Duties

Summary

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is a CALEA nationally-accredited, federal law enforcement agency with 2100 employees. The USCP safeguards the Congress, its legislative processes, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and facilities from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

This position is located within USCP, Operational Services Bureau (OSB), Hazardous Incident Response Division (HIRD), Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT). The role of HMRT is to detect, respond to and defeat chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats arising within the geographic jurisdiction or statutory protective authority of the USCP. Responds to threats of CBRN incidents; conducts crisis management operations by providing capabilities for agent detection, identification and limited mitigation; performs casualty search and extraction and personnel decontamination; and provides limited emergency medical care and stabilization of contaminated personnel. The incumbent is a team member serving on a first response unit in the event of a CBRN incident within the Capitol complex.

The incumbent works as a Hazardous Materials Technician within a HMRT squad assigned to prepare for, detect, respond to and defeat chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats that arise within the geographic jurisdiction or statutory protective authority of the USCP. Such threats include attacks by weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The incumbent responds to hazardous materials incidents and participates in the analysis to determine complexity and project possible outcomes. The incumbent works within the scope of the organizational emergency response plan and the Incident Command System (ICS) to assess risk, develop an incident action plan, select and don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), enter a contaminated environment, conduct work necessary to control, contain and confine the threat, extract victims, conduct decontamination of victims and responders and terminate the incident.

**This is a developmental position. Selectees will receive on-the-job and formal training.**

At the full performance level, technicians will work independently:

The incumbent conducts proactive operations to detect, identify, and verify the presence of hazardous materials at fixed posts, and during ad hoc security sweeps. Detection operations will be coordinated with other USCP elements and Congressional stakeholders. Engage in academic and practical training, provide specialized instruction to peers, participate in public relations activities, and assist in the logistical management of assets and property. The incumbent will be responsible for a specialized knowledge area such as chemical, biological, radiological, or safety. The incumbent collects data from a variety of sources to provide program and policy advice and guidance. Provide feedback and constructive suggestions to supervisory staff to assist in the analysis and evaluation of operational programs. The incumbent will provide recommendations to supervisory officials to maximize desirable outcomes for the benefit of the USCP. The incumbent also adapts analytical techniques, evaluation criteria, and methods of measurement to provide a valid assessment of programs.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
8

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• -- Must be a U.S. Citizen. Only United States Citizens will receive consideration. Qualified applicants will be required to provide proof of citizenship early in the selection process.
• -- Must be at least age 21 and less than age 37 at the time of appointment unless you have previous service in a Federal Civilian Law Enforcement position covered by special law enforcement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement.
• -- Males must provide verification of registration with the Selective Service System or verify exemption based on age or military status. Female applicants are exempt. Website: https://www.sss.gov/Registration/check-a-Registration/Verifcation-Form
• -- Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. Driver's license.
• -- Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• -- Successful completion of a favorable full field background investigation is required; i.e., Fingerprints, Criminal History, Credit and Tax Checks as well as Medical, Polygraph and Psychological Examinations.
• -- Polygraph, drug, criminal, and psychological tests are required.
• -- Credit Checks. Applicants must not be in default or delinquent on any federal guaranteed student loans. Must demonstrate a competent financial history. Financial delinquency includes collection accounts, liens, repossessions and garnishments.
• -- Must complete a one year probationary period.
• -- Shift work is required.
• -- Must have Direct Deposit. Employees are required to have salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• -- Fingerprint Check - Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of the criminal history record.
• -- Criminal History Check - A comprehensive criminal history check will be performed on all qualified applicants. Applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years.

Qualifications

Experience Requirement

For CP-06 (GS-08 equivalent) : Applicants qualifying at the CP-06 (GS-08 equivalent) level must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CP-05 (GS-07 equivalent) level. Specialized experience consists of: inspecting facilities, detecting the presence of potentially hazardous materials and combustibles; protecting oneself and others by conducting prevention training; reviewing plans for organizational prevention practices and additional knowledge gained while implementing and applying methods and techniques to eliminate unsafe acts or conditions resulting from chemical, biological, radiological or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents.

