National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Chief

About the role

NIST is seeking a National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Chief to lead and oversee policies for the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). Anchored in core conformity assessment principles, the Chief ensures accredited laboratories satisfy rigorous national and international requirements. This position is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent for occupations where NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Responsibilities

• Maintain international recognition of NVLAP through active participation in accreditation cooperations and negotiate formal recognition agreements to eliminate technical barriers.
• Lead and manage the planning and execution of the policies and procedures of the NIST National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) using principles of conformity assessment.
• Initiate and lead strategic engagement with primary customers, industry leaders, and interagency stakeholders to align program goals with domestic and international trade objectives.
• Promote broad awareness and understanding of conformity assessment principles, metrology, and international standards through targeted communications and expert briefings.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• 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.
• Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the above basic requirement, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 (ZP-IV at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as:

• Exercising operational authority and executive direction over a national laboratory accreditation program.
• Ensuring continual compliance across accreditation fields.
• Delivering on-time assessment decisions for accredited laboratories.
• Experience as an accreditation cooperation lead peer evaluator.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.