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Operations Administrator

National Institute Of Standards And Technology

Job Location:

Boulder, CO - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 68819 - 68819

Posted: 6 October 2026 (3 days ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

NIST is seeking an Operations Administrator to support critical division operations through financial analysis acquisitions human resources travel agreements and administrative services. This role advises leadership evaluates business processes analyzes program data and recommends improvements that strengthen operational efficiency and support mission success.

Duties

NISTs Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) sets the definitive U.S. standards for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research sometimes across more than 20 orders of magnitude. This position is in PMLs Quantum Sensors Division whose mission is to provide the metrological foundation for emerging electronic magnetic and photonic technologies by developing high-precision measurement devices systems standards and methodologies and applying them to address national needs.

If hired as the Operations Administrator you will:

Plan and execute administrative and operational activities that support the divisions short- and long-term goals.
Coordinate human resources acquisitions travel agreements and other administrative actions in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Analyze program and financial data using automated systems and tools to support reporting resource planning and management decisions.
Evaluate business processes and recommend improvements that enhance division operations and efficiency.
Advise division leadership on administrative and financial matters and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. citizenship
Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment
Must meet time-in-grade/band requirements as applicable
Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for this position applicants must possess ONE of the following:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level (ZA-I at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as ALL of the following:
- Experience with federal procurement in 2 or more areas for example credit cards purchase orders equipment purchases or reconciliation.
- Experience ensuring administrative activities comply with established policies and procedures.
- Experience maintaining program materials files and/or relevant documents to ensure compliance.
OR: Masters or equivalent graduate degree
OR: 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
OR: LL.B. or J.D. if related
OR: Equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination please refer to the following site:
Section 14: Reconsideration of Qualification Determinations NIST

Education

This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment.

Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Educations website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course-by-course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NISTs Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS) a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here!

We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.
Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions.
You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position.
All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations.

A probationary period may be required.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information please visit our Careers website.

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.

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.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

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