Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

NASA Is Looking For Someone To Protect Earth From Aliens -- And the Job Pays a Six-Figure Salary (cnbc.com)

Posted by msmash on from the interesting-job-openings dept.

An anonymous reader shares a report: Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a hero? How about the protector of mankind? Well now NASA is looking for just that -- and it'll pay a six-figure salary for the honor. The U.S. space agency is currently in search not of life on other planets but of a "Planetary Protection Officer," who can protect Earth and its inhabitants from alien invasion. The job, which is offering a salary of between $124,406 and $187,000 per year, involves preventing alien microbes from contaminating the Earth, as well as ensuring human space explorers do not damage other planets, moons and objects in space. "Planetary protection is concerned with the avoidance of organic-constituent and biological contamination in human and robotic space exploration," NASA wrote in the job posting on its website late last month. Other duties include advising Safety Mission Assurance officials on planetary protection matters and ensuring compliance by robotic and human spaceflight missions.

92 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. I'm assuming by Big+Hairy+Ian · · Score: 1

    1/2 of slashdot users are going to apply for this

    --

    Build a Man a Fire, and He'll Be Warm for a Day. Set a Man on Fire, and He'll Be Warm for the Rest of His Life.

    1. Re:I'm assuming by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      Only half?

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
  2. It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by mark-t · · Score: 1

    The biggest problem with it being that they're going to get all kinds of hopelessly unqualified applicants, which will create more work for HR to weed those ones out quickly.

    --
    File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
    1. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Gilgaron · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I thought it was odd the emphasis on physical sciences and engineering versus experience in microbiology or infectious disease. A university biosafety officer is going to understand how to sterilize things better than a physicist.

    2. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by swillden · · Score: 1

      I thought it was odd the emphasis on physical sciences and engineering versus experience in microbiology or infectious disease. A university biosafety officer is going to understand how to sterilize things better than a physicist.

      True, but a biosafety officer would tend to have a narrower view of the possible scope of risks. Since no one knows exactly what risks to consider it seems better to get a generalist who can consult with specialists, rather than the reverse.

      --
      Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
    3. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by NicknameUnavailable · · Score: 1

      True, but a biosafety officer would tend to have a narrower view of the possible scope of risks. Since no one knows exactly what risks to consider it seems better to get a generalist who can consult with specialists, rather than the reverse.

      Obviously as with most things, the simplest solution is the best: launch high yield nukes in every direction and don't send people in the other directions. 100% guaranteed contamination free (so long as they don't wait too long and orbits shift around.)

    4. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Gilgaron · · Score: 2

      Granted! But if you look at the posting, why would a mathematician be a good generalist for a position like this? Maybe the networking with other NASA geeks would benefit from it. If the Andromeda Strain came down on us I'd be calling the CDC before someone that matched this posting.

    5. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by mtmra70 · · Score: 1

      It's the government for you. I remember seeing an audio/video tech job posted on the USA Jobs website. It was nothing special, similar to an IT job and only paid around $55k at the time (not many years ago). However, they wanted the person to have a PhD!

    6. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by mark-t · · Score: 1

      It's a pretty safe bet that using a gun as a defense against aliens that have the technology to reach us is going to be approximately as effective as trying to blow out a multi-acre wildfire with your breath..

      --
      File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
    7. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Salgak1 · · Score: 1

      Nah. Nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be SURE. . . (grin)

    8. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Salgak1 · · Score: 1

      Protect us from an alien invasion? Chances are the race that seeks out and finds us is going to be far more advanced than we'll ever be, so our "defense" will likely play out about as well as science fiction has portrayed it, especially as they face a species of warmongers. We don't offer a handshake first; we pick up a gun.

      How do you think they disguised themselves as Trump's toupee ???

    9. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by XxtraLarGe · · Score: 1

      It's a pretty safe bet that using a gun as a defense against aliens that have the technology to reach us is going to be approximately as effective as trying to blow out a multi-acre wildfire with your breath.

