Apply online at USAjobs.gov, where the position is open applicants. The vacancy closing date is extended to Friday January 26, 2024.

USAjobs announcement number and link:

• USGS-SAC-24-12242104-DE-MB www.usajobs.gov/job/766441900 (Open to the public)

• USGS-SAC-24-12242100-ST-MAB www.usajobs.gov/job/766438500 (Open to current or former Federal employees)

This vacancy has an application cap and may close prior to the end date listed. The vacancy will close at 11:59 PM ET on the day 50 applications are submitted. All applications received before that time will be accepted.

About the position

The Hydrologic Instrumentation Research and Operations Chief (GS-15 Supervisory Physical Scientist) will lead the new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility on the University of Alabama Campus at Tuscaloosa, AL. The new facility is a national USGS capability that includes:

• state-of-the-art laboratories for developing, fabricating, and testing instrumentation;
• hydraulic laboratory for research and instrument evaluations equipped with wave-maker, sediment capability, and the national water-velocity reference, and;
• classrooms and audio-visual studio for training USGS professional and technical staff.

The facility operations are critical to meeting overall USGS scientific integrity requirements for water data.

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This leadership position within the Water Resources Mission Area will be charged with standing up the new facility, managing an expanding instrumentation provisioning and testing operation with an annual gross budget of $30 million, and developing a cutting-edge research program for a new generation of in-situ and remote sensing hydrologic instrumentation in collaboration with University of Alabama and other academic institutions, industry, Federal agencies, and international organizations.

The Hydrologic Instrumentation Research and Operations Chief will also formulate and execute policy related to operating hydrologic instrumentation in the USGS in coordination with Water Mission Area management, coordinate instrumentation deployments with the NOAA National Water Center in support of hydrologic forecasting of extreme events, and support USGS hydrologic training activities at the facility. 

The successful applicant will have strong technical, communication, and management skills; an extensive knowledge of instrumentation technologies relevant to water observations of quantity and quality; the ability to develop and fund a successful research program with academic and Federal partners; and possess substantial business acumen to oversee instrument provisioning activities of accounting, contracting, logistics and supply chain management.

The position will be advertised as a GS-15 supervisory physical scientist with an annual salary of \$136,908 (Step 01) to \$177,978 (Step 10).  The position will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; relocation expenses will be provided. A recruitment incentive may be offered.

Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transparency

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and have the support they need to thrive. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply for this position.

Contact us with questions

For questions, or to express interest, contact Janice Fulford and Nate Booth.