Opportunity to Lead the USGS Earthquake Monitoring Project in Menlo Park, CA

On behalf of Keith Knudsen (USGS, Menlo Park):
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Opportunity to Lead the Earthquake Monitoring Project at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, CA:

The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) in Menlo Park, California is hiring a Supervisory Geophysicist to lead our Earthquake Monitoring Project.  This important and influential permanent position is at the GS-14 or GS-15 level (salary range $115,613 to $157,100).  The mission of the ESC is to reduce seismic hazard by conducting basic and applied research on earthquakes.  The Earthquake Monitoring Project operates seismic stations throughout Northern California, and strong motion stations throughout the nation, to provide real-time information on earthquake locations, magnitudes, and ground shaking.  We also perform earthquake monitoring to detect volcanic unrest. The data we record are integral to hazard assessment and risk reduction efforts and are used to study earthquake physics, Earth structure, and predict future ground motions, as well as to learn about the performance of existing structures and improve the design of earthquake resistant structures.  We work collaboratively with seismologists, engineers and software developers in academia to advance monitoring efforts and develop new and innovative applications, such as Earthquake Early Warning.  This position provides an opportunity for a leader, interested in public service, and having a strong scientific and seismic network background, to guide the USGS’s earthquake monitoring efforts and participate in, and lead, advancements in the field.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1) The person in this position has broad responsibility for coordinating the recording, processing, reporting, data archiving, and system development of all projects related to the Northern CA Seismic Network (NCSN), National Strong Motion Project (NSMP), induced seismicity deployments, and temporary aftershock deployments. The incumbent directs and supervises a staff of about 30 geophysicists, software and electrical engineers, communications specialists, and technicians at various levels. 

2) Develops overall strategy for operation of resilient and cost effective telecommunications from approximately 350 NCSN seismic stations with continuous telemetry and over 680 NCSN and NSMP stations with event telemetry. Develops strategy, obtains funding, and directs the analog-to-digital upgrade of instrumentation and telemetry for 235 NCSN stations and installation of near real-time telemetry at 210 NSMP stations lacking telemetry.

3) Coordinates the rapid and reliable delivery of seismic data and earthquake products to state emergency-services agencies, cooperating networks of the California Integrated Seismic Network (CISN), USGS National Earthquake Information Center, NOAA Tsunami Warning Centers in Alaska and Hawaii, and the public. Ensures that the quality of computed earthquake information and underlying data meet ANSS standards.

4) Provides oversight of documentation of systems, data, derived products, accurate station metadata, processing configurations, SOPs for installations and response procedures, permits, and processing standards.

5) Provides scientific guidance to improve data processing efficiency, earthquake detection and location, data quality control, and earthquake information products. Advocates for these improvements through active participation in management and oversight of systems with national impact, such as the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) Quake Monitoring System (AQMS) software, ShakeMap, Earthquake Early Warning, and CESMD.

6) Responsible for compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and agency policies. Ensures that IT systems are documented for Security Assessment and Authorization. Ensures compliance with DOI and Federal IT security requirements.

7) Develops annual project proposal and budget, tracks finances, and supervises project activities and staff, consistent with available funds.

8) Serves as an agency spokesperson to the media following significant earthquakes in northern and central California.

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Application Process:

Apply online at http://www.usajobs.gov.  The vacancy announcement numbers are:

PAC-2014-0659 for current/former Federal employees; PAC-2014-0660 is open to all U.S. Citizens.  The advertisement for this permanent, full-time position will be posted on USAJobs on Monday, July 28.  The advertisement is scheduled to close on Friday, August 15, 2014. Contact Earl Emerson with questions about the application process (phone: 253-552-1663, email: pacsac1@usgs.gov), or Keith Knudsen with questions about the anticipated role (phone: 650-329-5154, email: kknudsen@usgs.gov).

Please be sure to follow all steps outlined on the USAJobs web site in submitting your application.  For example, include a resume with detailed information about current and past positions. 

Please be sure to include copies of transcripts (unofficial is fine), SF-50s, professional licenses, and other requested documents.

The U.S. Geological Survey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.