      If it bleeds, we can kill it.

      --
      Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
    10. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by swillden · · Score: 1

      why would a mathematician be a good generalist for a position like this?

      Because mathematicians are good at everything. :P (My degree is in mathematics)

      Is there some reason you think a physicist would be better? This job is about abstract analysis of an unknown problem space. What you need is someone who is smart, logical, thorough and able to think very broadly about the problem. Mathematicians and physicists both seem very appropriate to me. Engineers... maybe less so. And even for mathematicians, the posting requires "24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics."

      --
      Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
    11. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by swillden · · Score: 1

      When in doubt, kill it with fire.

      What if it feeds on fire? We're talking about non-terrestrial biology here.

      --
      Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
    12. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Alypius · · Score: 1

      Pfft. As soon as extraterrestrial life shows up, the EPA will declare it an endangered species and we won't be allowed to kill it.

    13. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Gilgaron · · Score: 1

      Nothing against mathematicians, but I suppose as a microbiologist the physics and engineering seems more 'applied' to me offhand, so perhaps more experience with killing things at some point. The team working under the position would have to be fairly diversified to ensure that the sterilization procedures didn't destroy the equipment, you'd need an engineer there if nowhere else. I guess a mathematician and physicist would be needed to help figure out how to kill a super intelligent shade of the color blue.

    14. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by painandgreed · · Score: 1

      I thought it was odd the emphasis on physical sciences and engineering versus experience in microbiology or infectious disease. A university biosafety officer is going to understand how to sterilize things better than a physicist.

      My guess is that they already have the people who figured out the sterilization process, and this positions is to track the designers work to make sure it will with stand and allow the process. Will those gaskets be attacked by the sterilzation agents? Are there any trapped compartments that can't be sterilized when the outer surface is? If so, how can the plans be altered so that everything gets properly sterilized?

    15. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by swillden · · Score: 1

      Nothing against mathematicians, but I suppose as a microbiologist the physics and engineering seems more 'applied' to me offhand, so perhaps more experience with killing things at some point.

      But that's experience with killing terrestrial organisms. That's what I meant about a narrow view.

      I guess a mathematician and physicist would be needed to help figure out how to kill a super intelligent shade of the color blue.

      :-)

      Or an organism based on an entirely different biochemistry, which our typical approaches to sterilization wouldn't touch.

      --
      Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
    16. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by ewibble · · Score: 1

      That is not the biggest problem, the biggest problem is that there is no way to even assess the applicants, or the job that they do once they get hired, Unless we have an alien invasion, but then it will be too late.

      You have described a problem with no practical description. There is no way of knowing the technology, they have, their psychology apart from they want to attack us for some reason. We know nothing about aliens. Since there is absolutely nothing we can do about it we may as well not worry about it. Of course NASA may know more about aliens than they are letting on.

      You may as well hire someone to formulate a scientific God defense plan..

    17. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by thomst · · Score: 1

      mtmra70 sneered

      It's the government for you. I remember seeing an audio/video tech job posted on the USA Jobs website. It was nothing special, similar to an IT job and only paid around $55k at the time (not many years ago). However, they wanted the person to have a PhD!

      It's not just the government, friend. I recall an ad in the SF Chronicle back in 1996 seeking a webmaster for a corporate site. Among the requirements was 7 years experience in HTML coding - which I found pretty amusing, given that Sir Tim created the very first web browser ever in 1989.

      The problem is that HR people rarely have the slightest clue as to the actual skill set required for any given technical position, so they just pile on the qualifications without the slightest regard for their relevance, or for the real-world evolution of technology. (Note that actual tech firms operate differently, of course - but I'm talking here about plain vanilla, old-school businesses. You know: the kind that regard computers as glorified typewriters and/or adding machines.)

      --
      Check out my novel.
    18. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by Aighearach · · Score: 1

      But that's experience with killing terrestrial organisms. That's what I meant about a narrow view.

