Will the Noisy Cricket be locally sourced, or…
Believe it or not, yes, NASA is hiring a Planetary Protection Officer. The position does have a number of strict requirements and qualifications, however. Can’t just have anyone join the Men In Black, only the best of the best of the best.
Key Requirements
- Frequent travel may be required
- This is a drug-testing designated position
- Selectee must complete a financial disclosure statement
- A one-year probationary period may be required
Qualifications
Candidates must possess broad engineering expertise at least 1-year of which is in positions at or comparable to the GS-15 level. Must be a recognized subject matter expert possess (1) advanced knowledge of Planetary Protection, its requirements and mission categories. This includes demonstrated technical expertise to independently form technically sound judgments and evaluations in considerably complex situations; (2)demonstrated experience planning, executing, or overseeing elements of space programs of national significance. These elements include but are not limited to developing requirements, performing technical assessments, and preparing recommendations to leadership; and (3) demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and complex multilateral discussions. This includes building coalitions amongst organizations to achieve common goals. You must provide examples as to how you meet these requirements. Please also see “How You will be Evaluated” section.
A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
or
B. Combination of education and experience – education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above
that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably an advanced degree in engineering, physical science, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, or electronics.TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. Advanced knowledge of Planetary Protection, its requirements and mission categories. This includes
demonstrated technical expertise to independently form technically sound judgments and evaluations in
considerably complex situations.2. Demonstrated experience planning, executing, or overseeing elements of space programs of national
significance. These elements include but are not limited to developing requirements, performing technical
assessments, and preparing recommendations to leadership.3. Demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and
complex multilateral discussions. This includes building coalitions amongst organizations to achieve
common goals.Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire noncitizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
You also need secret security clearance. It’s also probably a good idea for you to memorize the entirety of the theme to The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire. That’s not a requirement, per se, merely a suggestion from me regardless of whether you can actually get this NASA job or not. I mean, in all likelihood, this is a far more mundane position than anyone will make it out to be, but you never know what’ll come in handy dealing with aliens and microbes and the like.
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