Program Manager

Position Overview
ERT is seeking a dynamic Senior Program Manager to provide management of satellite and remote sensing calibration activities for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. As the Program Manager, you will play a crucial role in planning, implementing, and overseeing government-issued task orders essential for supporting the mission. This Senior Program Manager role involves collaborating closely with senior customer stakeholders, consulting on task plans, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and driving process improvement initiatives across all task orders.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage contract activities effectively.
• Ensure strict compliance with contract terms, government policies, and company procedures.
• Drive customer satisfaction by delivering timely and accurate contract status reports and deliverables.
• Oversee subcontractors' integration, utilization, and performance.
• Identify and resolve cross-contract issues and mitigate project risks.
• Optimize staff utilization and availability.
• Lead project scope definition, planning, and delivery.
• Support staff career development and training initiatives.
• Assess and modify program plans as needed for cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Define and implement performance measures and quality standards.
• Regularly report program status and issues to management and stakeholders.

Required Skills

• 15+ years of progressively relevant management experience in government task order-based contracts. Experience working with satellite missions from NASA, NOAA, or international space agencies preferred.
• Strong understanding of program management principles, financial analysis, risk management, and compliance.
• Ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams and drive collaboration.
• Excellent consensus building, team building, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in systems/architecture, science, engineering, satellite data acquisition, and data management.
• Experience in land remote sensing science and satellite mission operations.
• PMP certification
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card) and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. 

Education
BS in Earth science, land remote sensing, computer science, engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent.

Location
Work is located in Sioux Falls, SD. The position is eligible for an onsite or hybrid work schedule.

Salary
The salary range for this role is $122,000 - $276,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  

Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses

Why Join ERT?

• Opportunity to lead a program which will benefit US society in health and safety, national security, and economic dimensions
• Unique opportunity for retirees from Federal Agencies such as NASA, NOAA, USDA, and DOD to leverage their extensive experience and skills in a new and exciting role supporting critical government initiatives.
• Work on cutting-edge projects—make a difference!
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

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