      That's one difference; a mathematician won't care that the job description is about killing terrestrial organisms to keep them from infecting other planets, instead they'll take the list of words in the job description, list the Latin and Greek roots, and then define their own whole system of what they should really be doing based on a careful study of etymology.

    19. Re:It's a colorful way of describing a mundane job by rtb61 · · Score: 1

      The biggest problem is that it is nearly impossible to achieve. Microbes are tiny and space is huge, anything can be frozen into tiny ice particles. Reality is, if it didn't evolve with us, the entire planetary ecosphere, it won't be adapted to eat us or to not be eaten by us (numbers some will die eating them but they will be gone) and likely will be allergic, extremely allergic to our various trace exudations. Any Alien craft visiting might well do a relatively low orbit of the sun to burn off any external contaminants, as we could visiting other planet. Of course any primitive planet we are likely to want to inhabit, will need it's biome altered to suit us, allergies being a shared evolutionary trait (adding lots of microbes into that space, that can tolerate them but that they can not tolerate and than building up that biosphere, not big fusion powered plants at all but adding in a range of microbes, algae, bacteria, fungi and on up from there, in airborne or floating mobile growth and distribution facilities). Allergies will always be problematic, those trace molecules that feed some but kill others, things we mutually adapted too.

      --
      Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
  3. Will Smith? by pr0t0 · · Score: 1

    It would be a bit of a pay cut, but he's got the resume. Oh, it's more about biological contamination? Then obviously Dustin Hoffman.

    --
    I'm sorry, but your opinion seems to be wrong.
    1. Re:Will Smith? by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 1

      Unfortunately, Michael Jackson is no longer with us. He wanted to be Agent M for so many years but never got the opportunity.

  4. Re:Yawn by Chrisq · · Score: 4, Funny

    So they are just looking for someone who can leverage existing basic isolation protocols to create additional protocols for returning missions.

    No ray guns involved. :-(

    Yes but what a great job title. Imagine having "Planetary Protection Office" on your business cards

  5. Starfleet Commander by hoffmanjon · · Score: 1

    I was hoping the posting would be for the first Starfleet commander. Very disappointing

    1. Re:Starfleet Commander by skovnymfe · · Score: 2

      They'd have to form an official Starfleet first though, no? Unless they already call it Starfleet internally. I don't know. I don't work at NASA.

  6. I'll do it by Maritz · · Score: 1

    Disclaimer: I am an actual alien

    --
    I do not want your cheap brainburning drugs. They are useless for work. And I am a working man today.
  7. Re:Yawn by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yes but what a great job title. Imagine having "Planetary Protection Office" on your business cards

    As long as you're not an Illegal Alien.

  8. Calling Flash Gordon by Alain+Williams · · Score: 1

    Someone wants to give you a job!

    1. Re:Calling Flash Gordon by lance_of_the_apes · · Score: 1

      Gordon's ALIVE...alive...alive...

  9. Re:Yawn by neilo_1701D · · Score: 1

    Illegal alien? I'll sign up!

  10. Ideocracy New Hire by s.petry · · Score: 1

    Sgt. Keller: "Follow me upstairs, like, now."
    Joe: "Right now? W-- Shouldn't I train this guy?"
    Sgt. Keller: "I think he can figure out how to sit on his ass and watch TV all day."

    --

    -The wise argue that there are few absolutes, the fool argues that there are no probabilities.

  11. Job Description: by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The actual details of what the job involves or how to do it is unknown. But the position has absolutely no power or authority to do anything. But the applicant must be prepared to be the fall guy and take full responsibility if anything goes wrong that can be blamed on her/him.

    --
    sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
    1. Re:Job Description: by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 4, Funny

      You don't fool me. You just copy-pasted that from the listing for White House Communications Director.

      --
      systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
    2. Re:Job Description: by ColdWetDog · · Score: 3, Funny

      Oh, just like a sysadmin.

