Duties

Summary

The Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security manages the Department of Energy's (DOE) major staff organizations responsible for health, safety and security policy development, programs, assistance, training, and national-level independent oversight and enforcement. The office provides direction for the development and promulgation of the Energy Department's health, safety, environmental, and security policies and deployment of technical assistance to its sites.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As a Physical Scientist, you will:

• Serve as an authority on DOE and national target analysis, nuclear and radiological materials characterization, and MC&A policy.
• Respond to the needs of the Office of Security Assistance, DOE field sites, and DOE senior management to address target analysis, nuclear and radiological materials characterization, and materials control and accountability (MC&A) operational nuclear and radiological problems and issues.
• Support the DOE Office of Security in interagency and international nuclear and radiological meetings, working groups, task force and regulatory bodies.
• Meet regularly with staff personnel from Office of Security Policy, Office of Independent Oversight, NNSA, Environmental Management and other DOE program offices to gather and analyze information on the status of target analysis, nuclear and radiological materials characterization, MC&A, and DBT policy implementation at DOE facilities.
• Maintain contact with DOE personnel working in other security and non-security areas, such as nuclear nonproliferation, international safeguards, nuclear safety, environmental management, and materials management.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional Travel may be required.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
14

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance.
• This position requires a Financial Disclosure.
• Resume and question responses must be submitted online.

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and is subject to random drug testing. A negative drug test is required prior to being appointed to the position and will be subject to random testing thereafter.

2. Financial Disclosure is required.

3. Obtain and maintain a DOE 'Q' clearance.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

Experience in applied safeguards and security technology.

Experience with implementation of the Department's nuclear and radiological materials safeguards and security policies, nuclear material control and accountability policies, and the Design Basis Threat policy.

Participation in interagency committees, rule-making bodies and coordinating councils pertaining to nuclear and radiological materials policies and management.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!

Mastery of the advanced concepts, principles, and practices of the physical sciences in such areas as physics and chemistry (with no one predominant) to serve as a knowledgeable expert on target analysis, nuclear and radiological materials characterization, MC&A policy, the research, development, testing, evaluation, and installation of new components, systems, and instruments for Design Basis Threat, radiological sabotage and MC&A functions.

Knowledge of advanced developments in safeguards and security measurements technology and materials accountability.

Skill in providing leadership for applied scientific research and development and ability to apply new concepts to problems not readily treatable by existing methods.

Knowledge of effective communication and conflict resolution techniques to ensure maximum objectivity and reduce the potential for friction resulting from the review process.

Knowledge and experience to lead or participate as a technical expert in DOE reviews for resolving MC&A and radiological sabotage challenges requiring innovative solutions; and to effectively interface with top level Headquarters and field program officials, contractor facility managers, operators, and Federal, state, and local officials.

Knowledge of national and international safeguards and security policies, treaties, and agreements.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

EDUCATION: - Transcripts are required

Basic Requirements: Physical Scientist, 1301
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 Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science.

A complete copy of the 1301 Qualification Standard for Physical Scientists can be found at the following link: Physical Scientist

Additional information

• The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
• If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
• More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
• Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
• Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
• All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register . If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.

EEO Policy: EEO Policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Reasonable Accommodation
Veterans Information: Veterans Information
Telework: www.telework.gov
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications necessary for this position. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral the selecting official.

We will also verify that you are eligible for Merit Promotion positions by reviewing your previous Federal employment to ensure you meet Time-in-Grade requirements. If you are eligible to apply to Merit Promotion announcements based on Veteran or other non-competitive statuses, we will verify your supporting documentation prior to referral.

If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Q Access Authorization

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more.

ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a about what is expected in your resume." href="https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume" target="_blank">resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.

• Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
• For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
• For paid work experience, please indicate your starting grade/salary for each position and the highest grade/salary you earned (if different).
• Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
• For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.

Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.

Current and former Federal employees: Most recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notice of Personnel Action).

To properly verify status eligibility, your SF-50 must show the following. If you do not submit an appropriate SF-50, we cannot verify your status eligibility!

Full position title;

appointment type;

occupational series;

pay plan, grade, and step;

tenure code; and

service computation date (SCD).

This position has a positive education requirement. experience." href="https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Education" target="_blank">Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.

Veterans: authorities and the documentation you need to submit" href="http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx" target="_blank">veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. flexibilities for persons with disabilities" href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/" target="_blank">Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.

Displaced Federal employees who qualify for CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or surplused by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition for more information.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

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.