Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to All U.S. Citizens, and is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense. Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612)(NonComp Mil Sp), Priority Placement Program (PPP) Retained Grade Preference (RGP), and PPP Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibles may also apply.

As a Physical Scientist at the GS-1301-12/13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

• Directs the formulation, development, implementation, and dissemination of a significant component of DTRA's research and development efforts involving Nuclear Weapons Effects (NWE) and to provide technical expertise on these research matters.
• Technical expert in the integration of DTRA's NWE compendium of knowledge into DoD's nuclear Effects Manual One (EM-1) performing a wide range of functions either individually or through the coordinated efforts of other technical and managerial staff at DTRA, contractor organizations, government laboratories, and universities.
• Provides expert advice and consultation on all aspects of legacy NWE M&S test data. Work emphasizes NWE M&S tools that are of direct application to enhancing the effectiveness of the warfighter, and that can serve as initial or exploratory work for future direct applications.
• Develops required programmatic and fiscal documentation to support the planning, programming, and budgeting system. Develops and prepares contract, Military Intergovernmental Purchase Request (MIPR), Interagency Order (IO), or any other packages necessary to implement projects. Executes all functions necessary to bring procurement actions to a successful conclusion. Provides a high degree of management and technical innovation to provide a quality product that meets requirements at the lowest cost. Maintains required liaison with personnel within DTRA, the military services, DoD agencies, Department of Energy (DOE) and any other organizations.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Occasional Travel
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• 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
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized if funds available and with approval from hiring manager
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Required
• Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
• Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic random drug testing thereafter.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance and access to NATO, CNWDI, RD and Special Compartmented Information.
• Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization.
• Travel in the performance of temporary assignments may be required up to 25% of duty time.
• The incumbent will be required to become certified Level Practitioner in the applicable career field within 5 years.
• The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.
• This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Engineering, Technical and Management (EMT) career field.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS 12 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, military or private sector:

• Leading complex and diverse research, development test, evaluation and assessment nuclear weapon effects efforts under close supervision
• Researching nuclear weapon effects projects by following strict guidelines
• Managing acquisition, development, analysis or evaluation of scientific and technical solutions to Nuclear Weapon Effects Domain problems with detailed instructions from supervision
• Assisting in the formulation and execution of research projects, often performing segments of broader projects under senior guidance.

You may qualify at the GS 13 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:
B. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, military or private sector:

• Operating as a Physical Scientist in the nuclear science field
• Leading, managing, planning or overseeing complex and diverse research, development test, evaluation and assessment nuclear weapon effects efforts independently
• Research or managing nuclear weapon effects projects by following guidelines
• Managing acquisition, development, analysis or evaluation of scientific and technical solutions to Nuclear Weapon Effects Domain problems
• Managing acquisition, development, analysis or evaluation of scientific and technical solutions to NWE domain problems

In addition to specialized experience, this position requires an individual occupational requirement:

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

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.

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.

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.

For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible:- Submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received showing you are no longer eligible for military or NG membership (through no fault of your own) and that you have completed at least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible:- You must provide a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist, DD3145-1 (whs.mil), a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF) 50 effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.