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Open: June 26, 2026 — Closes: July 2, 2026
Summary
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Coast Survey (OCS), with one vacancy in Durham, NH.
Major Duties
This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14. As a Supervisory Physical Scientist, you will perform the following 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. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. Position requires driving a government vehicle for field work, meetings, and movement of equipment and/or supplies. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle. This position requires the submission of a Financial Disclosure Form, OGE Form 450 due to work with grants and contracts. 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.
