Duties
- Apply expert knowledge of ocean mapping, hydrography, cartography, and hydrographic technical systems to manage the operational activities of physical scientists and technicians in support of the Center. Plan, coordinate, and direct the full range of hydrographic, cartographic, training, administration and management services. Oversee long and short-term planning, as well as strategic planning for future operations. Apply knowledge of administrative laws, policies, regulations, and precedents applicable to the programs and projects managed by the Center including knowledge of program goals and objectives, the sequence and timing of key program events and milestones, and methods of evaluating program accomplishments.
- Advise and collaborate with other line offices, industry and academic partners, and the Joint Hydrographic Center in all aspects of relevant organizational needs and program objectives, i.e., scientific and technical, personnel, financial, and other administrative activities. Represent the office and facilitate sustained communications with key internal partners, industry, academia and stakeholders to ensure continual improvement of support and services. Brief Office of Coast Survey Management and cross line office partners on the status of significant management activities relevant to program operations and planning. Coordinate with senior officials of the host university on facilities, IT and utilities, training, and waterfront activities.
- As supervisor, develop multi-year work plans and manage the overall work to ensure achievement of Center goals and objectives, as well as perform the full range of administrative and technical oversight for subordinate professional physical scientists. Plan, assign, and review work, as well as develop performance standards, evaluate performance, interview candidates for vacant positions, and resolve complaints. Identify training needs and give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on technical and administrative matters. Approve expenses, overtime, and employee travel.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of ocean mapping, hydrographic technical systems and hydrographic competency, and training requirements in exercising delegated authority to oversee the overall planning, direction, and timely execution of training, technical support, and research to operations activities. Recommend and manage development of programmatic/operational changes and the development of policy in response to changes in levels of appropriations or other legislated changes. Exercise authority to approve allocation and distribution of funds for the Center budget. Work with the contractor officer representative (COR), oversee and monitor research grants, training and equipment contracts, and activities related to the Center facility at the host university.
Qualifications
To qualify for the 1301 series:
EDUCATION:
- 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
- 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.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:
- SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
- Leading projects or evaluations of ocean mapping, hydrography, cartography, or hydrographic systems to support operational activities;
- Providing project management support by collaborating with partners, evaluating performance, monitoring contracts, or assigning and planning work; and
- Evaluating policies or procedures to recommend programmatic or operational changes.
Salary range: $120,548 – $185,193 per year
Application deadline: July 2, 2026
