Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST at the GS-1301-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

• We are seeking a candidate with a preferred strong academic background in nuclear science or nuclear engineering, such as might be attained via a Ph.D. degree program, and past experience in radiological/nuclear (R/N) detection. The candidate should be able to analyze R/N threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational, scientific and policy solutions to the Contingency and Exercises Department and supported units. The candidate's background in R/N detection development and detection theory should accompany the ability to effectively communicate and instruct both technical and non-technical audiences, from the individual to the senior official level, in conducting effective R/N search operations. The prospective candidate should have experience in the interpretation of both detection and spectroscopic R/N data, and the operational recommendations that would accompany data analysis and interpretation. The focus of this position is not research, but instead is the training, advising and assisting of tactical units while deployed into a wide variety of environments.
• Participate as a member of the Technical Support Group (TSG) to deploy in support of Combatant Commander and other federal D/As in R/N emergency response events and training.
• Provide expert scientific, technical, policy advice, opinions and recommendations.
• Serve as focal point by providing support and input into program planning, management, review, and oversight of specific Research and Development programs related to radiological/nuclear matters. · Develop authoritative analysis and reports.
• Conduct formal presentations and briefings within DTRA, other DoD components and agencies, federal D/A's, and allied partners on R/N response capabilities, technical challenges, program, and policies.
• Provide input to the planning and conducting of major studies of extreme difficulty involving key DTRA and DoD national defense and other U.S. D/As/R/N programs, national security policies, and regulatory requirements, to include relevant Host-Nation (HN) and international requirements, to provide findings and technical solutions.
• Implements broad inter-service, interagency and international R/N national security programs and policies
• Assist in the development, documentation and communication of region-specific R/N detection Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs).
• Makes formal presentations and briefings within DTRA, other DoD components, government agencies, federal agencies, and allied partner nations. Develops authoritative analyses and reports.
• Responsible for providing operational and scientific emergency response support to the OSD, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commanders and other federal D/As in R/N event response activities.
• Serve as a Department focal point by providing support and input to program planning, management, review, and oversight of specific short duration R&D programs related to radiological/nuclear matters.
• Maintains liaison with appropriate offices and individuals to keep them abreast of significant accomplishments, changes, and other substantive events; and to remain knowledgeable of achievements elsewhere, especially with developing R/N detection technology.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Work Schedule: Fulltime
• Overtime: Occasionally during exercise and real-world crisis. Position is designated "key" which requires the incumbent, or designated alternate, to be screened for readiness and recall status
• Tour of Duty: Flexible, Position is subject to rotational assignments
• Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Not Required
• Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
• Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition
• Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not qualified for this position, and will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense.
• False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001) (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922 (g) (91).
• This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E).In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by the proper authority
• May be required to take part in readiness exercises, position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively
• Must pass a pre-employment physical prior to entry onto duty. Must meet the physical and medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
• Pre-employment Physical Required: Incumbent must be capable of standing for long periods (8 hours), and be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a protective mask; may be exposed to CBRN hazards as well as hostile forces;
• Must be capable of lifting/assisting in the lifting of loads up to 50 lb. Must be able to work in harsh conditions. Incumbent will participate in specialized classroom and field training related to the position.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301 series.

1. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

   or

2. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

AND

You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:

• Utilizing field radiological/nuclear (R/N) detection and detectors (with knowledge of their capabilities) during scenarios for WMD response training, exercises, and real world events;
• Calculating the effects of radiation shielding and associated doses; Interpret radiological data and spectra;
• Utilizing experience with nuclear weapons design and associated technology in support of Combatant Command and/or other federal departments/agencies emergency response events;
• Participating in radiological/nuclear (R/N) response operations

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.

Other Notes:

• This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E). In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by the proper authority. The incumbent may be required to take part in readiness exercises. The position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively; therefore, the position is designated "key" which requires the incumbent, or designated alternate, to be screened for readiness and recall status.
• Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922 (g) (91). Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001).
• Pre-Employment Physical Required: Must be capable of lifting and carrying, for short distances, loads up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods (8 hours), and be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a body armor and a protective mask; may be required to participate in the DoD Immunization Program. The incumbent may be exposed to CBRN and hostile enemy threats. The work may require long hours in a field environment and under austere conditions.
• The incumbent must be able to work under periods of extreme pressure resulting from program demands not entirely within the control of the Department Director. The incumbent must be able to work odd/extended hours as dictated by program requirements or in support of contingency operations.
• Requires pre-employment and annual deployment physical exams. Must meet the physical requirements and the medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
• Must be willing to work overtime during exercises and real world crises. Compensatory time may be required to accomplish operational needs of the organization.
• Completed formal course work in nuclear chemistry, nuclear/sub-atomic physics or nuclear engineering preferred.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position.

Competencies:

• Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) / Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN)
• Nuclear Physics
• Oral Communication
• Planning and Evaluating
• Test and Evaluation
• Written Communication

Based on the results of this evaluation, you will be placed in one of the following quality categories:

Best Qualified: This highest category will be used for those candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s), as determined by the job analysis.
Highly Qualified: This higher category will be used for those candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s) as determined by the job analysis.
Qualified: This lowest category will be used for those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications of the position, including all selective placement factors and appropriate quality ranking factor(s) and are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position. Candidates may require extensive training and/or orientation in order to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Category-Rating

Names of the candidates in the Best Qualified category will be sent first to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Applicants in other categories will be referred in accordance with category rating procedures.

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are entitled to veterans' preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Qualified veterans' preference eligible with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on the position and grade level of the job.
For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are claiming military spouse preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed below preference eligible veteran candidates and above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package.