Duties
The Division of Earth Sciences supports proposals for research geared toward improving the
understanding of the structure, composition, and evolution of the Earth, the life it supports, and
the processes that govern the formation and behavior of the Earth's materials. The results of this
research will create a better understanding of the Earth's changing environments, and the natural
distribution of its mineral, water, biota, and energy resources and provide methods for predicting
and mitigating the effects of geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods,
landslides.
Earth science is the study of the Earth's structure, properties, processes, and four and a half billion
years of biotic evolution. Understanding these phenomena is essential to maintenance of life on
the planet. The expanding world population demands more resources; faces increasing losses
from natural hazards; and releases more pollutants to the air, water, and land. Sustaining our
existence requires scientific understanding of the natural materials and processes linking the
geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Life prospers or fails at the surface of the
Earth where these environments intersect.
The employee in this position reports to the Division Director of the Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) and will provide support for the activities and programs as well as the related programs across the Division. The position includes a wide spectrum of research facilities, grants policy and process administration activities in support of the organization. In addition, the employee will help develop reports, analyses and presentations regarding the facilities portfolio of the Division. These activities will involve day-to-day interactions with staff throughout the Division, Directorate, other Directorates, and with other Federal Government organizations. The employee will be expected to acquire knowledge of, and experience with, NSF activities regarding the Government Results Performance Act, Committee of Visitor processes, Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, and NSF proposal and award management policies. The employee will also support both in-reach and outreach activities.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Major duties for the Science Analyst include, but are not limited to the following:
- As requested by the Division Director, develop one-of-a-kind reports, studies, and analyses on EAR programs and related topics for the Division. This may include activities and discussions that involve staff within the Division, Directorate, across NSF organizations, and with external organizations, both public and private. Access to information and data from a wide variety of sources may be required and these data may include Controlled Unclassified Information. The ability to synthesize disparate information into coherent work products is essential.
- As requested by the Division Director, assists in the creation of presentations, including talking points, speeches, or presentation slides. Topics may cover various disciplines supported by NSF. Background information may often need to be gathered from sources within the Division, Directorate, the Agency, or from other sources.
- Work with the Division Director and Deputy Division Director to compile and
present data and information on program portfolios and outcomes that inform expert
assessment of the overall Division's programs. Results may be published and maybe
used at Advisory Committee meetings, Committee of Visitors meetings, cross directorate meetings, and other internal and external fora.
- On behalf of the Division, participate in other NSF and interagency activities related to assessment and evaluation of EAR programs . This responsibility includes liaisons with, and contributions to, budgetary and reporting groups, as well other Federal R&D Agencies. It also includes developing and sharing best practices regarding the assessment and evaluation of EAR programs, as well as maintaining awareness of related NSF activities, notably COV processes, statistical reporting, and program activities in facilities and technology policy.
- Serve as a point of contact for activity outcomes for EAR. Coordinate the development and submission of highlights for all programs managed within EAR. Work with the Division Director on approval of the highlights. An understanding of the breadth of programs supported by the Division is required.
- Assists the Division Director in the oversight of Committee of Visitor processes, providing guidance to the Division and programs on results- oriented activities.
- Draws on knowledge of program portfolios and results to assist in the merit review and award oversight processes as appropriate, particularly for the Division's multidisciplinary activities.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a Physical Science or related field; OR a Master's degree in a Physical Science plus after award of the degree, two or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
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.
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, 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
- Proven ability to work independently in a challenging environment with senior executives, other management officials, and staff.
- Proven ability to analyze and understand program characteristics, assessing their importance to the organization's mission while considering external factors such as legislation, laws, and regulations.
- Demonstrated experience in analyzing research and educational programs, including gathering, analyzing, and presenting data for further analysis/use.
- Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining connections with federal agencies, tribal entities, international organizations, and other groups to cultivate partnerships and collaborations.
- Demonstrated ability to organize diverse outreach events and activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting the mission of relevant initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing, and managing complex programs and projects related to Earth Science.
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.
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.
Next steps
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.