This is the position of Operations Manager, within the Radio & Geoastronomy (R&G) Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) facilities in Hawaii. The Submillimeter Array (SMA) is an array of eight 6-meter diameter radio telescopes operating throughout the 1.3 mm and 0.86 mm atmospheric windows (190-380 GHz) located in Hawaii.
Summary
This is the position of Operations Manager, within the Radio & Geoastronomy (R&G) Division, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) facilities in Hawaii. The Submillimeter Array (SMA) is an array of eight 6-meter diameter radio telescopes operating throughout the 1.3 mm and 0.86 mm atmospheric windows (190-380 GHz) located in Hawaii.
This Merit Promotion position is open to Current Federal Employees and Former Federal Employees with permanent status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may also apply such as Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A), former Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Vista volunteers; certain Military Spouses, or individuals eligible under various programs for Veterans (VRA, VEOA, 30% disabled).
Duties listed are at full performance grade GS-13 level.
As Operations Manager, participates in the management of the day-to-day operations of the Observatory and the maintenance of its facilities to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and the SMA telescopes and scientific instrumentation; prevent deterioration; and support the overall scientific mission. Provides directions to administrative and skilled trades employees in the absence of the SMA Director. Incumbent plan, organize, and administer comprehensive facility programs. Oversee facilityrelated projects, including budget development, contract management, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Develop long range plans for facility upgrades, preventive maintenance, and capital improvements. Collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, contractors, and internal leadership to align facility operations with broader mission goals. Ensure compliance with deferral regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.
Lead complex facility projects, including design reviews, cost estimations, and contractor coordination. Monitor progress and alignment with agency goals and timelines. Develop and manage budgets for construction, maintenance, and operations. Coordinate funding and resource allocation for preventive and corrective maintenance. Advise senior management on facility related policies, initiatives, and long-term planning. Develop high level recommendations to improve operational efficiency and asset stewardship. Precision in inspecting facilities,identifying maintenance needs, ensuring compliance. Provides technical expertise and guidance on facility design, development, and maintenance, including state-of-the-art systems and equipment.
Serves as the COTR (Contracting Officers' Technical Representative) for facilities repair/renovation projects to ensure the timeliness and the quality of work performed by contractors and their compliance with contract terms. This includes monitoring the work or service performed by the outside contractor, advising the contractor of deficiencies in performance, verifying completion of work, approving payments, and coordinating with the SI/SAO Contracting Officers as appropriate to resolve contractor performance or other issues. Works with staff from SI’s Office of Planning, Design, and Construction (OPDC) and SI’s Office of Facilities Management and Reliability (OFMR) for SI funded projects to ensure that all documentation requirements are met. Supports construction projects’ oversight in other areas as requested.
Serves as Safety Officer for SMA-Hawaii facilities. Designs and implements an overall safety program-- including relevant training --for staff, visitors, and volunteers; and serves as technical advisor on safety issues related to SMA operations. Serves as the SMA-Hawaii interface with SAO Cambridge and SI OSHEM. Develops safety related aspects of annual SMA-Hawaii budget request. Assures compliance with all certifications, safety, fire prevention, and SI/SAO security program requirements. As assigned by the SMA Director, performs periodic onsite surveys of several types of construction work in progress at SMA-Hawaii facilities, and reviews project plans and inspects both in-process and completed work performed both by SMA-Hawaii staff and contractors to determine compliance with applicable Institution and occupational safety standards. Prepares and presents comprehensive reports—both oral and written--in assigned areas.
Compliance, Safety, and Regulatory Management
Ensures facilities operations comply with federal regulations, including OSHA, NFPA, EPA, ASHRAE, NEC, and agencyspecific policies. Develops and implements safety protocols,emergency response procedures, and risk mitigation strategies for facility operations. Conducts audits, inspections, and compliance reviews; prepares reports and corrective action plans for leadership. Serves as a subjectmatter expert during internal and external audits.
Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory Services
Advises senior leadership on facility operations risks, priorities, and strategic investments. Represents the organization in meetings, working groups, and interagency forums on facilities operations and asset management. Communicates complex technical information to nontechnical stakeholders, ensuring shared understanding of operational impacts and requirements. Build collaborative relationships with internal customers, external partners, and regulatory authorities.
Appointment subject to pre employment background investigation with favorable adjudication.
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers’ license.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience: One year of directly related experience (Federal or other) equivalent to GS-12 in the federal service. Specialized experience would include activities such as such as having had an essential role in a facilities’ management team for a multi-use facility, developing and implementing a facility safety plan, or obtaining certification and serving as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for an infrastructure maintenance or construction project.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Important Note:
The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Education
There is no education substitution for this position.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity (www.si.edu/oeema).
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Knowledge of and skill in applying the full range of principles, concepts, and methods of facility administration to the operation of a complex, geographically remote, scientific facility
Knowledge of contract administration sufficient to serve as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for construction, maintenance, and repair contracts
Knowledge of facility systems sufficient to assess overall condition, perform diagnostic inspections, direct repair work, and serve as COTR on facility projects
Knowledge of occupational safety practices and procedures sufficient to develop and implement an overall facilities’ safety plan and related procedures
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with people from a broad range of diverse backgrounds including scientific, technical, trade, administrative, and volunteer staff, external partners and contractors, and members of the visiting public, both daily and in situations that may be contentious, challenging or involve stringent deadlines
Excellent oral and written communications skills
BASIS OF RATING: Once the announcement closes, your application will be automatically evaluated and rated by the system and a Human Resources Specialist. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your application and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position. If, after the Human Resources Specialist reviews your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that the score you have received is not a true reflection of your qualifications and/or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect the information you provided that support your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
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.
Your application package should include the following documents:
Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?
Proof of prior federal service such as the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
A recent performance evaluation
Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) if you are requesting a special appointment authority, such as VRA or VEOA
Proof of severe disability if you are requesting special placement consideration
Proof of eligibility for a military spouse appointment, such as a permanent change station military order
Proof of eligibility for any other special appointing authority not specifically mentioned here
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages.
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:
At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your application package should include the following documents:
Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?
Proof of prior federal service such as the latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
A recent performance evaluation
Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) if you are requesting a special appointment authority, such as VRA or VEOA
Proof of severe disability if you are requesting special placement consideration
Proof of eligibility for a military spouse appointment, such as a permanent change station military order
Proof of eligibility for any other special appointing authority not specifically mentioned here
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages.
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
SMITHSONIAN
Office of Human Resources
60 Garden Street, MS 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:
At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing vacancy.info@si.edu; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
