Physical Scientist (General)

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Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate, Department of Homeland Security

Job Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate located in Chicago, IL.

Major Duties

This position starts at a salary of $70,987.00 (GS-11, Step 1) to $110,614.00 (GS-12, Step 10) with promotion potential to $110,614.00 (GS-12 Step 10).

In this position, you will become a key member of the Laboratories and Scientific Services Team performing the below typical work assignments.

- Responsible for unique forensic samples and methods and the preparation and categorization of unknown samples.
- Responsible for carrying out procedures for assigned projects within the various specialty fields or general field of forensic chemist.
- Provides guidance, training, and authoritative recommendations to CBP personnel on the handling and preservation of evidence.

Qualifications

You qualify at the GS-11 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the duties of this position. To be creditable, the specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level. Examples include independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine physical science work; selecting and making minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience that equipped you with the skills needed to perform the duties of this position. To be creditable, the specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Examples include planning and executing complex physical science studies, which usually involved intensive investigations into recognized phenomena. FACTOR: BASIC REQUIREMENT A degree in 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 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. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 02/03/2020. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For more information visit this link. Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. Information about ICTAP or CTAP eligibility can be found here. You must submit the supporting documents listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. In addition, to be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must have knowledge, skills , abilities and/or competencies as defined under "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement which clearly exceed the minimum qualification and any applicable basic requirements for the vacancy.

Pay Range

$70,987.00 - $110,614.00

More information...

End Date: 

Monday, February 3, 2020