Division Director for Production

Summary

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy, Office of Subsurface Energy, Office of Oil and Gas-Production. As a Division Director for Production, you will serve as the principal leader responsible for advancing the Department's objectives in oil and natural gas exploration and production, water management, offshore efficiency, safety, spill prevention, and carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery.

Duties

The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office works to unleash the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As a Division Director for Production, you will: Direct and oversee the Division of Production's programs, setting strategic priorities and technical direction to advance domestic oil and natural gas production, carbon dioxide enhanced recovery, water management, and offshore safety. Guide and coordinate complex research and development initiatives, analytical studies, and projects executed in collaboration with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and external partners. Perform full first-line supervisory authorities for senior technical and program staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, approving leave/travel, resolving grievances, and identifying professional development needs. Serve as the primary liaison and technical authority on Production initiatives, representing the office across interagency working groups, industry forums, academia, and congressional or inter-governmental engagements. Advise executive leadership (including the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Office Director) on emerging market trends, regulatory issues, and environmental considerations to inform national energy policy decisions. Formulate, justify, and defend division budget allocations while administering workplace safety, health, and compliance standards conforming to OSHA and agency safety programs. Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES: 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. GS-15 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 4 of the following: Leading or directing large-scale engineering or physical science programs/projects focused on oil, natural gas, enhanced recovery, or subsurface energy technologies. Planning, evaluating, or executing technical initiatives designed to address environmental impacts (such as produced water treatment, pollutant reduction, or emissions management) and operational safety hazards (such as spill prevention, process safety, or regulatory safety compliance) in energy production or industrial operations. Formulating, defending, and administering substantial operational or program budgets, including determining resource allocations and justifying financial requirements to senior management or executive leadership. Supervising, leading, or directing multidisciplinary technical, engineering, or scientific professionals, which includes establishing work assignments, evaluating staff performance, mentoring personnel, and managing team operations or contractor activities. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. How You Will Be Evaluated

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Division Director for Production positions in the 1301 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the DHA process. Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b). USA Hire: Your application will be assessed based on your responses to an online assessment that measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you fail to meet the established proficiency threshold or fail to complete the assessment. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., two-page resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, the result of the USA Hire assessment, and a minimum qualification review. Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Accountability Customer Service Decisiveness Environmental Engineering Financial Management Flexibility Interpersonal Skills Managing Human Resources Petroleum Engineering Problem Solving Resilience Safety Engineering Strategic Thinking CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application: Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status. Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include: Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/19/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13081017 Other Information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/articles/reasonable-accommodation-and-personal-assistance-service-procedure Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at [email protected]. CTAP/ICTAP Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.