Call for BOTC 136 Interviewers

In an effort to help streamline and standardize the BOTC interview evaluation process, the Officer Recruiting Branch is requesting two officers (1 primary/1 alternate), preferably at the O-3/O-4 rank, in each of the following regions to conduct interviews for BOTC 136 candidates from January 20 - February 14, 2020 (schedule is flexible):

• Northeast Region (RI/MA)
• Southeast Region (Central FL)
• Southern Region (Pascagoula, MS)
• Central Region (Boulder, CO)
• Southwest Region (San Diego, CA)
• Northwest Region (Seattle, WA/Newport, OR)
• Alaska Region (Anchorage, AK)
• Hawaii Region (Honolulu, HI)

Interviewers can expect to interview about 3-5 applicants. The regional interview process has received positive reviews from senior leadership, and having a dedicated group of interviewers will normalize scores and make them more valuable to the BOTC Selection Board.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact LT Rico Rodriguez at noaacorps.recruiting@noaa.gov by December 13, 2019.

Interested officers should complete this short CLC training, Conducting an Effective Hiring Interview.

Officer Assignment Board - O-4/O-5 Shore Assignments

An Officer Assignment Board (OAB) for O-4/O-5 shore assignments will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019. The OAB will be prepared to look at potential O-4/O-5 officers and assignments up to 18 months from now. If you are due to rotate to a shore assignment in the next 18 months, please ensure your assignment preferences are up to date, discuss potential assignments with the appropriate liaison officer, and contact the assignment coordinator, CDR Stephen Kuzirian, with any questions at 301-713-7694 or assignmentbranch.cpc@noaa.gov.

From the Assignments Desk: Billet # 7270 - Chief, Pacific Hydrographic Branch

The Office of Coast Survey's Hydrographic Surveys Division (HSD) is seeking an O-4/O-5 NOAA Corps officer to serve as the Chief of the Pacific Hydrographic Branch (PHB) in Seattle, WA. The billet supports NOAA's efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of the United States Marine Transportation System through NOS products and services. The primary mission for the PHB is to verify the quality and compliance with standards of hydrographic surveys submitted from NOAA hydrographic vessels and external partners.

The incumbent officer is responsible for direct supervision and management of branch personnel, which includes 16 civilian FTEs in the grades of ZS-IV to ZP-IV and up to 4 contractors/interns. The officer has significant interaction with other Coast Survey branches and divisions, and there are ample opportunities for inter-service collaboration and partnerships with various local maritime organizations.

The successful officer will have a strong hydrographic background and be familiar with ocean mapping data acquisition and processing. Maritime background and knowledge of the technologies used by mariners are preferred. Familiarity with Office of Coast Survey's production of nautical charts is also desirable. In addition, Coast Survey is actively seeking ways to improve workflows through automation and autonomous systems so experience and/or skill in those areas are also desirable. Prior experience with supervision of CAPS civilian personnel and budget management experience is desirable but not required. A successful tour at PHB will prepare the officer for the administrative responsibilities of command at sea and/or leadership at the Division level.

Interested candidates should contact the incumbent, CDR Olivia Hauser, at 206-526-6835/olivia.hauser@noaa.gov, or CAPT Rick Brennan, Chief of HSD, at richard.t.brennan@noaa.gov.