The U.S. National Science Foundation will very shortly announce open permanent positions for Program Directors, and we have the opportunity to hire within Earth Sciences. https://www.nsf.gov/geo There will likely be a very short application window. In fact, all upcoming NSF job postings may have an open period of no more than 7 days and the closing dates will not be extended. In preparation for submission, staff within Earth Sciences urge you, if you’re interested in a position, to get your materials together now. The materials you’ll need are detailed below. All NSF external job postings will include an applicant limit. This means the application window may close prior to the closing date if the applicant limit has been reached. We strongly encourage you to apply for any position you are eligible for and interested in as soon as possible to ensure that your application will be considered within the applicant limit. Do not delay your application. Once USAJOBS locks and reaches the applicant limit, we will not have the opportunity for any exceptions and new/similar job postings may be several months away. There may also be future opportunities for non-permanent IPA/Rotator positions: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator-programs The collaborative and forward-looking Earth Sciences team is excited to welcome new colleagues! USAJOBS provides a summary of the application process here: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process The two-page resume Effective this year, federal agencies may only accept resumes or CVs up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan: https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/transmittals/2025/Merit Hiring Plan 5-29-2025 FINAL.pdf<https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/transmittals/2025/Merit%20Hiring%20Plan%205-29-2025%20FINAL.pdf>. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages. USAJOBS provides guidance on how to write a resume for a federal job: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include. However, please note that candidates will have the option to submit a cover letter and some vacancies will offer candidates the opportunity to upload additional supporting documents. Please be sure to read each vacancy announcement carefully and plan to apply early. A cover letter is not required, but it is encouraged to convey your specific interest in the position. The essay questions Per the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), most competitive service job applications will include 4 short, free-response essay questions. Responses to the questions are mandatory and should only be 200 words. The answers to these questions are not scored or rated but provide candidates with an opportunity to provide additional information about themselves to the selecting official. The answers to the essay questions are a part of your complete application package and reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership. The questions include: Constitutional Commitment: How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. Government Efficiency: In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. Executive Orders/Policy Priorities: How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired. Work Ethic/Personal Achievement: How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic, or personal achievements? Please provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.