      --
      Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
    3. Re:Job Description: by Minupla · · Score: 1

      And any infosec job. From my first training course:

      Instructor: "What's the first duty of an Infosec professional, the thing you should do every single day?"
      Student: "Check the firewall logs?"
      Instructor: "Wrong. The thing you should do every single day is update your resume, because your most critical organizational function to be the one to get fired WHEN, not IF, something goes catastrophically wrong. This is because the bad guys need to get lucky once, you have to be good EVERY TIME."

      Min

      --
      On the whole, I find that I prefer Slashdot posts to twitter ones because I don't get limited to 140 chars before
  12. I'll do it! by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 1

    I'll take the job. If the Earth gets visited by aliens any time before I retire, I'll give all the money back. Deal?

    --
    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  13. Will be filled by H1B ... aliens by billrp · · Score: 2

    no doubt

  14. Re:Yawn by Rei · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Most of the work of planetary protection is just the opposite, preventing Earth microbes from contaminating other worlds. It's just a fancy word for sterilization of spacecraft, and it's stupid that Slashdot is trying to play it up like this. It's like someone who knows nothing about computers writing an article about Google posting an ad for a webmaster, with the headline "Google Seeks Man To Rule The Web!"

    --
    So, apart from that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
  15. Re:Build a Wall by billrp · · Score: 1

    And the wall could be made out of CO2

  16. Kill the Alien Bastards by puddingebola · · Score: 1

    Kill the Alien Bastards. I can see them now, with their gray skin and their large black eyes. Jack Handey knows how to deal with scum like this. Introduce them to the flowers of earth. http://www.newyorker.com/magaz...

  17. I'll do it. by The+Grim+Reefer · · Score: 1

    Here's the plan. We're going to move the entire population of the earth to six cities all lined up in a row and all of the nukes will be launched from three locations. One in the middle of the cities and the other two flanking the cities. I'm going to need control of all nukes and hook all of that up to a radar screen. For controls I need a trackball and three firing buttons to select which location the missiles will be fired from. . Everything that gets past earth orbit gets nuked.

  18. Kind of late in the game by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

    This is like closing the barn door after the horses have run away. We've already been impacted by plenty of fragments from Mars, comets, etc. If there's life elsewhere, it's possible it started via panspermia Then again, that's a pretty big "if" - there's no evidence one way or the other that there's life elsewhere - just WAGs made by wags (definition # 11 - someone not to be taken seriously)..

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
    1. Re:Kind of late in the game by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 1

      1. There is still no evidence of life elsewhere - just guesses, and possiblies. No evidence of life itself. In other words, my original statement stands.

      2. Human life will end at some point no matter what. Even if we avoid every doomsday scenario, it's not like we're not still evolving. It's be like the Neanderthals all over again.

      --
      "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  19. NOTHING to do with "space aliens" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    This job has NOTHING to do with "space aliens" it's about preventing our space missions from contaminating other planets and moons, etc.

    Typical science ignorant press

  20. Re:Yawn by ceoyoyo · · Score: 1

    Does it involve blue goo and Vulcans?

  21. free job by crafoo · · Score: 1

    This sounds like a job written as a hand out to someone's biology PhD buddy. Probably some environmental "scientist" friend that can't find a job.

  22. There's always a catch by mysidia · · Score: 2

    as well as ensuring human space explorers do not damage other planets, moons and objects in space.

    THIS is the hard part of the job.

    Otherwise, I'd go sign up for the $187,000/Year for 3 years, to protect earth from space microbes, BECAUSE the risk of a meaningful incident is extremely miniscule.

    Anyways, they probably don't consider my experience in IT meaningful for what is essentially the same as the hospital safety officers who work to define rules, procedures, and compliance programs for doctors and medical practitioners to ensure safe sanitary practices and isolation of deadly hazards such as ebola.

    1. Re:There's always a catch by Gilgaron · · Score: 2

      I mentioned upthread that if you read the postings the qualifications are more for an engineer than a safety officer. I agree with you that the latter would seem to be who you'd want in this position.

