Supervisory Training Specialist Job in Seattle, WA

Vacancy No. OMAO-26-12854277-ST Department National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Salary $118,446.00 to $181,956.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/18/2025 Close Date 12/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Seattle, WA


Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), NOAA Diving Center (NDC), with one vacancy in Seattle, WA.

This position is also announced under vacancy number OMAO-26-12854278-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.

Clarification from the agency

Open to current or former Federal employees w/perm comp status; OR those eligible under a special or noncomp appointing authority (e.g., disabled, Pathways Interns & Recent Grads who are elig for noncomp conversion, etc.); OR current or former employees who are serving, or previously served, on temp or term appt in a land mgmt agency; OR veterans with preference or have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after approx 3yrs or more of continuous active service.

Duties

As a Supervisory Training Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

  • Supervise, lead, and manage the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Diving Center (NDC) personnel, activities, equipment, and facilities. Oversee and direct day-to-day activities that support scientific diving operations and ocean-going research ships. Teach scientific, technical, and diving related subjects and theories to NOAA scientists, technicians, and Wage Mariners (WM).
  • Instruct and train personnel in all aspects of NOAA diving theory, practice, and policy. Provide expertise and serve as dive instructor/trainer, diver supervisor, diver, standby diver, and tender as required to support NDC course offerings. Maintain NDC facilities and support Agency mission requirements.
  • Support the NOAA Diving Program Manager to identify, resource, and implement long term strategic initiatives enabling NDC to best support diving operations critical to scientific research. Advise NOAA and partner diving communities on training standards, safety considerations, diving equipment, and techniques. Coordinate technical and personnel support to NOAA science activities engaged in remote and/or advanced diving operations. Take action to address shortfalls and lead development, scheduling, and instruction of NOAA diving and dive-related training, including, NOAA Diver, Dive Master, and Diving Medical Technician.
  • Plan work performed by employees, set short/long term work priorities, prepare schedules and resources needed to do the work. Assign work based on priorities, selective consideration of difficulty/requirements of assignments and capabilities of instruction to employees on all work matters. Evaluate work performance, provide counseling and instruction on work matters. Interview candidates for jobs in the unit and initiate Human Resources (HR) actions.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • Trains and recertifies as required to maintain basic NOAA diving and diving related medical proficiency and qualifications.
  • Performs duties indoors in an office setting, and outdoors, in small boats, exposed to weather, and water conditions including cold temperatures, low visibility, and hazardous marine life.
  • Travel as needed.
  • This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. Requires a valid driver license to operate a government vehicle to worksites.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Meets physical requirements for NOAA Diving as described in the NOAA Diving Medical Standards and Procedures Manual.
  • Successfully completes a NOAA Diving physical exam and receives clearance to dive from the NOAA Diving Medical Officer at entry on duty.
  • Requires ability to swim and work in a water column; walk, stand, bend, stoop, lift/carry up to 60 pounds on land and aboard small vessels.
  • Utilizes SCUBA equipment.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

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 ZA-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14.

Key Requirements:

  • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
  • More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
  • Qualification requirements must be met by closing date of the announcement.

Additional Considerations:

  • One year probationary period may be required.
  • A one year supervisory probationary period may be required (probationary period can be served concurrently).
  • Payment of Relocation Incentives may be authorized.
  • Payment of Recruitment Incentives may be authorized.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • Your performance and conduct;
  • Needs and interests of the agency;
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
  • If you are a Federal employee applying for a promotion (under merit promotion procedures) you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

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.

EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.

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.

To qualify at the ZA-4 or GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Providing advice or guidance as a dive instructor or trainer and supporting personal during dive operations or activities; and
  • Managing or conducting scientific diving operations and ensuring compliance with scientific diving guidelines (such as OSHA or the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)); and
  • Planning, evaluating or leading projects or teams such as assigning work, tracking expenses, setting priorities, or providing feedback on work assignments.

Education

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.

Additional information

Salary for selectee's pay may be set at any point within the pay band except for intervals 4 and 5 $181,957 - $193,037 which is reserved for supervisory performance or for current supervisors within CAPS who already have a salary within intervals 4 and 5.

CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: Employee Guide Career Transition

CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

  1. A copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
  2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade level, and duty location;
  3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
  4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
  1. A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
  2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc;
  3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
  4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
Non-Competitive Reinstatement to a Higher Grade/Band than Previously Held MUST submit the following documents:
1. SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action: you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series, and highest grade level held on a permanent basis for your previous position. (do not submit an Award SF-50) AND, the SF-50 that verifies your separation date; AND.
2. Performance Appraisal - most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan that does not include this information.

NOAA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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.

Review our 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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents).

A Job Knowledge Test will be used in order to assess technical and professional expertise directly relevant to the requirements of this announcement. This assessment measures the specialized knowledge and skills accumulated over time, which are critical for successful performance in this position.

Additionally, applicants will also be evaluated using Structured Resume Reviews conducted by a panel of Subject Matter Experts. The reviews are in a Pass/Fail format and are conducted to ensure that the applicant meets the Specialized Experience required for the position and grade level.

  • Education and Training
  • Manages Human Resources
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Technical Competence


Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.

If referred, all relevant documents submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12854277

Required Documents

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments):

1. Resume:

  • Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Reference the USAJobs Help Center for addition recommendations and instructions.
  • You are encouraged to make your resume and profile searchable https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/profile/searchable.
  • You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume.
  • If you use your own resume or curriculum vitae, for each work experience at a minimum, your resume should include; job title(s) (including job series and grade, if Federal); description of duties or work performed; starting and ending dates (month and year).
  • Part-Time work must be clearly identified and include the number of hours per week; if not identified, then work will be assumed to be Full-Time. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, typically 16-32 hours per week.)
2. SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50). Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.

3.
Veteran's documentation: If you are requesting consideration under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) you must submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (i.e., statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service) and/or any other required supporting documents (VA Letter). For more information, please click here.
  • Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit.
4. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation if applicable (see Additional Information section).

5. Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (severely disabled, eligible veterans, certain military spouses, etc.)

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:

  • Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager.

    • Performance Appraisal - Submit the most recent performance appraisal (dated within the last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor. Do not submit a performance plan that does not include this information.
    • Awards - Copies of any award received within the last 3 years.
  • Applicants may submit these documents during the application process.

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

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. Click the blue "Apply Online" button.
  2. If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile.
  3. As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application.
  4. Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen.
  5. Address the eligibility questions as well as the application questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy.
  6. If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk

Agency contact information

Applicant Inquiries
Email
noaa.applicantinquiries@noaa.gov
Address
NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US

Next steps

This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other equivalent positions throughout the Federal government. The position must be alike (e.g.: within the same geographic locations, equivalent grade/band and requires the same qualifications and specialized experience as indicated in this vacancy announcement).

Salary ranges will vary based on the location. Please visit: OPM Salary Charts for specific salary information related to a specific location.

You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:

  1. Application Received
  2. Application being assess for qualification;
  3. Referred or Not Referred; and
  4. Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.)


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