This position is part of DTRA. The incumbent serves as a Scientific Advisor to the assigned Technical Support Group (TSG) Chief in the Contingency Operations Department and provides scientific and technical expertise to DoD, National Security Staff, and other USG senior officials to prevent, protect, respond, and recover from radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats or incidents. Serves as TSG expert for response capabilities, programs, technology, operations, and U.S. policies addressing R/N threat.
Summary
This position is part of DTRA. The incumbent serves as a Scientific Advisor to the assigned Technical Support Group (TSG) Chief in the Contingency Operations Department and provides scientific and technical expertise to DoD, National Security Staff, and other USG senior officials to prevent, protect, respond, and recover from radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats or incidents. Serves as TSG expert for response capabilities, programs, technology, operations, and U.S. policies addressing R/N threat.
This position is being filled under DoD Modified Direct Hire Authority, Section 1109; PL, 116-92, dated 12/20/2019 .
As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST (STEM) at the GS-1301-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:
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.
We are seeking a candidate with a 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.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Overtime: Occasionally, Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization. Must be willing to work overtime during exercise play and real-world crisis.
Tour of Duty: Flexible
Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Financial Disclosure: Not Required
Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible, on a situational basis
COVID19: All Federal Employees must be fully vaccinated by November 22, 2021. Please see, additional information.
Subject to the 5 year foreign area limitation DODI 1400.25-V1230 72612.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic random drug testing thereafter. Pre-employment and annual deployment physical exams are required.
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 proper authority.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport.
Travel in the performance of temporary assignments may be required up to 25% of duty time, and up to (but not limited to) 90 days annually in temporary duty travel, sometimes on short notice, in the United States and foreign countries.
Subject to the Lautenberg Amendment. This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Must be able to qualify with a pistol according to Army standards.
Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS-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 as listed below:
Analyze radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational, scientific and policy solutions to the organization and supported units.
Utilize field radiological/nuclear (R/N) detectors and apply knowledge of field detection capabilities and limitations, with experience interpreting both detection and spectroscopic R/N data and making operational recommendations.
Calculate the effects of radiation shielding for both detection and force.
Apply knowledge of nuclear weapon designs and radiological threats in support of emergency response events.
Participate in radiological/nuclear (R/N) response operations, exercises and training.
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.
B. In addition to meeting qualifications above (part A), your application package must reflect the applicable education/experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1301, series as listed below:
1. Physical Scientist(1301) series: 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.
INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS: Overseas tour of duty for is projected to be 36 months.
You may be required sign a Transportation Agreement.
Incumbent may be subject to the 5-year foreign area limitation according to the DoDI 1400.25-V1230, dated 26 July2012.
Applicants who are currently stationed overseas, must have enough time to meet the initial tour stated above.
Applicants who have returned from an overseas tour, and have not been physically present in the United States (CONUS) or Non foreign area for 2 continuous years, may require a waiver. NOTE: If you have not completed 5 years overseas and return to a CONUS assignment, that time spent overseas counts towards the 5 year limitation, unless you have been in the States for at least 2 continuous years.
Medical Care: Applicants who have family members with special medical needs should ensure that prior to accepting a position overseas their family members' medical needs can be met. Access to care in a military treatment facility may not be available to civilian employees except on a space available basis. Consequently, host nation medical facilities may be the only care available. The availability and level of care at host nation medical facilities will vary by location.
Applicants hired from the Continental United States (CONUS) and their family members (who are US citizens) are required to obtain Official Passports prior to departure to the overseas area.
May be subjected to a variety of environmental conditions typical of the overseas areas in which traveling, to include the potential for exposure to acts of terrorism.
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level, but there is an Education minimum to be eligible (see Qualifications, part B).
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Foreign Education
Additional information
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).
This position requires pre-employment and annual deployment physical exams, which will be evaluated by DTRA Occupational Health professionals to determine if deployability criteria are met. Must meet the physical requirements and the medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
The position is subject to rotation to locations in the U.S. and to locations outside the continental U.S.
Incumbent will participate in specialized classroom and field training related to the position.
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 protective mask and body armor.
At times, the incumbent may be exposed to CBRN hazards as well as hostile forces. The incumbent may be required to participate in the DoD Immunization Program. The work may require long hours in a field environment and under austere conditions.
Completed formal course work in nuclear chemistry, nuclear/sub-atomic physics or nuclear engineering preferred. Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Chemistry or Nuclear Engineering and experience in R/N detection/analysis sciences is desired.
COVID19 - All Federal Employees must be fully vaccinated by November 22, 2021. Proof of vaccination will be required. To ensure compliance with this mandate, please review the vaccination requirements, to include timelines for receiving required doses, at the following: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/
Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily or intermittently telework.
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.
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.
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: 1. Nuclear Physics: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the prediction of nuclear interactions and reactions, including practices and methods used to produce, measure, use, or observe such reactions in stars, nuclear weapons systems, and radiation shielding. 2. Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. 3. Test and Evaluation: Management of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) science and technology programs associated with R/N, effects, and defense measures. 4. Planning and Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. 5. Written Communication: Conveys written information in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience, using correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Expresses thoughts persuasively and uses effective modes to reinforce message retention. 6. Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) / Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN): Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) / Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN)
Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements.
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.
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 the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).
Your complete application includes your COMPLETE 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.
The following documents are REQUIRED 1. Your resume:
Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e.," HRS per week and month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript
College transcript(s), required if qualifying based on education. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the lists of classes and credits earned.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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 application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11307143.
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.
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 and hiring process 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 in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:
- When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job.
- When an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to gain access to the workplace, And
- When an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enjoy equal access to benefits and privileges of employment (e.g., details, trainings, office-sponsored events).
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US
Next steps
A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.
The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
REGARDING INTERVIEWS: Interviews may be required for this position. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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 the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).
Your complete application includes your COMPLETE 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.
The following documents are REQUIRED 1. Your resume:
Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e.," HRS per week and month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript
College transcript(s), required if qualifying based on education. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the lists of classes and credits earned.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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 application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11307143.
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.
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 and hiring process 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 in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:
- When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job.
- When an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to gain access to the workplace, And
- When an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enjoy equal access to benefits and privileges of employment (e.g., details, trainings, office-sponsored events).
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US
Next steps
A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.
The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
REGARDING INTERVIEWS: Interviews may be required for this position. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
