Associate Deputy Chief for Science and Technology

$198,538 - $210,220/Yr

Natural Resources Conservation Service - Washington, DC

Part-time,Full-time - Senior

Onsite - Washington, DC

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs

About the position

The Associate Deputy Chief for Science and Technology at the Department of Agriculture is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position designed to lead the agency's efforts in science-based technology, technical tools, and practice standards related to conservation and natural resources. This role involves significant collaboration with other Associate Deputy Chiefs to plan and implement technical and scientific service activities that support the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. The position requires a strong focus on the development of technology acquisition and transfer needs, as well as providing leadership for benefit-cost analysis in legislative rule-making and for natural resource conservation programs and projects. In this capacity, the Associate Deputy Chief will participate fully in the overall planning, formulation, and direction of Science and Technology programs and activities. The role demands a high level of executive leadership and supervisory experience, particularly in directing the work of organizational units, ensuring the success of major programs or projects, and monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals. The incumbent will also be responsible for evaluating organizational performance and taking necessary actions to improve it, while supervising the work of employees and exercising important policy-making functions. Candidates must demonstrate their executive leadership capabilities through their responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs), which are critical for entry into the SES. The position is located in Washington, DC, and while it does not allow for remote work, telework may be permitted as determined by agency policy. Occasional travel may be required, and relocation expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with agency policy. This is a permanent, full-time position with no promotion potential, and it is classified under the supervisory status category.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading the Agency's efforts for science-based technology, technical tools, and practice standards concerning conservation and natural resources.
• Participate fully with the Deputy Chief in the overall planning, formulation, and direction of Science and Technology programs and activities.
• Collaborate with other Associate Deputy Chiefs in planning and implementing technical and scientific service activities supporting NRCS programs.
• Provide leadership and coordinate the development of technology acquisition and development needs and technology transfer needs and priorities.
• Lead benefit-cost analysis in legislative rule-making and for natural resource conservation programs and projects.

Requirements

• Must have progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience indicative of senior executive level management capability.
• Experience at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector is required.
• Demonstrated ability to direct the work of an organizational unit and ensure the success of major programs or projects.
• Experience in monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals and evaluating organizational performance.
• Ability to supervise employees and exercise important policy-making functions.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in leading and supervising technical staff related to planning and implementation of Conservation Planning, Watershed Planning, and Farm Bill programs.
• Knowledge of integrating science disciplines from Ecological Sciences, Engineering, and Soil Health.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Eligibility for bonuses and performance-based awards as an SES employee.
• Reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.