Interdisciplinary (Chemist / Physical Scientist)
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Washington, D.C
- Closing date
- Aug 29, 2019
View more
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Function
- Administrative
- Hours
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
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Duties
Summary
This position is located in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Quality Directorate, Office of Quality Operations (OCQ) at the DC Currency Facility (DCF) and Fort Worth Facility (WCF). The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's mission is to develop and produce United States currency notes, trusted worldwide. This is an interdisciplinary position that involves knowledge characteristic of two professional series and academic disciplines.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
The following are the duties of this position at the GS-12 . If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties, and will receive training to help you grow in this position.
-Conduct routine to complex analyses that require exercising independent judgment; engages in independent or team efforts or scientific investigations to confirm test results or resolve any problems associated with BEP products and raw materials; informs peers, CORs, Quality personnel, production personnel and supervisor of nonconforming results.
-Substantially modify and adapt standard methods of analyses and physical tests to improve quality assurance testing of papers, inks, special printing substrates, and other production materials.
-Evaluate and interpret analytical data, prepares reports which include analytical procedures, conditions, and results; checks instruments for calibration status; and, if required, verify laboratory test equipment to specified standards per BEP Work instructions (WI), standard industry test methods (i.e. ASTM, TAPPI, etc.), follow all Environmental Health and Safety, security and accountability procedures.
-Operate a full range of laboratory equipment, which includes chemical, physical, and optical test equipment, such as titrators, density meters, crumple testers, abrasion testers, UV/IR lamps, image capture/analysis systems, micrometers, fold testers, tear testers, spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes and universal mechanical testing systems; reviews testing methods and submit changes when necessary; coordinates, trains and assists lower level scientists, chemists and technicians in the use of laboratory equipment; develops test plans and conducts special investigations.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The experience may have been gained in either the public or private sector or volunteer service . To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.
SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for disqualification in the hiring process. The background investigation process conducted by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is very thorough. Therefore it is imperative that applicants exercise candor and honesty when answering background questionnaires, especially as it relates to arrest, employment, education, finances, illegal drug use, and/or other criminal history. Falsification discovered in security documents or during the background investigation process may result in an immediate negative suitability determination or immediate revocation of your interim clearance (if applicable).
Qualifications
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized experience: For the GS-07, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
- Communicating basic level technical analysis information through oral discussions/presentations and written fact sheets/reports;
OR
Education: 1 year of graduate-level education; or superior academic achievement.
OR
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent.
Specialized experience: For the GS-09, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
- Applying principles and concepts of general engineering and science in order to research, interpret and carry out assignments; AND
- Communicating basic level technical analysis information through oral discussions/presentations and written fact sheets/reports; AND
- Investigating and analyzing data trends.
OR
Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.
OR
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education.
Education
Education Requirements:
Educational Individual Occupational Requirement for Physical Scientist 1301 series:
Basic Requirements:
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 in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Educational Individual Occupational Requirement for Chemist 1320 series:
Basic Requirements:
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 as shown in A above, 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
The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information
- We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
- This is a non-bargaining unit position.
- We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.
- The facility typically shuts down annually between Christmas and New Year's Day. As such, all BEP employees must take leave for work days during the shutdown period.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- A one year probationary period may be required.
- Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required.
- Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency
- If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
- Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
- Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9 . Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
- Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment.
- Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position. This may include safety shoes, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, masks, etc.
- Undergo an income tax verification.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application includes your résumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.
Rating: Your application will be evaluated in the following areas: Technical, Analytical and Communication. Category rating will be used to rank and select eligible candidates. If qualified, you will be assigned to one of three quality level categories, Gold, Silver, and Bronze depending on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, and training related to this position. A subject matter expert may be used in the evaluation. Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application.
Veterans' preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Preference-eligibles will be listed at the top of their assigned category and considered before non-preference-eligibles in that category. Qualified preference-eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest category (For the GS-7 Only).
Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.
If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP )) you must be assigned the middle category or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.
To preview questions please click here .
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test required
Yes
Required Documents
A complete application includes 1. A résumé, 2. Vacancy question responses, and 3. Submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
All applicants are required to submit a résumé either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing. (Cover letters are optional.) To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/date/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your résumé. We suggest that you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your résumé to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please view résumé tips .
VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans preference, please see applicant guide for required documentation . In order to be considered for veterans preference, you must submit all required documentation as outlined in the applicant guide.
CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (CTAP) OR INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP) DOCUMENTATION: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page . If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions .
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.
Summary
This position is located in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Quality Directorate, Office of Quality Operations (OCQ) at the DC Currency Facility (DCF) and Fort Worth Facility (WCF). The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's mission is to develop and produce United States currency notes, trusted worldwide. This is an interdisciplinary position that involves knowledge characteristic of two professional series and academic disciplines.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
The following are the duties of this position at the GS-12 . If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties, and will receive training to help you grow in this position.
-Conduct routine to complex analyses that require exercising independent judgment; engages in independent or team efforts or scientific investigations to confirm test results or resolve any problems associated with BEP products and raw materials; informs peers, CORs, Quality personnel, production personnel and supervisor of nonconforming results.
-Substantially modify and adapt standard methods of analyses and physical tests to improve quality assurance testing of papers, inks, special printing substrates, and other production materials.
-Evaluate and interpret analytical data, prepares reports which include analytical procedures, conditions, and results; checks instruments for calibration status; and, if required, verify laboratory test equipment to specified standards per BEP Work instructions (WI), standard industry test methods (i.e. ASTM, TAPPI, etc.), follow all Environmental Health and Safety, security and accountability procedures.
-Operate a full range of laboratory equipment, which includes chemical, physical, and optical test equipment, such as titrators, density meters, crumple testers, abrasion testers, UV/IR lamps, image capture/analysis systems, micrometers, fold testers, tear testers, spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes and universal mechanical testing systems; reviews testing methods and submit changes when necessary; coordinates, trains and assists lower level scientists, chemists and technicians in the use of laboratory equipment; develops test plans and conducts special investigations.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
The experience may have been gained in either the public or private sector or volunteer service . To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.
SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for disqualification in the hiring process. The background investigation process conducted by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is very thorough. Therefore it is imperative that applicants exercise candor and honesty when answering background questionnaires, especially as it relates to arrest, employment, education, finances, illegal drug use, and/or other criminal history. Falsification discovered in security documents or during the background investigation process may result in an immediate negative suitability determination or immediate revocation of your interim clearance (if applicable).
Qualifications
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized experience: For the GS-07, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
- Communicating basic level technical analysis information through oral discussions/presentations and written fact sheets/reports;
OR
Education: 1 year of graduate-level education; or superior academic achievement.
OR
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent.
Specialized experience: For the GS-09, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
- Applying principles and concepts of general engineering and science in order to research, interpret and carry out assignments; AND
- Communicating basic level technical analysis information through oral discussions/presentations and written fact sheets/reports; AND
- Investigating and analyzing data trends.
OR
Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.
OR
You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. To combine education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the requirement must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education.
Education
Education Requirements:
Educational Individual Occupational Requirement for Physical Scientist 1301 series:
Basic Requirements:
or
Educational Individual Occupational Requirement for Chemist 1320 series:
Basic Requirements:
OR
The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information
- We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
- This is a non-bargaining unit position.
- We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.
- The facility typically shuts down annually between Christmas and New Year's Day. As such, all BEP employees must take leave for work days during the shutdown period.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- A one year probationary period may be required.
- Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required.
- Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency
- If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
- Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
- Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9 . Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
- Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment.
- Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position. This may include safety shoes, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, masks, etc.
- Undergo an income tax verification.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application includes your résumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.
Rating: Your application will be evaluated in the following areas: Technical, Analytical and Communication. Category rating will be used to rank and select eligible candidates. If qualified, you will be assigned to one of three quality level categories, Gold, Silver, and Bronze depending on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, and training related to this position. A subject matter expert may be used in the evaluation. Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application.
Veterans' preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Preference-eligibles will be listed at the top of their assigned category and considered before non-preference-eligibles in that category. Qualified preference-eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest category (For the GS-7 Only).
Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.
If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP )) you must be assigned the middle category or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.
To preview questions please click here .
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test required
Yes
Required Documents
A complete application includes 1. A résumé, 2. Vacancy question responses, and 3. Submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
All applicants are required to submit a résumé either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing. (Cover letters are optional.) To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/date/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your résumé. We suggest that you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your résumé to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please view résumé tips .
VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans preference, please see applicant guide for required documentation . In order to be considered for veterans preference, you must submit all required documentation as outlined in the applicant guide.
CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (CTAP) OR INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP) DOCUMENTATION: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page . If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions .
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.
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