The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Manager (Station Manager, Antarctica) position for the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL) Section in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Manager (Station Manager, Antarctica) position for the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL) Section in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
75% or less - The Program Manager will deploy to the Antarctic to perform oversight responsibilities, but may also on occasion, depending on staffing requirements, serve as the National Science Foundation Representative in Antarctica.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
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.
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.
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.
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 experience in managing complex operations in remote environments and strong capability in managing people.
Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, completing, overseeing and critically evaluating operations.
Practical knowledge in emergency response and risk analysis.
Demonstrated knowledge of contracts, MOAs, and cooperative agreements, and their implementation including performance evaluation.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve issues with equivalent ranking levels of management in the military, civilian Federal service, and private sectors.
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.
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.
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 uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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 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) 292-5090 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Division of Human Resource Management
4215 Eisenhower Avenue
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.
Applicants should click ‘Track this Application’ in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application 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.
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.
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 uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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 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) 292-5090 for assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Division of Human Resource Management
4215 Eisenhower Avenue
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.
Applicants should click ‘Track this Application’ in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
