This Senior Scientist (ST) is located in The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), within the National Ocean Service (NOS). NCCOS is engaged in studies of the coastal and marine environments to support NOAA's coastal mandates. NOAA as a science agency is very dependent upon high quality, timely, unbiased and relevant research to enable it to effectively implement its missions. NCCOS is the primary focal point for carrying out coastal science to support NOAA's coastal mission.
Summary
This Senior Scientist (ST) is located in The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), within the National Ocean Service (NOS). NCCOS is engaged in studies of the coastal and marine environments to support NOAA's coastal mandates. NOAA as a science agency is very dependent upon high quality, timely, unbiased and relevant research to enable it to effectively implement its missions. NCCOS is the primary focal point for carrying out coastal science to support NOAA's coastal mission.
Applicants are advised that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) will request information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination status of applicants for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
The research efforts of the NCCOS Senior Scientist support critical functions of NOAA's mission-the application of sound science to support wise and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. These research efforts require the integration of socio-economic research with that of natural science to enable the development of relevant and effective scientific knowledge that will support NOAA's management mission. It also requires a blend of short and longer term research that not only supports present day needs, but also future management decisions. Such scientific analyses are extremely complex, for it not only requires the integration of non-traditional sciences, but also the capability to predict needs and research advances in the future.
1. The incumbent will develop mechanisms to provide information on:
developing scientific break-through with potential application to marine sciences;
future problems facing society with marine environmental consequences;
unusual management approaches for solving environmental issues, and
future environmental consequences due to today's management practices.
2. The incumbent will provide the AA and NCCOS Director with frequent analyses and recommendations for program direction and NOAA upper management actions and at the direction of the AA, the Senior Scientist will provide leadership of national and international groups to develop recommendations for resolving specific problems.
3. The incumbent identifies national coastal environmental research needs and recommends scientific priorities for NCCOS.
4. The incumbent works with other NOAA and Federal agencies to establish a comprehensive research program on defined needs as well as management strategies to implement research findings.
5. The ST Position develops mechanisms to ensure that issues facing coastal managers are translated accurately into research requirements and that research is continually evaluated for its applicability to specific programmatic needs.
6. Develops and refines mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of NCCOS science in meeting with NOS and NOAA's management needs and oversees the conduct of such evaluations of NCCOS science. Develops periodic assessments of society's changing needs and the potential consequences to the marine environment and its resources.
7. Defines new approaches for NCCOS science, both in terms of content and techniques, and works with NCCOS scientists to develop these new initiatives
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Position is subject to pre-employment background investigation.
Public Financial Disclosure (OGE-278 filing within 30 days is required).
Position is subject to random drug testing.
Newly appointed members must serve a 1 year probation period.
All applicants will be evaluated by a panel to determine the degree to which they possess the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs). To be rated and considered for this position, applicants are requested to fully describe their experience in each of the following PTQs. When addressing the PTQs, please use the first person as you assess and describe your qualifications. PTQ Documentation should be attached under "Writing Example One" once you have completed the online questionnaire.
Professional/Technical Core Qualifications (PTQ):
PTQ 1 - Leadership experience (at least 3 years) in addressing national and/or international marine problems, integrating science with marine policy. Technical capability in a broad range of scientific disciplines applied to marine environmental problems.
PTQ 2 - Specialized background in oceanography, physical, chemical, biological, ecological, and/or related environmental sciences with demonstrated experience including 1 year in development of research program/studies.
PTQ 3 - Experience in planning, organizing and managing research programs, with particular emphasis on science and coastal management/operations. The scope of experience should demonstrate the scientific insight to recognize opportunities for advancing the science through development and application of innovative uses of technologies integrating these disciplines with marine ecology.
Note: Responses to PTQs must not exceed 2 pages per PTQ, for a total of 6 pages.
Do not enter "Refer to Resume" to explain your answer. Applications directing the reader to search within the application or to "See Resume" are considered incomplete and WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Failure to submit a narrative statement or address any of the PTQs is also considered incomplete and WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. As a result, you will be rated as "INCOMPLETE".
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must possess all of the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs). These qualifications would typically be acquired through education, experience, and training which reflect progressive development and achievement in leading teams and/or projects for a comprehensive business program in a complex organization. An individual's total experience and education must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Your responses will be evaluated by a human resources specialist/and or a subject matter expert against the information you provide in your online resume and/or by reference checks. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for non-employment.
Education
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Desired Qualifications:
The incumbent must possess considerable experience in designing, directing, and evaluating experimental and operational research of a complex and interactive nature. Studies must withstand the critical review of the scientific community and of management, and contribute to NOAA's scientific mission. He/she must show a thorough knowledge to predict future research needs, impact the development of relevant programs and evaluate effectiveness of results to NOAA's coastal management requirements.
The incumbent must demonstrate ingenuity, prolific productivity of original ideas, and breadth of knowledge going far beyond the historical field of marine science.
The incumbent must demonstrate a grasp of socio-economic issues and the balance of societal needs against conservation or protection strategies, and develop research strategies to allow managers to balance both interests. He/she must be able to go from the molecular to the global, covering the air, land and water, and communicate at all levels, from the scientist to the sociologist, both researcher, manager, and the public.
He/she must exercise the highest level of creativity and critical judgment to ensure the unbiased nature of the scientific results.
