Job summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. This position will support the Federal Government's response efforts to COVID-19.

Major duties

*****Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to grade level***** Apply scientific expertise and analytical methodologies applicable to the hazardous and toxic waste contamination investigation programs. Evaluate workflow and production within the laboratory to identify significant trends, and assist with developing and implementing corrective or improvement actions. Analyze test results, calibrator performance and control values to identify statistically significant trends then develop and implement recommendations for corrective action to ensure integrity of results. Participate in investigating and resolving technical problems associated with assigned areas of responsibility in a timely, efficient and correct manner. Provide testing, investigative support, technical assistance. Respond to management assigned taskings and abides by laws, regulations and established policy.

Qualification

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: FOR GS-11: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying knowledge of analytical chemical principles, theories and practices sufficient to perform a full range of complex analysis and investigative duties. FOR GS-12: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying knowledge of the use and capabilities of laboratory instrumentation to include understanding of the chemical principles, theories, practices, and established methodologies sufficient to evaluate and understand synergistic relationship of to unrelated properties. FOR GS-13: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing the full range duties to develop, adapt, and evaluate methods and procedures that require instrumental analysis; applying knowledge of chemical laboratory hazards and related safety procedures. FOR GS-14: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying expert knowledge of analytic and evaluative methods plus thorough understanding of commercial and regulatory of chemical standards for the purpose of development of guidelines, criteria, and instructions for major agency activities. FOR GS-15: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying mastery of scientific method and technical management acumen to independently conduct and oversee complex special scientific and engineering studies in areas where little knowledge has been assembled or in areas uncharted by previous work or theories. To view additional qualifying information, click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/chemistry-series-1320/ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Knowledge of analytical chemical principles, theories and practices sufficient to perform a full range of complex analysis and investigative duties. Ability to independently design and conduct complex studies and investigations recommending appropriate courses of action. Ability to independently accomplish administrative and technical programs. Knowledge of procedures and related statistical requirements associated with analytical laboratory quality assurance and control. Ability to effectively, efficiently and persuasively communicate , orally and in writing, with people at all levels of government. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Evaluations

Your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications. Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.