Become a Leader in Environmental Sustainability with the U.S. Coast Guard
Are you an expert in environmental policy and infrastructure management looking to take the next step in your career? The U.S. Coast Guard is hiring a Supervisory Physical Scientist (GS-15) to lead critical environmental initiatives. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, this position offers the rare opportunity to set the standard for environmental compliance and restoration across a nationwide maritime infrastructure network.
Job Responsibilities
As the Division Officer for the Environmental Management Division, your duties are both strategic and operational. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership: Supervise a team of interdisciplinary scientists, providing performance management and career development.
- Regulatory Compliance: Direct programs concerning clean air, water quality, hazardous waste, and petroleum storage.
- Advisory Role: Act as the technical authority for environmental policy, advising senior leaders on risk mitigation and liability.
- Policy Development: Create and interpret technical procedures to ensure Coast Guard operations meet federal, state, and local standards.
Comparison: Standard vs. Senior Environmental Roles
| Feature | Standard Scientist | Supervisory Physical Scientist (GS-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project-level | Nationwide Enterprise |
| Focus | Task execution | Policy & Strategy |
| Leadership | Peer collaboration | Staff management & mentorship |
| Compliance | Field compliance | Regulatory interpretation & advisory |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria by the application deadline:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics (with specific semester hour requirements).
- One full year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
- Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview
This position is a GS-15 grade, offering a competitive federal salary range between $150,144 and $195,190 per year, commensurate with experience and organizational pay schedules.
Benefits
Federal employment with the DHS includes a robust package:
- Comprehensive health and insurance plans.
- Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching.
- Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
- Flexible work-life balance initiatives.
Application Tips
- Quality over Quantity: Your resume must be no more than two pages long. Be concise.
- Evidence-Based: Use specific metrics to describe your environmental remediation experience.
- Accuracy: Ensure all transcripts are legible and include course titles and credit hours.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for an environmental professional to influence federal policy while working in one of the nation's most vital maritime hubs. If you are ready to bring your leadership skills to the U.S. Coast Guard, apply today.
Why This Supervisory Physical Scientist Job Matters
Lead critical environmental initiatives as a Supervisory Physical Scientist for the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring the sustainability of our nation’s shore infrastructure.
Supervisory Physical Scientist Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a seasoned professional to serve as the Division Officer for the Environmental Management Division at the Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center in Norfolk, Virginia. This high-impact GS-15 role serves as the primary subject matter expert and national authority on environmental compliance, restoration, and sustainment programs. You will lead an interdisciplinary team, influence agency policy, and provide expert guidance to senior leadership regarding the environmental footprint of vital maritime infrastructure.
Requirements for Supervisory Physical Scientist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Must possess a valid state driver's license
- Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science/related engineering fields
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) in environmental management, compliance, or remediation
- Ability to serve a one-year probationary period for supervisors
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Physical Scientist
- Proven track record in managing large-scale environmental programs involving risk assessment and contaminant remediation
- Expertise in federal, state, and local environmental laws including air, water, hazardous materials, and POL management
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and evaluate diverse, multi-disciplinary technical teams
- Experience providing authoritative advisory services to senior executive leadership
- Background in interpreting and promulgating technical procedures across a large government enterprise
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave
- ✓Flexible work arrangements and tuition reimbursement programs
- ✓Access to fitness centers and wellness initiatives
- ✓Support for professional training and career development
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Physical Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Physical Scientist Job
- Review the specific educational requirements and gather all relevant academic transcripts
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages (font size 10pt or larger)
- Create a USAJOBS account and build your application package
- Submit your resume, transcripts, and any required SF-50 documentation via the portal
- Complete any required assessments linked in the application portal within the specified timeframe
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS tracker
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under 2 pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Ensure your resume shows start/end dates and hours worked per week for every position.
- Address the essay questions in the questionnaire thoughtfully; they are your chance to showcase your leadership philosophy.
- Submit unofficial transcripts early to ensure they meet the formatting criteria.
- Do not include personal information like photos, social security numbers, or age in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Supervisory Physical Scientist?
You will manage the Environmental Management Division at the Coast Guard Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center, acting as the primary subject matter expert for nationwide environmental compliance, restoration, and planning.
Can I substitute experience for the educational requirement?
This position has a positive education requirement. You must possess the required degree/coursework, though a combination of education and experience may be acceptable if it meets the 24-semester-hour criteria.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Yes, moving expenses may be authorized for this position in accordance with federal regulations.
What type of security clearance is required?
*A: A Secret clearance is required for this position.*
Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?
*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard are tasked with the vital mission of protecting our nation’s maritime interests. Working within the Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center (SILC), you will be part of a team dedicated to safeguarding the environment while ensuring the operational readiness of the facilities that keep our coasts secure.