SUPERVISORY PROGRAM OFFICER, AD-0340-05 Job in Alexandria, VA

Vacancy No. OPP-25-12772534 Department National Science Foundation
Salary $200,537.00 to $207,500.00 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/12/2025 Close Date 8/19/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Alexandria, VA


Summary

This Supervisory Program Manager (Chief Program Officer) position is located in the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL), in Office of Polar Programs (OPP).

To learn more about AIL, click here.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.

Duties

The Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics 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 Antarctic field research projects; operation, engineering, and construction needed to maintain three permanent Antarctic stations and the supporting infrastructure; oversight for the operation of icebreaking research vessels; development of specialized information technology and communication infrastructure; and coordinating the airlift and sealift that comprise the Antarctic logistics infrastructure.

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) will provide management and oversight for all operations and logistics associated with the supporting infrastructure and facilities at USAP operating locations, including permanent stations, field sites, gateway operations, and port facilities. The CPO also manages overall execution and oversite of the operations components of the annual AIL budget. The CPO will work with relevant OPP staff and leaders to help ensure that the USAP logistics and operations are responsive to the other Program functions that include science support; safety and health; information security; and facility construction.

The CPO will oversee and support a unit comprised of full-time program managers from varying STEM disciplines, part-time Antarctic station managers, contract personnel, and support staff. The incumbent engages with external partners, including DoD liaisons and other government stakeholders.

MAJOR DUTIES

  • Serves as a senior advisor on complex scientific, policy, and research matters, providing strategic guidance and expert recommendations to organizational leadership.
  • Oversees the execution of the annual AIL budget and serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) when designated. Provides leadership in shaping and implementing the organizational vision, aligning program goals and priorities across areas of responsibility.
  • Manages operational and logistics policies and procedures for the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). Leads the development of annual program plans to improve logistical support and operational efficiency.
  • Acts as Vice Chair of the Executive Management Board, coordinating closely with USAP partners, including contractors and military support organizations.
  • Provides technical direction to support entities and advises both the USAP Business Manager and NSF Contracting Officer on contractor performance and accountability.
  • Oversees AIL's engagement with other national Antarctic programs and represents NSF in the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), serving as a liaison and communicator of NSF policies.
  • Serves as the first-line supervisor for staff within the CPO, providing direction, performance oversight, and mentorship. May deploy to Antarctica as needed to fulfill program oversight responsibilities or serve as NSF's on-site representative.
  • Maintains situational awareness of emerging reconnaissance technologies applicable to USAP operations, including search and rescue capabilities within the intelligence community.
  • Requires a TS/SCI security clearance to engage with national technical systems through the Civil Applications Committee.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Your application should contain the following information:

1. Resume or other application format of your choice. Information about your education, your major, and type and year of degree(s); and Information about all your work experience, including job titles, duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and phone number, number of hours worked per week, starting and ending dates (month and year), and salary. If you have held various positions with the same employer, describe each separately.

2. Narrative statement addressing your background in terms of the required qualifications and professional skills needed for this position. Your responses should be clear and concise and show the level of responsibility, and the level of accomplishment associated with your experience.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation. 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.

Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a physical examination according to standards used for U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) medical/dental screening for travel to Antarctica. Please review the Office of Polar Program Physical Qualification (PQ) Guidelines that can be found here.

Qualifications

The incumbent must have:
  • Proven experience managing complex operations and logistics in remote, austere, or high-risk environments.
  • Demonstrated leadership within research organizations, with a strong track record in overseeing major scientific programs, facilities, or initiatives.
  • In-depth understanding of program resources, emerging scientific trends, and the infrastructure required to support long-term strategic objectives.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, analytical, and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders across government, academia, and international organizations.
  • Extensive experience in policy development, budgeting, planning, and stakeholder engagement in support of scientific research missions.
  • Highly skilled in analytical reasoning, with the ability to assess complex challenges, determine priorities, develop actionable solutions, and offer sound strategic recommendations.
In addition, a highly competitive candidate will possess an academic background in civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, or electronics engineering; facilities operations and management; or a closely related field. This should be complemented by professional experience aligned with the mission of the Office of Polar Programs or directly relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, and life insurance) are applicable.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed to this position.

You are highly encouraged to address the following professional skills within your cover letter, which will be used to evaluate your experience, education and training as related to the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position during the review process.

You must meet eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Please refer to the Qualifications section.

Additional information

Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a physical examination according to standards used for U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) medical/dental screening for travel to Antarctica. Please review the Office of Polar Program Physical Qualification (PQ) Guidelines that can be found here.

If you do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility, you will not obtain civil service status if selected. If you are currently in the competitive civil service, you will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position.

Only applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

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.

Benefits

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.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position.

Required Documents

Your application should contain the following information:

1. Resume or CV format of your choice.

Information about your education, your major, and type and year of degree(s); and Information about all your work experience, including job titles, duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and phone number, number of hours worked per week, starting and ending dates (month and year), and salary. If you have held various positions with the same employer, describe each separately.

2. Narrative statement addressing your background in terms of the required qualifications and professional skills needed for this position. Your responses should be clear and concise and show the level of responsibility, and the level of accomplishment associated with your experience.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a cover letter that describes your background in terms of the professional skills associated with this position. 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 you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

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 USA Staffing 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.
- 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 online 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 submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket 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.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.

Agency contact information

Staffing and Classification Branch
Address
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, OFFICE OF POLAR PROGRAMS
2415 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
US

Next steps

You will receive updates throughout the process notifying you of your status.

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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