Duties
The National Science Foundation is the Federal agency responsible for single point management of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). This includes managing U. S. scientific research activity in the region as well as: planning, budgeting, managing and overseeing logistics and operations that support 150-180 Antarctic laboratory and field research projects each year; providing for design, engineering, construction, maintenance and operations of three permanent Antarctic stations; overseeing the operation of two ice breaking research vessels; developing specialized computer and communications infrastructure; and coordinating the airlift and sealift that comprise the Antarctic logistics system. Within the U.S., the USAP operates a logistics facility in Port Hueneme, California. Gateway facilities are operated in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Punta Arenas, Chile, in addition to the permanent and temporary field stations in Antarctica.
The responsibilities for managing the USAP include facility replacement and renovation at the three permanent Stations in Antarctica (South Pole Station, McMurdo Station, and Palmer Station) as well as the provision of temporary and semipermanent seasonal field facilities. The associated design, engineering, construction, maintenance and operation of these and other USAP facilities is typically carried out by civilian contractors under the supervision and oversight of the Office of Polar Programs in the National Science Foundation.
The Facilities Engineering Projects Manager in the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL) Section of the NSF Office of Polar Programs has overall responsibility for management of master planning, design, and major construction planning and prioritization for the USAP. The incumbent works with contracted architectural and engineering firms, the NSF Antarctic Support Contractor (ASC), and/or other Federal agencies that can provide engineering, technical analysis, oversight, and other construction management expertise. The responsibility is especially challenging because the continent lacks indigenous sources of services, labor or materials. Moreover, the design and engineering criteria for facilities must meet the requirements imposed by the extreme environments encountered. The Antarctic facilities are critical to achieving the policy objectives of the United States in Antarctica. Additionally, facilities at USAP gateway sites in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Punta Arenas, Chile, must be operated and maintained in accordance with local regulations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Initiate strategic planning for USAP facility requirements to guarantee maximum operational efficiencies and energy conservation.
- Forecast future budget requirements for proposed and scheduled construction initiatives.
- Update and oversee the planning for continuous improvement in terms of fire/life/safety, habitability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness for Antarctic facilities.
- Provide associated direction to the civilian contractor and personnel from other U.S. Government and civilian entities.
- Direct, coordinate and review the activities of U.S. Government technical consultants primarily representing PACDIV, a Naval engineering command; and the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory and civilian contractors and consultants performing facilities related requirements studies, conceptual and architectural designs, engineering analyses, site evaluation, cost and schedule estimating, procurement and transportation of materials and construction. In addition, the incumbent oversees the development and implementation of facilities construction plans and develops renovation requirements. These functions must be coordinated and monitored to ensure the orderly and logical sequencing of events that result in a safe, efficient and cost effective infrastructure that meets the objectives, budgets and logistics constraints of the USAP.
- Oversee and perform facilities inspections and acceptance on behalf of the US government and issue occupancy certificates in accordance with the NSF A-123 process. Provides input to annual financial statement audit activities and reviews contractor-furnished reports on real property depreciation and deferred maintenance activities.
- Oversee project development including individual project cost and schedules, and implement changes where appropriate to meet cost, schedule and performance objectives. Review project controls for sufficiency, including risk management processes, change control procedures and document control programs.
- Oversee and coordinate long range facilities planning needs for the USAP at all Antarctic stations and operating locations.
Requirements
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/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.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a physical examination according to standards used for USAP medical/dental screening for travel to Antarctica.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in an Engineering field plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a Master's degree in an Engineering field plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
In addition, applicants must have at least six years of experience managing and overseeing the planning and execution of complex facilities projects. A Professional Engineer (PE) license and experience in facilities project/program management is highly desirable.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, please also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
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. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General.
This announcement is open to All US Citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.
Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.
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.
Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a physical examination according to standards used for USAP medical/dental screening for travel to Antarctica.
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
- Extensive experience in project management, including planning, executing and overseeing major and complex facilities design, engineering and construction projects, as well as planning, executing and overseeing safe, efficient and cost-effective facilities maintenance programs in remote areas.
- Analytical skill in assessing the application of technologies in facilities design and engineering, construction, maintenance and operations.
- Ability to develop and implement annual and long-range plans including cost and schedule estimation and review.
- Skill in implementing contracts, MOAs and cooperative agreements, including negotiating statement of work, cost and performance evaluation.
- Skill in providing oversight to and resolving issues with a mix of civilian and U.S. Government entities providing facilities design, engineering, construction, maintenance and operations.
Required Documents
All applicants must submit a resume in any format and may also submit a cover letter. In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.
You are strongly encouraged to upload 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. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