    2. Re:There's always a catch by lgw · · Score: 2

      Thar's a nice salary for a "sanitation engineer".

      --
      Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
  23. Planetary Protection LTG USAF is better by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

    Planetary Protection LTG USAF is better

    1. Re:Planetary Protection LTG USAF is better by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

      Stargate (tv shows) reference

  24. Re:Yawn by Octorian · · Score: 1

    Actually, the original CNBC article is at fault here. It opens as stupid and sensational, without actually attempting to accurately describe the position until the 3rd frigging paragraph.

  25. Re:Build a Wall by Black+LED · · Score: 1

    And the access code can be "12345"?

  26. Re:Yawn by Zocalo · · Score: 1

    No ray guns involved. :-(

    Sadly not, but what about the dresscode policy on capes?

    --
    UNIX? They're not even circumcised! Savages!
  27. why do we need this now? by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 1

    There are millions of automatic transmissions in use. And the epicyclic gear system is common in other places too. None of the gears, not the sun, nor the ring, nor the planetary needs any special protection officer. Why suddenly create one?

    --
    sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
  28. J'onn J'onzz by rlp · · Score: 1

    Thanks, I'd wondered what the Director of the DEO got paid.

    --
    [Insert pithy quote here]
    1. Re:J'onn J'onzz by FranklinWebber · · Score: 1

      Supergirl seems to work for free, though, so that is downward pressure on salaries at the DEO. NASA might need to pay more.

  29. Re:Yawn by Kiaser+Zohsay · · Score: 1

    So they are just looking for someone who can leverage existing basic isolation protocols to create additional protocols for returning missions.

    No ray guns involved. :-(

    Yes but what a great job title. Imagine having "Planetary Protection Office" on your business cards

    But you have to supply your own sunglasses.

    --
    I am not your blowing wind, I am the lightning.
  30. Re:Yawn by ColdWetDog · · Score: 1

    Peril sensitive?

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  31. Re:Yawn by ColdWetDog · · Score: 1

    Now come on Rei. There is little humor and warmth left in our world. Most of our headlines involve either the Trumps doing something short term insane, the climate doing something long term horrible or Slashdot editors mangling a bunch of clickbait stories.

    Oh. Wait.

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  32. Re: Yawn by freeze128 · · Score: 2

    My first thought was Zap Branigan.

  33. Re:Yawn by Salgak1 · · Score: 1

    . . .and of course, Black Suit, thin Black Tie, and Sunglasses. . . .

  34. Roving Security Job Open ? by randalware · · Score: 1

    I want the job of rooting out the 5th columnists that are infected with brain worms and making the earth easier to destroy...

    The ones covering up & helping the NWO, Illuminatii, existance of UFO, advanced offworld tech & pedophile Satanists.

    Bush, Clinton, Rothchilds, JP Morgan, Rockafellers, Monsanto and their ilk lookout...

    Disclousure Now !

    We need to be ready !
    Who is up to no good ?
    Who are allies ?
    Is there a cosmic war ?
    Interstellar travel or multiverse ?
    Gods, Aliens, Demons, Angels ? What are they really ?
    Zero Point Energy ?

    --
    This is my opinion based on what little I know and understand of the rumors and lies Thanks, Randal
  35. Re:Hire creimer! by SScorpio · · Score: 1

    Nah, they'll just leave after being unable to find intelligent life.

  36. I'm not saying it was aliens, but.. by Brett+Buck · · Score: 1

    Er, never mind, I AM saying it was aliens - it's my JOB!

  37. Re:Yawn by Kiaser+Zohsay · · Score: 1

    Peril sensitive?

    Ray Bans will do, as long as they shield you from the effects of the neuralyzer.

    --
    I am not your blowing wind, I am the lightning.
  38. A misleading headline. Gee, what a surprise! by hackel · · Score: 1

    The real work of protecting *other* worlds from US is extremely important as we continue to move closer and closer toward getting to Mars. I'm very glad to see (and not at all surprised) to see NASA continuing to pursue this.

