This position is located at the Forensic Exploitation Directorate (FXD), Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) in Ft. Gillem, GA. Forensic Exploitation Directorate (FXD), Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) is an organization that provides forensic laboratory support to Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), intelligence organizations and legal agencies, as well as other federal and non-federal agencies. This is a deployable position and will normally be deployed 6 months out of every 24 months. Moving expenses may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and agency determination that PCS move is in the Government interest.
Who May Apply:
U.S. Citizens
Summary
This position is located at the Forensic Exploitation Directorate (FXD), Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) in Ft. Gillem, GA. Forensic Exploitation Directorate (FXD), Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) is an organization that provides forensic laboratory support to Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), intelligence organizations and legal agencies, as well as other federal and non-federal agencies. This is a deployable position and will normally be deployed 6 months out of every 24 months. Moving expenses may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and agency determination that PCS move is in the Government interest.
As a Physical Scientist (Forensic Firearms & Toolmark Examiner), you will be responsible for the following:
Conducts full range of forensic examinations on physical evidence/material for firearms, toolmarks, and ammunition analysis in support of criminal investigations and military operations.
Conducts comprehensive examinations of firearms and toolmark related material using a variety of specialized equipment and technical processing procedures while upholding quality assurance and quality control measures.
Conducts visual, physical, chemical, photographic, and other scientific and instrumental examinations to form a scientific opinion/findings while maintaining integrity of submitted evidence/material.
Serves as an expert in the analysis of firearms and toolmarks responsible for providing technical consultation, advice to scientific personnel, conducting tours or briefs, and training of both scientists and military personnel.
Reviews laboratory examinations requests for confirmation of type of examinations needed/required on submitted evidence/material.
Maintaining of the integrity of submitted evidence/material throughout analytical processes while in analyst's custody.
Participates in improvement measures for
laboratory analysis and processes to include research and development efforts
of new or improved equipment, programs, methods, or procedures.
Prepare formal
technical written reports suitable for legal proceedings and intelligence
exploitation which states results, interpretation, and professional
opinions/conclusions.
These duties are described at the full performance level GS-13. The GS-09, GS-11, and GS-12 are developmental leading to such performance.
Other Requirements: Click here for expanded definitions.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
One year trial/probationary period may be required.
Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
This position requires a Secret Security Clearance.
Physical Exam Requirements: Incumbent must obtain and pass a medical examination prior to employment.
Travel, involving extend time periods, will be required in response to
life-cycle training, courts, and crime scenes worldwide.
Must participate in DNA profiling database within the DFSC.
Position is subject to Lautenberg/Domestic Violence Misdemeanor amendments.
May be required to carry a firearm.
Job will require shift work with normal 8-hour shifts but may require working
extended 12- hour shifts, 7 days a week to meet mission requirements. Incumbent
of this position will be subject to on-call and irregular work hours.
These positions require extended temporary duty (TDY) business travel up to 35%
of the time, and/or deployment to contingency and/or humanitarian relief areas,
worldwide, in support of the mission of the DFSC.
Emergency Essential position. This position is considered essential to support
Department of the Army's mobilization and wartime mission during periods of
increasing tension or mobilization. Position is considered emergency essential
because (1) no qualified and immediate replacement exists and (2) leaving
position vacant would (a) impair the effective operations of essential military
support systems, or (b) adversely impact the combat mission of deployed forces.
Applicants must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of
appointment, must maintain license while employed in the position, and will be
required to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable Office of
Personnel Management (OPM) regulations and related requirements of Department of
the Army.
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirements: A degree in physical sciences, 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 A combination of education and experience - course work equivalent to a major as shown above, including at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Experience required: 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
GS-09: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Experience and knowledge of laboratory processes to include safety protocols and performing scientific analyses. Experience
and knowledge of laboratory processes to include safety protocols and
performing scientific analyses.
or
Education Substitution for Specialized Experience for the GS-09: Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related from an accredited college or university.(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
or
Combination of Specialized Experience and Education for the GS-09: You must possess some specialized experience as described above, but less than one year; and have more than one year of graduate level education, but less than two years of graduate-level education as described above. If you have computed the percentage of the requirements that are meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education in excess of 18 hours (total semesters hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify) (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-07.
GS-11: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Forensic laboratory experience and knowledge of firearms and toolmark examination to include organizing casework, following prescribed methods and guidelines, and recognizing conditions and results that may affect the findings; and processing physical evidence and material as a forensic firearms and toolmark examiner.
or
Education Substitution for Specialized Experience for the GS-11: Successful completion of a PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related from an accredited college or university.(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
or
Combination of Specialized Experience and Education for the GS-09: You must possess some specialized experience as described above, but less than one year; and have more than one year of graduate level education, but less than three years of graduate-level education as described above. If you have computed the percentage of the requirements that are meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education in excess of 36 hours (total semesters hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify) (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-09.
GS-12: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Plan and execute complex studies; use conventional methods and techniques in adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance; performing bullet comparisons, cartridge case comparisons, toolmark examinations, and serial number restorations, and issuing reports of scientific results.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-11.
GS-13: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Planning, executing, and reporting on original studies or ongoing studies requiring a fresh approach to resolve new problems; defending analytical approach and results against rigorous cross-examination; and assisting in the training of other examiners in the areas of forensic firearms and toolmark examination.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-12.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills, abilities) in the following areas:
Skill in firearms identification and comparison techniques
Skill in toolmark identification and comparison techniques
Ability to prepare laboratory reports
Ability to use office automation/specialized computer software
Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered for this position. You must include this information with your application package.
Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications and http://www.ed.gov/adminis/finaid/accred/index/html.
Education
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you may qualify if your education meets the definitions below:
GS-09: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related from an accredited college or university.
GS-11: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related from an accredited college or university.
GS-12: no substitution of education for experience is permitted
GS-13: no substitution of education for experience is permitted
Additional information
Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Department of Defense offers an excellent benefits program. In addition to your take-home pay, your comprehensive compensation/benefits package will include most of the benefits described in the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
Basis for Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.
Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
Highly Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority. See Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Department of Defense offers an excellent benefits program. In addition to your take-home pay, your comprehensive compensation/benefits package will include most of the benefits described in the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist (External).
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Your resume:
Your resume may be submitted in any format.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified." See: Transcripts and Licenses
If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents follow the directions located at: Faxing Applications and Documents The Vacancy ID is 1962099. You will need the questionnaire, View Occupational Questionnaire, to complete your faxed application
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Monday, May 29, 2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed (i.e., resume) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Faxed documents must be completely transmitted by 11:59p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement.
The Department of the Army provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the servicing civilian personnel unit. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
DA NCR Fort Belvoir
Please contact by email
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position.
If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
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 "incomplete application" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
Please send questions regarding the status of your applicant, eligibility of qualifications determination to the agency contact information, listed above.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist (External).
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Your resume:
Your resume may be submitted in any format.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified." See: Transcripts and Licenses
If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents follow the directions located at: Faxing Applications and Documents The Vacancy ID is 1962099. You will need the questionnaire, View Occupational Questionnaire, to complete your faxed application
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Monday, May 29, 2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed (i.e., resume) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Faxed documents must be completely transmitted by 11:59p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement.
The Department of the Army provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the servicing civilian personnel unit. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
DA NCR Fort Belvoir
Please contact by email
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position.
If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
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 "incomplete application" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
Please send questions regarding the status of your applicant, eligibility of qualifications determination to the agency contact information, listed above.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
