The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a General Engineer (Facilities Manager) position for the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL) 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 General Engineer (Facilities Manager) position for the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL) in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.
50% or less - The Facilities 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 Facilities Manager has overall responsibility for facilities and utilities maintenance and project oversight for the USAP. The incumbent works with contracted architectural and engineering firms, the AIL prime contractor, and/or other Federal agencies that can provide engineering, technical analysis, oversight, and other construction management expertise. To accomplish these tasks, the incumbent will develop budgets and tasking to ensure the smooth conduct of year-round operations of all USAP facilities. The incumbent will also develop, negotiate, review, and help oversee, contracts, inter-agency memorandum of agreements, cooperative agreements, and proposals that are developed or submitted that provide engineering or other technical services.
The incumbent will work within a diverse section that is composed of full-time program managers, part-time Antarctic station managers, DoD liaison officers, contract personnel, a polar coordination specialist, and support staff. The direct budget for this responsibility is variable but is approximately $36M.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The Facilities Manager has the following specific responsibilities:
Evaluate (facility condition assessments), prioritize, and integrate facilities and utilities requirements into annual and long-range plans for continuous improvement of all Antarctic facilities in terms of fire and life safety, habitability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Oversee the development and implementation of facilities and utilities recapitalization plans and development of maintenance requirements. Oversee project execution (managing scope, schedule, and cost). Review project controls for sufficiency, including risk management processes, change control procedures and document control programs.
Oversee and perform facilities and utilities inspections and acceptance on behalf of the US government and issue occupancy certificates in accordance with the NSF A-123 process.
Conduct investigations and evaluate new technologies, materials, equipment and construction methods which may enhance construction, maintenance, energy efficiency and operations in the Polar Regions.
Interact with the other AIL and Antarctic Science Section program managers to ensure that operating requirements are reflected in infrastructure development, and to integrate facility and utility support requirements associated with science, logistics, construction, information technology, DoD, and government agencies.
In addition to the above internal managerial responsibilities, the incumbent will deploy to the Antarctic annually to perform oversight responsibilities but may also serve as the National Science Foundation Representative in Antarctica.
Service as the NSF Representative, Antarctica entails the following principal duties:
a. 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.
b. Advise the Head, Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section, and other stakeholders in the Office of Polar Programs on the progress and problems of the field operations measured against current program plans and requirements.
c. 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.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement Safer Federal Workforce Task Force 2 pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
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 in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.
Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.
Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to the standards used for USAP medical/dental screening for travel to Antarctica.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Master's degree in Engineering, plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of relevant experience pertinent to the position. Appropriate fields include civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, or facilities operations and management. Relevant experience includes managing and overseeing the planning and execution of complex facilities projects.
A Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical examination according to the 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
Experience in planning, managing, overseeing, prioritizing, and critically evaluating facility and utility maintenance needs, including facility condition assessment programs.
Demonstrated experience in applying new technologies to monitor, manage, and improve utilities and facilities in remote environments, including experience with sustainable design and evaluation frameworks (e.g. LEED).
Experience in developing annual and long-range plans including budget estimation, development, and accounting of expenditures.
Knowledge of contracts, MOAs, and cooperative agreements, and their implementation including negotiations of statements of work, cost, and performance evaluation.
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. 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. 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.
