The position is located within the National Ocean Service (NOS) whose mission is to provide science-based solutions through collaborative partnerships to address evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures on our Great Lakes, ocean, and coasts, supporting the broader strategic goals of the Department and NOAA. The position reports directly to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Navigation, Observations, and Positioning, NOS.
As Director of NGS, the incumbent is responsible for providing the managerial, scientific, and technical leadership required to maintain the standards of excellence required of NGS programs and activities.
The following is a list of primary responsibilities: Provides scientific and technical leadership in the management, development and execution of major programs in geodesy, photogrammetry, and related sciences for the nation in such areas as geodetic and cartographic datum definitions, polar motion, Earth rotation and other interdependent land measurement systems, including research and development.
Manages the delivery and evolution of the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), the nation's foundation of reference for latitude, longitude, height, velocity, shoreline, gravity throughout the United States; ensures NSRS consistency, accuracy, timeliness, currency, and easy access to support public safety, economic prosperity, and environmental well-being.
The NSRS includes a hierarchy of monumented points, a network of Global Positioning System (GPS) Continuously Operating Reference Stations, and the associated data sets that define the geodetic datums, high-resolution geoid models, precise satellite orbits, and the national shoreline. Devises and assesses special geodetic and photogrammetric procedures proposed or developed to meet unusual situations imposed on federal agencies to meet national priorities.
Advises the Assistant Administrator (AA), NOS on acquisition, utilization and integration of resources (including private sector contracting) to meet present and future NGS needs. Conducts review and analysis of the accomplishments and effectiveness of NGS programs, objectives and proposals. Furnishes authoritative advice to NGS managers and scientists on unusual and complex geodetic scientific problems.
Oversees provision of technology transfer services to other Federal, state, and local government agencies, the private sector and other nations through the state advisor program, cooperative survey programs, special training activities and other technical assistance. Advises the AA, NOS and other NOAA management officials on major program and policy development matters and interrelationships.
Directs the provision of geodetic control for and maps selected airports, and provide s additional specialized products to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airline industry. Represents NOS/NOAA and serves as technical expert on interagency, national and international committees as well as liaison with industry, research institutions, and various professional societies regarding the direction and integration of geodetic science.
For example, represents NOAA on the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS) of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), exercising government-wide leadership in the development and improvement of geodetic surveying specifications, methods, instrumentation, and data transfers. A Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance is required in order to participate in some of the above-mentioned activities.
A. Degree: geodesy; or 30 semester hours in any combination of geodesy, mathematics, physics, astronomy, engineering science, surveying, geodetic surveying, photogrammetry, or geophysics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus. - or - B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to the Department of Education Accreditation page.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of the credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov
This position is with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce.
The posted pay range is $151661 – $228000/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-18.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-19 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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