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JOB DESCRIPTION: Geodetic Orbit Scientists monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems, acquire and analyze satellite data, and produce accurate products for the National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG). They develop, evaluate, and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine precise ephemerides and other information. They analyze satellite ranging and timing information in order
Learn more about this agency12/20/2019 to 01/11/2020
$69,581 - $128,920 per year
IA 03
Many vacancies in the following location:
No
25% or less - Travel Required 25% or Less
No
Permanent - This is a permanent position.
Full-time - Full Time
Excepted
3
No
Yes
20200073
554418900
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Division is seeking a Geodetic Orbit Scientist. The GNSS Division has responsibility for a wide range of functions and tasks which require an understanding of satellites and their characteristics (hardware and software), orbital analysis, and geodetic sciences. Current functions include producing daily precise, rapid and predicted ephemerides for GPS satellites using data from NGA and United States Air Force (USAF) ground monitoring stations, as well as daily generation of Earth Orientation Prediction Parameters (EOPP), Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) ephemeris, and GPS precise ephemeris data for Satellite Tracking (SATRAK) as needed. The Monitor Station Network Control Center (MSNCC) has responsibility for operating a worldwide GPS monitor station network, which is controlled via the MSNCC in St. Louis, MO and Springfield, VA. Data from our monitor stations is provided near real-time to the USAF for integrity monitoring and used in updating time and position information broadcast by GPS satellites. Daily GPS data in Receiver Independent Exchange (RINEX) format is also supplied to the International GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Service (IGS). GNSS also generates a daily GPS precise ephemeris in batch production mode using Estimation and Prediction of Orbits and Clocks to High Accuracy (EPOCHA) software and is currently testing and evaluating a version of EPOCHA designed to provide near realtime 5-minute GPS precise ephemeris on a 24x7 basis. Band 3 Geodetic Orbit Scientists perform moderately difficult or complex assignments to monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), acquire and analyze satellite data, and produce accurate products for the GEOINT Enterprise. They develop, evaluate, and apply algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine precise ephemerides and other information. They select and apply techniques and methods to analyze satellite ranging and timing information to identify anomalies in real-time and post-fit scenarios. They handle moderately complex technical and logistical details pertinent to remote command and control of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations. These Geodetic Orbit Scientists also provide technical expertise on satellite issues to internal and external customers, and represent NGA in community forums establishing doctrine and policy. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The MSNCC is monitored 24x7 and shift work/rotations, within this position, may be required. Shift rotations may be required. Weekend and Holiday shifts may be required. Occasional travel may be required. Once employed with GNSS, the employee will be deemed Emergency Essential and will not be subject to facility closures or reporting delays; employee must report for duty on time due to shift and mission requirements. Additional Application REQUIREMENT: To qualify and be selected for this job announcement you must complete one or more assessments in addition to the application you submit on this website. These assessments may include but are not limited to: 1) Online questionnaires that require you to describe your experience and/or level of expertise with mandatory or desirable job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, or other characteristics. The information you provide in the application you submit must support the response you provide to this questionnaire. 2) Additional skill-based assessments you may be asked to complete during the selection process. You will receive an email to describe any additional assessments required. Please monitor your emails and complete any required assessments as soon as possible.
SPECIAL INFO:
As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards.
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Security Clearance (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information)
- Polygraph Test Required
- Position Subject to Drug Testing
- Two Year Probationary Period
- Direct Deposit Required
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, and/or unescorted access to SCIFs.
Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, and/or unescorted access to SCIFs.
NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. Employees on term or temporary appointments are not eligible to apply for internal assignment opportunity notices.
This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility in our ERecruit application.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: 1. Proven ability to communicate ongoing work to peer and leadership through written, visual, spoken reports and briefings. 2. Demonstrated experience in scientific or statistical analysis. 3. Demonstrated experience with computer and operating systems, computer networking, and/ or database management. 4. Demonstrated ability of working in a team environment. 5. Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking to problem identification, analysis and resolution on challenging issues. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Orbital Mechanics, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus experience in conducting work related to satellite operations, GPS surveying, Geodesy, Geophysics, Wide Area Network analysis, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Distinguish principal colors and shades/hues of principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/20 or better with or without corrective lenses; Far visual acuity of 20/60 or better binocular with or without corrective lenses.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
1. Proficiency with one or more of the following computer systems: MS Windows office applications, UNIX, UNIX scripting, FORTRAN, C, C++, UML, STK, MATLAB or MATHEMATICA.
2. Personal flexibility and adaptability for shifts/changes in crisis situations enabling the successful handling of unforeseen challenges inherent to working in a high-visibility environment.
3. Demonstrated experience managing complex acquisition and/or integration programs.
4. Demonstrated experience monitoring and/or analyzing satellite characteristics (hardware & software).
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants are not required to submit a cover letter. The entire cover letter cannot exceed the specified limits provided in the Cover Letter field (3,000 characters). Pages exceeding this limit will not be considered. THE COVER LETTER IS RECOMMENDED BUT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION WITH THE NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY.
APPLICANT EVALUATION PROCESS: Applicants will be evaluated for this job opportunity in three stages: 1) All applicants will be evaluated using the Mandatory Qualification Criteria, 2) Qualified applicants will then be evaluated by an expert or panel of experts using a combination of qualification criteria to determine the best-qualified candidates, 3) Best-qualified applicants may then be further evaluated through an interview process. Military retiree applicants, if selected, may be impacted by the 180-day appointment restrictions of DODI 1402.01. HD personnel will provide additional information if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Assignment Description, Additional Information Provided By the Selecting Official, and the Qualification Requirements; and then construct their resumes to highlight their most relevant and significant experience and education for this job opportunity. This description should include examples that detail the level and complexity of the performed work. Applicants are encouraged to provide any education information referenced in the announcement. If education is listed as a mandatory requirement, only degrees obtained from an institution accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Secretary, US Department of Education will be accepted. As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. In accordance with section 9902(h) of title 5, United States Code, annuitants reemployed in the Department of Defense shall receive full annuity and salary upon appointment. They shall not be eligible for retirement contributions, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, or a supplemental or redetermined annuity for the reemployment period. Discontinued service retirement annuitants (i.e., retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code) appointed to the Department of Defense may elect to be subject to retirement provisions of the new appointment as appropriate. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.) All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation. NGA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applications will only be accepted online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at recruitment@nga.mil. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
None
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Application submission involves applying using NGA's on-line application process. Application Instructions can be found by visiting: http://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NGA
All announcements close at 11:59PM EDT on the closing date listed. Be sure to complete and submit your application by that time in order to be considered.
ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
After visiting https://www.nga.mil/Careers and applying via NGA's on-line application process, applicants can follow their status via that same NGA on-line application functionality. Several other topics relating to what is involved in the hiring process and how long it takes can be found by visiting http://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NGA and choosing Frequently Asked Questions.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/554418900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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