The Council on Excellence in Government recently released its latest Prune Book, listing the toughest jobs in government (tough from a management perspective).  The name is inspired by the government’s Plum Book, a listing of jobs that the president appoints.

Paul Light, a noted scholar on effective government and presidential transitions, highlighted what he considers ten sub-Cabinet level jobs from the Prune Book that are particularly difficult.  Part of the challenge for each of these positions is dealing with recent failures and the associated increased scrutiny.  Science and technology play a role in a few of them.  The list after the jump.

Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food Safety

Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration

Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security

Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service

Commissioner of the Social Security Agency

Undersecretary of Veterans’ Affairs for Benefits

While the actions (or lack thereof) in these positions can attract attention and outrage, some of them also reinforce the idea that the effective use of science and technology pervades many parts of government.  While having scientists or technologists in those positions may or may not be desirable, I think having people familiar with the potential and drawbacks of science and technology – a better understanding of what it is and is not capable of – would be useful.