Assistant Chief Information Officer

NOAA Fisheries

Full-time

Silver Spring, MD, USA

USD 151,661-228k / year

Posted on Oct 1, 2026

Summary

The position is located within the National Marine and Fisheries Service, whose mission is responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat, supporting the broader strategic goals of the Department and NOAA. In this role, the incumbent serves as the principal adviser to leadership on overall information resources/systems management. The position reports directly to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations.

Summary

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open 09/29/2026 to 10/13/2026

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Silver Spring, MD

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Remote job: No

Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

Salary: $151,661 - $228,000 per year

Pay scale & grade

ES 00

Promotion potential: 00

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule: Full-time

Travel Required: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type: Permanent

Occupations and job series

0340 Program Management

Supervisory status: Yes

Federal service type: This job is in the Senior Executive Service

Represented by a union: No

Drug test: Yes

Security clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information

Position sensitivity and risk: Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

National security

Financial disclosure required: Yes; Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number: 26-NMFS-12950926

Control number: 886501600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

The position is open to Senior Executives, the public, federal employees in the competitive service, and federal employees in the excepted service.

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Duties

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As the Assistant Chief Information Officer (ACIO) for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the incumbent will serve as the principal adviser to NMFS leadership on overall information resources/systems management and will strive to improve the operations and service delivery of NMFS programs through the effective use of IT, and support implementing enterprise solutions in accordance with the NOAA IT portfolio management plan. The ACIO:

1. Leads NMFS in the effective management of information resources by advocating cross-organizational program process improvements; ensuring program processes are modified to take full advantage of IT solutions; developing and promoting standards based IT; enabling cost-efficient and effective use of IT; and exercising principles of effective IT capital planning and investment analysis.

2. Promotes and shapes an effective strategic and operational IT planning and investment process that includes responsibility for ensuring appropriate FITARA oversight and approval of IT investments in coordination with NMFS Portfolio managers. Integrates the budget process, implements priorities established by NMFS and fully integrates NOAA's and the Department's strategic plans. The ACIO will encourage and enforce viable IT strategies/operations through participation in the program systems planning process as an agent for change, and will support the strategic information resources plan. The incumbent will ensure that IT projects included in the IT strategic and operating plans support the business needs of NMFS and are prepared in accordance with Departmental and OMB guidance.

3. Develops, issues, monitors and enforces compliance with policies, guidance and standards applicable to all IT hardware, software and telecommunications in the NMFS. Of particular importance is the responsibility for overseeing and ensuring compliance with IT security policy, procedures, and services across the NMFS.

4. Advises NMFS leadership, in partnership with other senior managers, to promote innovative uses of technology and facilitate management access to needed information resources.

5. Provides oversight to ensure information and records are properly managed; i.e., information is collected only as needed, protected from those who would destroy or abuse it, readily accessible to those who need it, and quickly disseminated to those who plan to use or contributed to it.

6. Works with NMFS management to ensure the conduct of IT processes is timely, cost effective, in accordance with all applicable statutes, regulations and policies, and provides the best available capability consistent with requirements and within available budget resources.

7. Supports research, development and engineering efforts needed to define IT alternatives that can improve operations and customer service, as well as keeping current with user requirements and customer satisfaction concerning products and services.

8. Promotes shared development for common Federal processes, interoperability, and sharing of information by participating as a member of the CIO Council.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Senior Executive Service employees are subject to a one year probationary period (unless already completed).
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
File a Public Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. This position requires a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.

There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:

Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back,
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.

Resumes over the 2 page limit will not be reviewed and will be disqualified. Your resume should be 2 pages or fewer and not include images or graphics. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs).

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

PTQ 1: Demonstrated executive-level ability to lead, manage, and oversee complex, large-scale Information Technology programs and investments (including IT capital planning, FITARA oversight, and business process re-engineering), with a comprehensive understanding of current and emerging technical disciplines, such as cloud computing, enterprise architecture, software engineering, and telecommunications systems integration.

PTQ 2: Demonstrated experience applying rules and/or regulations for federal IT programs, including meeting IT security standards, and leading the implementation of responsive IT programs across a large and complex organization such as a Federal, state, or local government agency, nonprofit organization, or private company.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and PTQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:

ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: Applicants who are current or former members of the SES, have SES reinstatement eligibility, or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) should submit supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50 or OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification) reflecting their eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement.

Additional information

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov.

OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQ) listed above. ECQs and PTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.

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Required Documents

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A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and PTQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:

CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

It is an applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12950926

Agency contact information

NOAA Executive Resources Division

Email: noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov

Next steps

To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

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Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:

CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.