At the CP-06 grade level, applicants must possess accredited certification of training covering national standards of care, OSHA regulations and NFPA, First Responder or Hazmat Operations.

For CP-07 (GS-09 equivalent): Applicants qualifying at the CP-07 (GS-09 equivalent) level includes two (2) years of specialized experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes knowledge and performance of duties according to national standards of care, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

At the CP-07 grade level, applicants must possess Hazardous Materials Technician certification accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professionals Qualifications (NBFSPQ) OR the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

NOTE: Knowledge of Hazardous Materials and Risk Assessment is desired but not required.

EVIDENCE OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE MUST BE SUPPORTED BY DETAILED DOCUMENTATION OF DUTIES PERFORMED IN POSITIONS HELD. PLEASE PROVIDE SUCH DOCUMENTATION ON YOUR RESUME AND NARRATIVE RESPONSES TO THE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE.

Education Requirement :

Substitution of Education for Experience :
To qualify at the CP-06 (GS-08 equivalent) grade level, a bachelor's or equivalent degree and one and one-half (1 1/2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree is required in subjects that are in a field of study related to the position to be filled.

To qualify at the CP-07 (GS-09 equivalent) grade level, a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a job-related degree, LL.B. or J.D. degree is required in a field of study related to the position to be filled.

--OR--

Combination of Education and Experience :

Equivalent combinations of specialized experience and graduate level education may be considered at both grade levels.

*TRANSCRIPT(S) MUST BE PROVIDED TO QUALIFY BASED ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT.*

All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date (09/16/2019) of the vacancy announcement.

Refer to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website for qualification and education requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications )

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Education

Additional information

This position is NOT covered under a Collective Bargaining Unit.

This position is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime provisions.

This position is under the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. It is not a General Schedule (GS) position. Civilian USCP employees are paid in accordance with a pay schedule specifically established for USCP employees.

USCP employees are covered by the same benefits as other branches of the Federal government including: health and life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to "401K" plans), disability, leave programs, flexible spending accounts, long term care insurance, holidays, etc. Civilian employees are covered under Congressional retirement.

Upon receipt of proper certification, sick leave balances will be transferred from other branches of the Federal government. While previous credible Federal service is used to determine the appropriate leave category, annual leave balances will not transfer.

USCP offers a wide array of benefits:

-- Employees are eligible to join the United States Senate Federal Credit Union and/or the Congressional Federal Credit Union.

-- Employees are eligible for participation in on-site childcare centers through the US Senate Child Care Center and/or the US House of Representatives Child Care Center.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Evaluation Factors:

Please address all knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) in your narrative responses so that your experience may be evaluated appropriately. To view the KSAs, please go to the "HOW TO APPLY" section and click on the link https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10578762 .

We will review your resume, assessment questionnaire and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for this job. If you meet the minimum requirements for this job, we will evaluate your application materials to assess the quality, depth and complexity of your qualifications, accomplishments, experience and education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.

Requirements:

The pre-employment evaluation process includes the following:

-- Full Field Background Investigation
-- Medical Examination
-- Polygraph Examination
-- Psychological Examination

There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests, or convictions may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission.
The primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process.

NOTE: Failure to successfully pass a full field background investigation and all segments of the pre-employment evaluation process will result in disqualification from further consideration under this Vacancy Announcement.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement:

1. Your Resume: Resumes should include a full description of duties performed as well as dates (mm/yr) of employment.

2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire: Failure to provide a narrative response when required will result in an "Incomplete Application and/or Assessment Questionnaire" rating.

3. Hazardous Materials Certification

4. Other Supporting Documents:
-- Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable.
-- College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education or other documentation to prove possession of the basic requirements for this position.

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.