    I thought Slashdot was supposed to be above clickbait... /s

  39. Small salary by minstrelmike · · Score: 1

    Six figures doesn't sound like much to defend the planet.
    I wonder what the aliens would pay.

  40. The US found a creative way to police space by TheOuterLinux · · Score: 1

    Remember, NASA is just as much "government" as the Air Force. China wants to build a station on the moon. As an Planetary Protection Officer, I say that they're not doing it up to "code" and will therefore assume jurisdiction because I say so. Private mining companies are talking about mining asteroids. As an Planetary Protection Officer, I'm going to have to inspect those precious rare metals for "safety." It's going to be expensive and a lot of paper work. It's "not my fault; bureaucracy is to blame." I can't wait for the commission and bullshit government bonuses. Want to go to Mars? I have to go with you and the equipment I take with me to setup while there is none of your damn business. Normal police get $30K average a year. By that logic and taking account of the 120K full time officers in the U.S., will there be about 20-30K Planetary Protection Officers? NASA currently has about 18K employees.

  41. Idiots -- job is impossible. by UnknownSoldier · · Score: 1

    Anyone with half a brain knows this job is complete bullshit.

    So aliens have the technology to travel half-way across the galaxy via FTL and our primitive technology will stop them???

    /sarcasm Riiight.

    Can I have some of what you are smoking please!? Because someone has been watching too much Independence Day.

  42. Re:Yawn by ewhenn · · Score: 1

    One web to rule them all!

  43. Largesse by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

    This is why $18.4 in tax payer funds falling from the sky accomplishes no space victories for us.

    As a conservative I'd be genuinely interested in hearing Bernie explain if this nonsense promotes the general welfare socialists talk about all the time.

    I don't see any governments or government coalitions landing anyone on the moon or mars in our lifetimes or any point in the future.

  44. Re:Yawn by thomst · · Score: 1

    Octorian pointed out:

    Actually, the original CNBC article is at fault here. It opens as stupid and sensational, without actually attempting to accurately describe the position until the 3rd frigging paragraph.

    So, in other words, business as usual for cable news "journalism" ... ?

    --
    Check out my novel.
  45. Obligatory xkcd by pgn674 · · Score: 1

    Distant Death

  46. I Qualify by tinkerton · · Score: 1

    "We need to invest heavily in the military to defend ourselves against potential alien attack. More nukes, more missiles, new defense programs. "

    There. I pretty much have got the job.

    1. Re:I Qualify by ewibble · · Score: 1

      I am not sure if you are being sarcastic or not but if you aren't.

      We have absolutely no idea if nukes will have any significant effect on the aliens, or just annoy them so they wipe us out faster.

      These aliens must have traveled light years with an army, we can barely get a few people to the moon.

      Our best hope is just to advance our technology, without wasting our resources on building up a weapons that we have no idea will work. That is just ignore the hypothetical problem.

    2. Re:I Qualify by tinkerton · · Score: 1

      I'm being cynical I think. It's a 'follow the money' reasoning. I really believe this kind of attitude gets people to support you when you want to rise to influential positions.
      And that is also why we're in infinitely more danger of destroying ourselves than being destroyed by aliens.

      Just ignoring the hypothetical problem makes perfect sense.

  47. Applying now by no1nose · · Score: 1

    Job sounds extremely awesome: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob...

    Job Overview

    Summary

    About the Agency

    This position is assigned to Office of Safety and Mission Assurance for Planetary Protection. Planetary protection is concerned with the avoidance of organic-constituent and biological contamination in human and robotic space exploration. NASA maintains policies for planetary protection applicable to all space flight missions that may intentionally or unintentionally carry Earth organisms and organic constituents to the planets or other solar system bodies, and any mission employing spacecraft, which are ntended to return to Earth and its biosphere with samples from extraterrestrial targets of exploration. This policy is based on federal requirements and international treaties and agreements.

