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Chemist

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
St. Louis District, Engineering & Construction Division, Environmental and Munitions Branch

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel within the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: District expert for chemistry matters related to feasibility studies and remedial investigations, designs and actions for the Superfund, Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), Ordnance & Explosives (OE), and other Hazardous Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) programs.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/14/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 14, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$91,779 - $141,880 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
50% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 40% for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CEDC-26-12973011-DHA
Control number
871205600

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Duties

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  • Plans and directs the development and modification of sample preparation for highly complex, unusual, or novel samples and situations.
  • Performs literature searches to ascertain related methods and information about sampling procedures.
  • Formulates programs oriented to prescribing the optimum sampling and sample storage procedures based upon the stability and chemical properties of the substances and their medium.
  • Participates with laboratories in devising new or improved testing methods.
  • Evaluates and interprets the results of laboratory tests.
  • Makes field visits to construction sites when requested to oversee sampling efforts and resolve chemistry problems related to study, changed conditions or design omissions.
  • Reviews, comments, and provides written input into preparing and revising Corps of Engineers (COE) Engineering Manuals and Engineering Regulations on chemical sampling, testing, and analysis, and quality assurance.
  • Oversees the chemistry related work done by other in-house staff or by contractors.
  • Prepares the scopes of work and estimates for the chemical aspects of Ordnance and Explosives (OE) and other Hazardous Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) work performed under Architect-Engineer and Services contracts.
  • Investigates, analyzes, and directs contractor investigations of proposed site operations to determine the presence and concentration of explosive residues and toxic and hazardous chemicals.
  • Performs detailed review of Statement of Work, Work Plan, Safety Submission, risk assessments, cost estimates, and final engineering reports.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Incumbent must obtain 40 Hour HAZWOPER Certification within 12 months of appointment.
  • Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.


Basic Requirement for the Chemist 1320 Series:
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Course work equivalent to a major in the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.


Minimum Qualifications for NH-03:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes working in hazardous and/or radiological waste contamination investigation programs; providing Quality Assurance oversight on lab operations and validation of lab data; providing technical direction, review, and/or support of environmental field investigations, studies, and/or designs; and advising on sampling techniques, quality assurance, and/or analytical aspects of hazardous waste plans, specifications, and/or cleanups. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (NH-02/GS-11).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job at the NH-03, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

  • This position will be located in St. Louis, MO and will allow for situational telework only. This position is NOT eligible for Full-time telework.
  • Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized at management discretion.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Career Program (CP) #18 - Engineers & Scientists position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.htm for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Looking for a great place to work? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of the best! In 2020, USACE ranked #2 of government large-agency subcomponent! USACE is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. We serve the American people, striving to provide the most effective engineering and environmental science solutions to the nation's complex problems affecting national security, the economy and the environment in which we live.

USACE offers a team-inspiring and collaborative work environment; providing challenging and rewarding careers across a variety of disciplines. We rely on leaders with vision, creativity, and programmatic and technical expertise to lead us into the future. Align your talents with your passion and find out why the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is a great place to work!

Lambert International Airport and Amtrak are within close proximity. Transportation subsidies are available for mass transit users. Parking fees range from $2-6 per day. There is a 1% city earnings tax charged to all who live or work in the St. Louis City limits. Our building offers on-site daycare, a fitness center, banking, and dining facilities.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RG-W2R903 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-ST LOUIS
DO NOT MAIL
St. Louis, MO 63103
US

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https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/

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