This position located in the Science, Technology Assessment and Analytics (STAA). The STAA will be devoted to enhancing and expanding its support to Congress in conducting technology assessments, oversight of federal science and technology programs, and development of innovative analytical techniques in carrying out audits and evaluations.
Summary
This position located in the Science, Technology Assessment and Analytics (STAA). The STAA will be devoted to enhancing and expanding its support to Congress in conducting technology assessments, oversight of federal science and technology programs, and development of innovative analytical techniques in carrying out audits and evaluations.
The GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. This position is also being announced under the Agency's Merit Promotion procedures for federal employees and non-competitive appointment eligibles. If you wish to be considered under Merit Promotion or Non-Competitive procedures, you MUST apply under the Merit Promotion announcement GAO-19-STAA-1301-05-MP.
Support or lead the execution of technology assessments, technical performance audits or audits with physical science-related components, and Comptroller General Forums and Roundtables to include, but not limited to, the following array of nuclear physics issues:
Nuclear nonproliferation,
Technologies and design principles for nuclear waste management facilities and systems,
Nuclear weapons systems,
Radiation/nuclear detection systems,
Nuclear reactor design and regulation, and
Nuclear sustainment and command and control systems.
Provides expert level advice and support to engagement teams across GAO on all nuclear physics/technical aspects of relevant engagements in accordance with GAO standards. Other science and technology issues may also be supported by this position.
Provides technical support/advice to the Congress and/or agencies in accordance with congressional direction or request.
Evaluates and analyzes data to determine relevance and reliability. Performs indexing and referencing tasks to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Develops findings and policy options for technology assessment work and recommendations for performance audit work and drafts reports that provide factual and analytical information in a clear, balanced manner that meets the needs of congressional clients
You may be required to submit a financial disclosure statement.
You must be suitable for federal employment.
Employees new to GAO must complete a two year probationary period
Registered for Selective Service, if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
Qualifications
Applicants must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower band level, or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service, which has equipped the applicant with the skills and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as demonstrated experience providing expert consultation on a variety of nuclear scientific disciplines and issues (including nuclear nonproliferation, technologies and design principles for nuclear waste management facilities and systems, nuclear weapons systems, radiation/nuclear detection systems, nuclear reactor design and regulation, and nuclear sustainment and command and control systems) to internal and external customers; and practical experience in executing, evaluating, assessing, or auditing government, private sector, or non-profit scientific or technological programs.
Note: Positions in GAO are covered under the agency's performance based compensation system, which is pay banded. This position is classified as a PE-1301-IIA, which is equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal government.
You must meet all the requirements before the announcements closes.
Education
This position has a positive education requirement. Documentation to verify your education MUST be submitted with your application in order to be considered.
Physical Scientist - Series 1301
A. 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.
B. 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.
Additional information
This is a bargaining unit position.
Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
Selectee may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Statement.
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.
Males born after 12/31/59 and at least 18 years of age must be registered with the Selective Service System. Visit http://www.sss.gov/.
Please be aware that applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306.
If you are selected for this position, you will be subject to a determination of your suitability for Federal employment.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The U.S. GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the GAO require completion of a one-year or two-year probationary period.
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.
Individuals selected will be eligible for a full range of federal employment benefits including vacation and sick leave, retirement coverage and Thrift Savings Plan, and health and life insurance. A complete list of benefits is available on the web at http://www.gao.gov/careers/benefits.html
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.
The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. If you meet all of the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Please make sure that your responses to the assessment questions are supported in your resume. Follow all instructions carefully as incomplete answers, errors, or omissions may affect your rating. Your rating will be invalid if you fail to include a narrative reply to any vacancy question(s) that requires further explanation or your reply is "see resume."
All applicants will be rated based on their responses to the assessment questions, in conjunction with the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):
Extensive professional knowledge of a variety of physical science disciplines and interrelated advanced concepts, including theories, principles, practices, and techniques of nuclear, solid state, high-energy, materials, and/or geological physics or chemistry, among others.
Mastery of qualitative and quantitative techniques for analyzing science and technology-related policies, and evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of scientific or technical government programs and/or operations. Familiarity with the coordination and execution of technology maturation and testing regimes for next generation technologies is also desired.
Mastery of analytical concepts, principles, and practices related to detailed science and technology policy analysis and documentation to conduct the data collection, review, and analysis processes of the engagement.
Skill in selecting, organizing, and presenting appropriate information in a concise and balanced manner as well as skill in communicating such information to target audiences.
Ability to conduct research and develop reliable evidence to support report findings, policy options, and/or recommendations.
Veterans Preference applies to this announcement. For more information regarding veterans’ preference please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/index.aspx
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.
Individuals selected will be eligible for a full range of federal employment benefits including vacation and sick leave, retirement coverage and Thrift Savings Plan, and health and life insurance. A complete list of benefits is available on the web at http://www.gao.gov/careers/benefits.html
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.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service.
- If you are claiming veterans’ preference you must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. To claim 5-Point veterans' preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of the DD - 214 or if you are currently active duty and are within 120 days of discharge or release from active duty, you must submit certification of expected discharge or release under honorable conditions with your application. The certification must be an official statement of service from the armed forces command.
- Current or former federal employees may submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent), showing tenure, type of service (competitive/excepted) and the highest grade held.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
1. To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." 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.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume to complete an analysis. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service.
- If you are claiming veterans’ preference you must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. To claim 5-Point veterans' preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of the DD - 214 or if you are currently active duty and are within 120 days of discharge or release from active duty, you must submit certification of expected discharge or release under honorable conditions with your application. The certification must be an official statement of service from the armed forces command.
- Current or former federal employees may submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent), showing tenure, type of service (competitive/excepted) and the highest grade held.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
1. To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." 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.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume to complete an analysis. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
