Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all qualified candidates who are US citizens or Perm Residents.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

1. Support TEMPO observations by generating, testing and validating observing commands.
2. Perform observation planning with the Science Data Processing Center (SDPC) and participates in observation planning meetings.
3. Develop, verify, and validate instrument command loads.
4. Monitor instrument health and safety, including instrument long term trending and performance monitoring. Monitors data for quality, recognizing problems and taking immediate corrective action.
5. Work with the science team for special instrument activities and calibration operations.
6. Assist scientists in verification of the processed data, generate reports, analyze problems and communicate solutions to the team.
7. Compose IOC and SDPC operational documentation.

Conditions of employment

• Pre- and post-appointment background investigation required.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

Qualifications

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as general or specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. 

OR 

Applicants may substitute successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in physical science or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience, provided it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. 

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
1. Skill in Unix command system.
2. Knowledge of astronomical observing techniques and equipment.
3. Ability to communicates effectively with internal and external scientists, operations team, individual or groups, across all levels.
4. Ability to carry out duties with minimal supervision, seeking input and advice as appropriate.
5. Ability to read/write technical documentation.
6. Ability to identify problems; determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.