    Current Agency policy requires the SL appointments be time-limited. The initial appointment will be for 3 years, with the possibility of extending for an additional 2 years. The selectee for this position will receive a temporary promotion. Employee will then return to a grade level no lower than the grade previously held at the home center. This temporary promotion may be converted to permanent without further competition.

    Duties
    The Planetary Protection Officer (PPO) is responsible for the leadership of NASA's planetary protection capability, maintenance of planetary protection policies, and oversight of their implementation by NASAs space flight missions. The PPO also supports the Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Technical Authority and serves as a principal advisory resource for the Chief, SMA and other senior officials on matters pertaining to planetary protection. The PPO is the Agency's focal point for interactions with external organizations on matters related to planetary protection. Primarily the Planetary Protection Officer performs the following:

    Leads planning and coordination of activities related to NASA mission planetary protection needs.

    Leads independent evaluation of, and provides advice regarding, compliance by robotic and human spaceflight missions with NASA planetary protection policies, statutory requirements and international obligations.

    Advises the Chief, SMA and other officials regarding the merit and implications of programmatic decisions involving risks to planetary protection objectives.

    In coordination with relevant offices, leads interactions with COSPAR, National Academies, and advisory committees on planetary protection matters.

    Recommends and leads the preparation of new or revised NASA standards and directives in accordance with established processes and guidelines.

    Supervisory Status
    No

    Promotion Potential
    00

  48. Re:Yawn by Aighearach · · Score: 1

    pewpewpewpewpewpewpewpewpewpewpewpewpew!

    Oh no, missed.

  49. Re:Yawn by Aighearach · · Score: 1

    "Whatever the problem, solve it with fire!"

    That's how they do it on the planet Flame.

  50. Re:Yawn by Aighearach · · Score: 1

    As long as you know not to click the link, it won't really matter what the story was.

  51. Futurama! by antdude · · Score: 1

    Get Philip J. Fry to do it: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/...

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  52. Re: Yawn by KGIII · · Score: 1

    I am expecting:

    You'll be mad when you read about this newest exploit in IoT!

    --
    "So long and thanks for all the fish."
  53. Re: Zenos paradox by KGIII · · Score: 1

    He had more than one. That one is about the man and a tortoise having a race. His problem was that he used chunks of time, as opposed to arrows of time. He was brilliant, in his day. He was a true philosopher who really lent a lot to the concept of infinity. I'm sure Wikipedia has an article.

    --
    "So long and thanks for all the fish."
  54. Re:Yawn by DarthVain · · Score: 1

    Hopefully they get issued a nice shiny metallic badge in a leather case. I would then intentionally speed around in my car hopefully to get pulled over by the police, then leave my badge out on my dash.

    "Oh that? Yeah I am a Planetary Protection Officer..."

    "I think he might outrank us..."

  55. Re:Yawn by tigersha · · Score: 1

    "Illegal Alien Hunter" is probably no going to go down well on that card.

    --
    The dangers of excessive individualism are nothing compared to the oppressiveness of excessive collectivism
  56. Re:Sure, I'll protect your planet from alien micro by ebvwfbw · · Score: 1

    Not so fast. Take the "spanish flu" during WW I. That killed a lot of people and it killed them on both sides of the fighting lines. So there is an example where we didn't have cross contamination because of war yet it was on both sides at the same time. It was a space microbe, clearly.

    So WTH do you do about that?

    Never the less, you could have that job for a really long time. We may never have another instance of a space microbe killing us. We could also have one next week.

  57. Re:Yawn by mcswell · · Score: 1

    Right, but you only have to buy the suit once.

  58. Re:Zenos paradox by mcswell · · Score: 1

    "There are an infinite number of halves." No, only finite.

    On the other hand, there is probably an infinite number of halve-nots.

  59. still waiting by mcswell · · Score: 1

    Where's the job for the xenolinguist? That's the one I'm waiting for.

          Emilio Sandoz