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February 5, 2015

Dear Colleague:

The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) announces a nationwide search to fill multiple Program Director positions within the Hydrologic Sciences (HS) Program. These positions will be filled using the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA); Visiting Scientist, Engineer, and Educator (VSEE) appointment; or under a Federal Temporary appointment.

At the National Science Foundation (NSF), Program Directors help administer specific research areas as well as research infrastructure and education programs. NSF Program Directors help solicit, receive, and review proposals, make funding recommendations, and administer awards. They are also responsible for interaction with other Federal Agencies, forming and guiding interagency collaborations, and for service to Foundation-wide activities. NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation's overall mission to support innovative and merit-evaluated activities in fundamental research and education that contribute to the nation's technological strength, security and welfare.

As a Program Director, you will play a key role in NSF's mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education. To fulfill these responsibilities in the HS Program you must have a broad understanding of hydrologic science research; a commitment to high standards; receptivity to a breadth of new ideas; and good judgment. In this process, you will get unique opportunities to influence, and help lead, the direction of hydrologic science investments in the Earth sciences.

While at NSF, your development opportunities will include:

• Attendance at talks and distinguished lectures given by experts from all fields of inquiry from across the globe.
• Increasing your breadth of knowledge by reading and reviewing proposals that are not always situated squarely in your research area.
• Gaining intense learning experiences through serving with merit review panels.

This specific position requires an individual with broad expertise and demonstrated experience in hydrologic science. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Earth Science, or a related discipline pertaining to hydrologic science plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

The position requires effective oral and written communication skills. Familiarity with NSF/EAR programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to function effectively, both as an individual within the HS Program, and as a member of crosscutting and interdisciplinary teams in the Division of Earth Sciences and more broadly with other parts of NSF. The incumbent must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations and partnerships.

As a Program Director you will likely:

• Assist in implementing the proposal review and evaluation process for the Division, including regular solicited proposals as well as special focused solicitations (e.g., Geoinformatics, cross-NSF, interagency, or with international cooperation).
• Conduct scientific/technical analyses of proposals received in the HS program.
• Select individuals to provide objective reviews of proposals either as ad hoc experts or as members of a panel.
• Conduct programmatic reviews, determine funds availability, and evaluate similar or related projects, including internal and external liaison.
• Negotiate technical and financial revisions of proposals as required.
• Conduct final review and evaluations of proposals and recommend awards or declinations based on knowledge or resources availability, program goals, and peer reviewer comments.
• Assist within the HS Program, across the Division, with other agencies, international partners, and the science community, in the development of new research initiatives and opportunities.
• Assist in the improvement and development of internal management systems for use in the HS Program.

These positions may be filled under the following appointment options:

Intergovernmental Personnel Act: Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Initial IPA assignments are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual agreement. For more information regarding an IPA assignment, visit our website.

Visiting Scientist Appointment: Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Visiting Scientists are on non-paid leave status from their home institution and placed on the NSF payroll. NSF withholds Social Security taxes and pays the home institution's contributions to maintain retirement and fringe benefits (i.e., health benefits and life insurance), either directly to the home institution or to the carrier. Appointments are usually made for a one-year period and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.

Temporary Excepted Service Appointment: Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, and life insurance) are applicable for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.

For additional information on NSF's rotational programs, please visit: https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/.

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will be considered as an IPA only.

Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin upon receipt of applications and will continue until a selection is made. Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a current CV and letter of interest to:

Dr. Alexandra Isern, Section Head
Division of Earth Sciences, Suite 785
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
Fax: 703-292-7581
Email: aisern@nsf.gov

NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.