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Duties

Summary

The U.S. Secret Service, Office of Technical Development and Mission Support, Technical Security Division, is responsible for providing a technically secure environment for the President at the White House, Vice Presidential Residence, and such places that the President and Vice President may be temporarily located and providing technical security for other protectees during travel and at their residences, as directed or requested. For more information on the Secret Service click here.
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Responsibilities
The Office of Technical Development and Mission Support, Technical Security Division is seeking to hire talented individuals to provide overall program and project planning, coordination, management, and quality assurance for interrelated technical areas including, but not limited to: chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) threat detection and countermeasures; infrastructure protection; and protective equipment for CBRNE safety.

If selected, you will serve as a scientist on specialized projects and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in developing, formulating, planning, managing, directing and executing operational programs, thus promoting best practices and enhancing the agency’s investigative and protective missions.
- Develop, test, and evaluate tools, systems and protocols for the detection, containment and disposition of CBRNE materials;
- Participate in interagency ad-hoc working groups for CBRNE detection and protection protocols;
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to assure that mission requirements and performance metrics are met, utilizing best practices and applicable scientific methods to ensure “real time” data/information throughout the contract/program life cycle;
- Prepare and provide briefings for USSS leadership and other stakeholders;
- Support fixed-site, temporary-site and laboratory operations;
- Prepare operational and maintenance specifications and guides for end-users; provide training and technical briefings to end-users regarding the use, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment; and
- Support the development of contract requirements and the administration of contracts.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

14
Job family (Series)

1320 Chemistry
Similar jobs
- Chemists
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Requirements

Conditions of Employment
- Obtain and maintain a Top Secret (Tier 5) security clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page.
- Successfully complete a polygraph examination.
- Pass a drug test (urinalysis).
- Shift work may be required.
- Must be able to work holidays, evenings, weekends and during inclement weather and government shutdowns as required to support operations.
- Certify you have registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, or certify you are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
- Financial disclosure report required for GS-13 and above.
- Obtaining Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) certification maybe required after hired.
Qualifications

You must demonstrate at least one (1) year of the defined specialized experience listed below and meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR).

Specialized experience is defined as performing such duties as:

GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11 ($72,030) you must have a least one year of specialized experience performing such duties as providing input based on definitive facts and scientific data to allow leadership to make defensible decisions; serving as a scientist on projects and collaborating with stakeholders; utilizing a variety of technical and sample collection tools, hazards detection systems, decontamination products, and best practices to allow for improvements in hazards screening and mitigation capabilities; applying basic principles and theories to assure reliability of system performance throughout its life and ensuring equipment is properly maintained; and utilizing knowledge of the principles and practices of chemistry and chemical analysis in order to assist in the enhancement of existing methods.

GS-12: To qualify for the GS-12 (starting salary $86,335) you must have a least one year of specialized experience performing such duties as utilizing scientific or technical training in the concepts, principles, and techniques associated with the chemical sciences; utilizing or applying knowledge towards a variety of technical and advanced sample collection tools, hazards detection systems, decontamination products, and best practices to allow for improvements in hazards screening and mitigation capabilities; testing and evaluating protocols for new CBRNE detection and mitigation systems and state-of-the-art technology for the detection of hazardous materials; implementing standards and test plans and applying basic principles and theories to assure reliability of system performance; and performing related statistical analysis and calibration functions.

GS-13: To qualify for the GS-13 (starting salary $102,663) you must have a least one year of specialized experience performing such duties as utilizing concepts, principles, and practices associated with the chemical sciences to serve as a technical authority; incorporating technical guidelines in order to resolve problems for which accepted methods are not directly applicable; utilizing or applying knowledge towards a wide variety of highly technical and advanced sample collection tools, hazards detection systems, decontamination products, and best practices to allow for improvements in hazards screening and mitigation capabilities; testing, evaluating, and developing protocols for new CBRNE detection and mitigation systems and state-of-the-art technology for the detection of hazardous materials; implementing standards and test plans and applying advanced principles and theories to assure reliability of system performance; and performing related statistical analysis and calibration functions.