The incumbent is responsible for the systematic investigation of a broad range of complex issues and must have the ability to publish highly significant scientific or management findings in refereed literature.
Additional information
Background Investigation: This position is designated as Secret and requires that a background investigation be conducted and favorably adjudicated in order to establish security eligibility.
Financial Disclosure: This position is covered under the Ethics in Government Act, which requires comprehensive financial disclosures from employees. The appointee will be required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278), within 30 days after his/her appointment, and then annually thereafter.
Mobility: You may be required to travel.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required by P.L. 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
Drug Testing: Applicants tentatively selected for employment in any position are subject to designated and/or random pre-employment and employment urinalysis. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment and/or removed from employment with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after 12/31/1959, who are required to register with the Selective Service under section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act, must be registered (or must have registered at the time they were required to do so) in order to be eligible for appointment. For more information, visit the SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM web site at http://www.sss.gov/default.htm.
The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Maria J. Gonzalez, the servicing Human Resources Specialist, either by e-mail at maria.j.gonzalez@noaa.gov or by telephone at 301-628-1879. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users may contact us via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated:
Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:
•Best Qualified
•Well Qualified
•Qualified
False Statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
The materials you send with your application will not be returned.
Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
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.
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.
Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
1. Resume
2. Transcripts (Official or Unofficial) from the institution's registrar; dean or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation which confirms completion of requirement for the required degree.
3. For current Federal employees: You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your current tenure, position title, series and grade level.
4. PTQ narrative responses should be attached under "Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs)".
Applicants who fail to submit requested documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position. Application will result in an "Incomplete" rating.
If you are unable to upload documents, you may fax your documents using the instructions below. Please fax with the appropriate cover sheet. Please refer to the fax cover sheet for the fax number. Each document must be dialed and faxed in separately as each sheet includes an identification number, which ensures your document is processed correctly.
FAXING INSTRUCTIONS: Please fax legible documents using the appropriate cover sheet. Documents may be faxed at any time during the open period of this announcement by going to http://www.usajobs.opm.gov
1. Log into MYUSAJOBS
2. Click on "Applications"
3. Locate the vacancy you applied to
4. Under "Applicant Status" column, click on "More Information"
5. Select "View/Generate Fax Cover Sheet" and click "Continue"
Do not submit any additional information that is not required: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.
If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
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.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the Monster Government Solutions system to complete your application process; answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USA JOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USA JOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USA JOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please call 1-877-662-7730 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (excluding Federal holidays) for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
OHCS - Office of Human Capital Services
1305 East-West Highway
SSMC-4, 7th Floor
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
United States
Next steps
The Office of Executive Resources will provide notification of applicant status through periodic emails at the four points of the hiring process, as applicable, in a timely fashion. The four points of notification are: Application Received; Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Not Met; Panel Rating of Best Qualified (Application referred to the Selecting Official) or Panel Rating of Qualified/Not Qualified (Application not referred to Selecting Official); and Selected or Not Selected. The most best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified by email of the receipt of your application.
Applicants can check the status of their application at any time after the announcement closes by accessing USAJOBS website.
Select "My USAJOBS" and enter your ID and password. Click the link titled "Applications" and select the link under "Application Status" next to the name of the announcement. Your status will be updated as changes occur.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Human Resources Specialist at the telephone number listed in the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
1. Resume
2. Transcripts (Official or Unofficial) from the institution's registrar; dean or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation which confirms completion of requirement for the required degree.
3. For current Federal employees: You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your current tenure, position title, series and grade level.
4. PTQ narrative responses should be attached under "Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs)".
Applicants who fail to submit requested documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position. Application will result in an "Incomplete" rating.
If you are unable to upload documents, you may fax your documents using the instructions below. Please fax with the appropriate cover sheet. Please refer to the fax cover sheet for the fax number. Each document must be dialed and faxed in separately as each sheet includes an identification number, which ensures your document is processed correctly.
FAXING INSTRUCTIONS: Please fax legible documents using the appropriate cover sheet. Documents may be faxed at any time during the open period of this announcement by going to http://www.usajobs.opm.gov
1. Log into MYUSAJOBS
2. Click on "Applications"
3. Locate the vacancy you applied to
4. Under "Applicant Status" column, click on "More Information"
5. Select "View/Generate Fax Cover Sheet" and click "Continue"
Do not submit any additional information that is not required: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.
If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
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.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the Monster Government Solutions system to complete your application process; answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USA JOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USA JOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USA JOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please call 1-877-662-7730 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (excluding Federal holidays) for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
OHCS - Office of Human Capital Services
1305 East-West Highway
SSMC-4, 7th Floor
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
United States
Next steps
The Office of Executive Resources will provide notification of applicant status through periodic emails at the four points of the hiring process, as applicable, in a timely fashion. The four points of notification are: Application Received; Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Not Met; Panel Rating of Best Qualified (Application referred to the Selecting Official) or Panel Rating of Qualified/Not Qualified (Application not referred to Selecting Official); and Selected or Not Selected. The most best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified by email of the receipt of your application.
Applicants can check the status of their application at any time after the announcement closes by accessing USAJOBS website.
Select "My USAJOBS" and enter your ID and password. Click the link titled "Applications" and select the link under "Application Status" next to the name of the announcement. Your status will be updated as changes occur.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Human Resources Specialist at the telephone number listed in the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
