The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for an Interdisciplinary (Supervisory Environmental Scientist) position within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Office of Polar Programs (OPP) in Alexandria, VA. For more information on GEO please click here. For more information on OPP please click here.

Duties

Consisting of three sections with a staff of approximately 70+, OPP has an annual budget of $550 million. The Office supports research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in polar regions through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations, as well as the provision of logistics support and infrastructure in the remote polar regions. Its responsibilities also include interagency coordination of Arctic research and management of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). The Environmental Officer holds a pivotal role in implementing, overseeing, and evaluating the integration of policies and procedures related to environmental management, monitoring, protection and conservation in polar regions. The Environmental Officer is also responsible for supervising OPP research activities from an environmental perspective, ensuring appropriate environmental protection and stewardship of the environment. The incumbent will leverage their current knowledge of environmental policy, science, and engineering, as well as national and international environmental policy directives and U.S. legislation, to guarantee that the research and support activities pursued by NSF-funded research in polar regions are environmentally sound. II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent, in this collaborative role, works closely with the science programs managers and with OPP managers responsible for environmental projects, safety and health, facilities engineering, maintenance and construction, logistics, operations, science support, and information technology. This collaborative approach ensures the effective incorporation of environmental policies and procedures, and the incumbent has the following specific duties and responsibilities: The incumbent, in this globally impactful role, must be fully cognizant of policies and legislation related to environmental management, monitoring, protection, and conservation in the Arctic and Antarctic, with a focus on the areas of major NSF responsibility. The work regularly involves contact and consultation with NSF, U.S., and foreign officials who are knowledgeable about and responsible for environmental activities. The incumbent also plays a key role in developing policy responses to emerging issues, such as impacts from increasing human activities in Antarctica, and in conducting special investigations of new technologies, materials, equipment, and construction methods which may underpin environmental policies and programs. The incumbent provides guidance and technical direction concerning environmental issues to other staff and scientific grantees, support contractors, and researchers funded by other U.S. Government agencies and works with counterparts in other national programs in Antarctica. Activities in the Environmental Officer's portfolio include: Antarctic Specially Protected Areas and Antarctic Specially Managed Areas Environmental Impact Assessments Antarctic Conservation Act Permit and Investigations Program Environmental Research Program in coordination with Science Programs Environmental Education Outreach Working under the direction of OPP management, the incumbent will develop an annual plan for evaluating all components of OPP's activities that could impact the environment. The incumbent will also conduct comprehensive compliance audits and reviews and use the results to prepare analyses, planning and management documents, special reports, and directives that will further compliance with environmental obligations. Where evaluations and reviews identify deficiencies, the incumbent will budget for, in consultation with OPP managers, and monitor the implementation of corrective actions. The work includes identifying the need for and negotiating grants, contracts, interagency agreements, and other performance mechanisms designed to assist OPP in managing its environmental responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for conceptualizing and coordinating special workshops related to OPP's environmental activities. The incumbent may represent OPP and the U.S. Government at national and international conferences and workshops that relate to environmental activities and serve on national and international panels and working groups. The incumbent may be required to prepare and deliver up-to-date, in-depth briefings about the aspects of NSF-supported activity in these and other forums. Planning, funding, and implementing a program of scientific research in the polar regions. Integrating scientific research with education to broadly disseminate current science, to leverage interest in science, and to increase diversity in participation in science. Ensuring compliance with federal environmental laws and guidelines such as Antarctic Conservation Act and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, and other relevant international treaties. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Engineering or Policy plus after award of the Ph.D., six 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.

Contacts

• Address NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, OFFICE OF POLAR PROGRAMS 2415 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314 US
• Name: Staffing and Classification Branch
• Email: [email protected]