to society, and (3) achieve excellence in U.S. science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing intellectual capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships.
Responsibilities of the program officer include, for example, long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program or program cluster, the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations, the preparation of press releases, feature articles and material describing advances in the research supported, and coordination and liaison with other programs in NSF, other Federal agencies and organizations.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Maintain a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research and education enterprise.
Manage program resources to provide optimal appropriate scientific judgment to ensure integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflict of interests, and with balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and participation of all qualified scientists.
Manage an effective, timely merit review process, with attention to increasing the size and quality of the reviewer pools and insuring participation by women, minorities and disabled scientists.
Advise and assist in the development of plans, establishing goals for research programs.
Plan the budget for the program/programs.
REPRESENTATION, COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP
Represent the Foundation within the scientific community, accurately reflecting NSF policy and positions.
Create and maintain linkages other Federal agencies in pursuit of the overall NSF mission.
Participate in meetings, providing input relevant to Directorate.
Pursue affirmative action and EEO goals.
Pursue and/or be responsive to assignment on special projects to solve problems, improve staff communication, and effect coordination for special programs.
Contribute ideas and effort to improving the quality of policies and NSF's performance of the overall mission. Develop policies and plans for strengthening research and education programs.
Prepare and disseminate a variety of informational documents.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Since these supervisory responsibilities are performed less than 25% of the time the position meets the definition of supervisor under the terms of the Civil Service Reform Act, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 7103 (a) (10). It is excluded from bargaining unit coverage.
Plans, assigns, and reviews subordinates' work. Sets general priorities and goals for employees, trains, and resolves work problems. Establishes deadlines and ensures timely completion of work assignments; assigns work according to complexity of the work, the capability of the employees, and needs of the Directorate. Coordinates with subordinates concerning matters of work accomplishments, priorities, and procedures. Manages the unit's workload, and oversees attendance and leave, approving leave requests and timecards. May oversee contractor work.
Advises employees of the performance requirements of their positions, keeps them informed of progress, and prepares the annual performance appraisal. Identifies training needs, recommends personnel for training and reviews training applications; initiates and/or reviews recommendations and supporting documents for recruitment, selections, promotions, reassignments, performance ratings, step increases, awards, and disciplinary actions; discusses and advises subordinates on personal work problems that arise. Resolves informal complaints and conflict.
Incumbent is responsible for furthering equal employment opportunity by demonstration of fairness in making selections, encouragement and recognition of employee achievements, fair treatment of minority group employees, and sensitivity to the developmental needs of all employees, including minority groups and women.
Requires ability to motivate, train, and work effectively with subordinates who have a variety of backgrounds and expertise
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in Program and related areas through participation in professional activities. Maintain familiarity with salient current research developments. Pursue individual research as workload and travel funds permit.
Expand administrative capabilities through training courses or assumption of new management responsibilities.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
Supervisory/managerial probationary period.
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.
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 Ph.D. in a Geosciences field plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial/supervisory experience pertinent to the position; ORa Master's degree in a Geosciences field plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial/supervision experience pertinent to the position.
Experience pertinent to the position includes geoscience education theory, practice, assessment, research on learning.
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 will NOT be paid.
This announcement is open to current NSF employees who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please note: NSF IPA’s are not considered agency employees and are not eligible to apply.
Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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
Demonstrated broad knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, theories and technologies applicable to the geosciences in general.
Research, analytical and technical writing skills, evidencing the ability to perform extensive inquiry into a wide variety of significant issues and to make recommendations and decisions based on findings.
Ability to organize, implement, manage, and oversee proposal-driven grant programs, allocating resources to meet a broad spectrum of program goals, including education and diversity.
Knowledge of management and organizational concepts, principles, practices, and techniques, with expertise in research administration, diversity and outreach.
Ability to interact with the scientific community and peers, and to advocate program policies and plans.
Understanding of, and dedication to, the promotion of both intellectual merit and broader impacts of research and education activities.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
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.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
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 faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.If you are faxing your information, please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed/uploaded document(s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Your application must be submitted online and all document faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have 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. If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
United States
Next steps
Shortly after the announcement closes, you will be notified as to whether or not you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you do, you will receive further consideration and evaluation. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview if interviews are conducted. Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.
We highly recommend that all candidates opt to receive email notifications for job status updates.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format, and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
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.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
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 faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.If you are faxing your information, please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed/uploaded document(s).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Your application must be submitted online and all document faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have 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. If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
United States
Next steps
Shortly after the announcement closes, you will be notified as to whether or not you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you do, you will receive further consideration and evaluation. If the position is in the bargaining unit, and your application is referred to the selecting official, you will be contacted for an interview if interviews are conducted. Interviews for positions not in the bargaining unit may be conducted at the discretion of the selecting official. All qualified applicants will receive final notification of the outcome of the job opportunity announcement.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.
We highly recommend that all candidates opt to receive email notifications for job status updates.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