GS-14: To qualify for the GS-14 (starting salary $121,316) you must have a least one year of specialized performing such duties as utilizing advanced concepts, principles, and practices associated with the chemical sciences to serve as a technical authority; evaluating the latest developments in the chemical sciences field to resolve problems for which accepted methods are not directly applicable; utilizing and maintaining, or applying knowledge towards, a wide variety of highly technical and advanced sample collection tools, hazards detection systems, decontamination products, and best practices to allow for improvements in hazards screening and mitigation capabilities; serving as a technical advisor in regard to the feasibility and application of new scientific studies and major advances in protective and/or investigative technology; recommending the resolution of complex chemical or scientific issues; and developing standards and test plans to assure reliability of system performance.

AND

OPMs Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) is defined as:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/chemistry-series-1320/

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. Information about ICTAP eligibility can be found by clicking here to access OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must meet the basic requirement and specialized experience as described above for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

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.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Please see the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) referenced in the "Qualification" section.

Additional information

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

E-Verify Statement: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

It is federal government policy not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties through no fault of their own. For more information on this subject click here.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

This position may require a credit check after initial job qualifications have been determined.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy https://www.opm.gov/about-us/our-people-organization/support-functions/equal-employment-opportunity/

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

"This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) direct-hire authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Applicants who meet the basic requirement and specialized experience for the position will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Veterans’ preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the announcement.”

Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices and reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
- Professional knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of Chemistry.
- Knowledge and/or experience to provide consultation addressing a wide variety of complex and analytical issues.
- Skill in written and oral communications to a diverse audience. Must be able to communicate effectively with technicians, senior scientists, commanders, etc.
- Ability to review complex analytical data using basic chemical and instrumental knowledge and apply laboratory policies and procedures to draw conclusions as to the validity and reliability of the data.
- Ability to observe standard policies, practices, and methods, draw conclusions to enhance or monitor the quality of them and propose improvements if required.
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct work and programs in situations where numerous diverse demands are involved.
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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Top Secret

Drug test required

Yes

Position sensitivity and risk

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Trust determination process

Credentialing, Suitability/Fitness, National security
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Required Documents

Please see "How to Apply" section.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.
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Benefits
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. Learn more about federal benefits.

The USSS offers its employees a wide range of benefits including:
- Federal health insurance
- Life insurance coverage
- Leave for personal, recreational, and health needs
- Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) Plan)
- Flexible work schedules
- Telework
- Transit and child care subsidies
- Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment
- Training and development
- Relocation may be paid
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.
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How to Apply

Instructions for Submitting Resumes and Applicable Documents

All resumes, unofficial college transcripts, and certifications MUST be submitted to Chemist11-14@USSS.DHS.GOV and include work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. You must submit college transcripts with your resume to receive consideration.

Special Priority Selection rights under ICTAP: Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered well qualified, you must meet the specialized experience and OPM’s Individual Occupational Requirements as listed in the Qualifications Section. The subject line of your email should state ICTAP.

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Agency contact information

Talent & Emp Acq Mgmt Div

Phone

202-406-6420

Fax

999-999-9999

Email

hrsupport@usss.dhs.gov

Address

United States Secret Service (DHS-USSS)
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20223
United States

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Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. You will only be contacted if your resume/documents are deemed to meet the OPM Qualifications Standard and if you are selected for an interview. Otherwise, you will be notified at the conclusion of the open period.

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Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
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Legal and regulatory guidance

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/587642000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Chemist (Public Notice Flyer)

Department of Homeland Security

Overview

Open & closing dates

Service

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Relocation expenses reimbursed

Telework eligible

Duties

Summary

Responsibilities

Travel Required

Supervisory status

Promotion Potential

Job family (Series)

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