Physical Scientist – U.S. IOOS Office

MPOWIR Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A federal environmental agency is seeking a Physical Scientist in Silver Spring, MD, to lead the Surface Current Program. The ideal candidate will develop proposals, manage research activities, and foster collaborations to enhance operational networks. Qualifications include a degree in a physical science and relevant experience. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have a degree in physical science or related fields with relevant coursework.
• One year of specialized experience in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Surface Current Program and manage research activities.
• Develop proposals for expanding High Frequency Radar networks.
• Organize installations and build collaborations among groups.
• Track performance of operational networks and identify enhancement opportunities.
• Engage in international partnerships to manage program continuation.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Research Development

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Physical Science, Engineering, or Mathematics

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Ocean Service (NOS), Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) with one vacancy in Silver Spring, MD.

Responsibilities

As a Physical Scientist, you will perform the following duties:

• Provide leadership and direction for the Surface Current Program with the management intra- and extra-mural research and operational activities, development of program objectives, evaluation of progress, identification of opportunities for partnerships and communication of project goals and outcomes, and organization and participation in conferences, meetings, and panels.
• Develop proposals and plans for expanding the High Frequency Radar (HFR) network based on user requirements, to include identification of opportunities for science-based product development and proposals to fund and execute related projects.
• Organize coastal site installations and aid regional operators and build new collaborations between research and operations groups.
• Track the financial and operational performance of the current operational network and identify opportunities to enhance network operations and increase efficiency.
• Work on an international level with partners to manage, plan, and execute the continuation of the Surface Current Program; maintain a community of practice among the network operators and scientists to develop and maintain best practices for network operations; and engage in international venues to determine the frequency allocation policies for coastal radar stations.

Travel Required

Occasional travel – Up to 10% domestic or foreign travel may be required for this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
• Qualifications requirements must be met by closing date of announcement.

This position requires a Public Trust Security Clearance.

This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). This system replaced the Federal GS pay plan and structure. Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band.

The ZP-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14.

The full performance level of the position is ZP-4 or GS-14.

Category Rating, Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to this Public Notice.

• A one year probationary period may be required.
• Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized.
• This position is not in the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management’s website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy .

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:

To qualify for the 1301 series:

EDUCATION:

A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

-AND-

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

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.