Duties

Summary

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The incumbent will be responsible for serving as a Scientific Advisor to the assigned Technical Support Group (TSG) Chief in the Contingency Operations Department (NECO) and provides scientific and technical expertise to DoD, National Security Staff, and other USG D/As senior officials to prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from chemical and biological (C/B) threats or incidents
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As a Physical Scientist / Chemist / Biologist at the GS-0401/1301/1320-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

• Participate as a member of the Technical Support Group (TSG) to deploy in support of the Combatant Commander and other federal D/As in C/B emergency response events and training.
• Provide authoritative advice and recommendations, as a recognized expert in C/B weapons and detection, on chemical/biological operational and S&T programs.
• Provide on-site training, operational, scientific, and technical support to command sponsored technical training and exercises and other Joint Chief of Staff/theater sponsored exercises.
• Serve as the DTRA focal point for providing program planning, review, and oversight of specific short duration R&D programs related to chemical/biological (C/B) matters.
• Integrates requirements for the support of chemical/biological event response into the DTRA Operations Center, Department of Defense (DoD) point of contacts for implementation of crisis action/emergency response within the C/B area.

Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position up to 25% of the time.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation / Subject to pre-employment drug testing and periodic random drug testing thereafter / Must obtain/maintain Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Work Schedule: Full Time / The work may require long hours in a field environment and under austere conditions.
• Overtime: Occasionally / Position is designated "key" which requires the incumbent, or designated alternate, to be screened for readiness and recall status
• Tour of Duty: Flexible / Position subject to rotational assignment to locations in the U.S. and to locations outside the continental U.S.
• Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Not Required
• Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
• Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition
• Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not qualified for this position, and will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense
• False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001) (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922 (g) (91)
• This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E).In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by the proper authority
• May be required to take part in readiness exercises, position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively
• Must pass a pre-employment and annual deployment physical exams. Must meet the physical and medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment; incumbent may be required to participate in the DoD Immunization Program
• Physical Required: Incumbent must be capable of standing for long periods (8 hours), and be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including body armor, a protective mask; may be exposed to CBRN hazards as well as hostile forces;
• Must be capable of lifting/assisting in the lifting of loads up to 50 lb. may require long hours in a field environment and under austere conditions. Incumbent will participate in specialized classroom and field training related to the position

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:

Providing scientific and technical expertise to identify, detect, prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from small and/or large scale chemical and biological threats or incidents. Providing expertise regarding emergency response and program capabilities, including experience in the use of and application of Chemical and Biological (C/B) detector and detection theory against threat agents in order to optimize response. Identify C/B technological trends, as a means to provide authoritative advice and recommendations to a response organization, leadership, units, in regards to C/B site exploitation planning and execution.

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.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0401/1301/1320 series.

Individual Occupational Requirements (0401)

Basic Requirements

A.Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

B.Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/

Individual Occupational Requirements (1301)

Basic Requirements:A. 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

B. 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.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/

Individual Occupational Requirements (1320)

Basic Requirements:

A. 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

B. 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.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/chemistry-series-1320/

OTHER NOTES:

• We are seeking a candidate preferably with a strong academic background in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical engineering, such as might be attained via a Ph.D. degree program, and past experience in Chemical/Biological (C/B) field detection, especially related to C/B WMDs. The candidate should be able to analyze C/B threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational, scientific and policy solutions to the Contingency Operations Department and supported units. The candidate's background in C/B detection development and detection theory should accompany the ability to effectively communicate and instruct both technical and non-technical audiences, from the individual to the senior official level, in conducting effective C/B search operations. The prospective candidate should have experience in the interpretation of both detection and spectroscopic C/B data, and the operational recommendations that would accompany data analysis and interpretation. The focus of this position is not research, but instead is the training, advising and assisting of tactical units while deployed into a wide variety of environments
• This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E). In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by proper authority. The incumbent or the designated alternate may be required to take part in readiness exercises. The position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively; therefore, the position is designated "key" which requires the incumbent, or designated alternate, to be screened from military recall status.
• This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922 (g) (91). Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1001).
• This position requires pre-employment and annual deployment physical exams, which will be evaluated by DTRA Occupational Health professionals to determine if deployability criteria are met. The incumbent must meet the medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
• Subject to rotational assignments to locations in the U.S. and to locations outside the continental U.S.
• Must be willing to work overtime during exercises and real world crises.
• Compensatory time may be required to accomplish operational needs of the organization.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering and experience in chemical detection/analysis sciences is desired but not required.

*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application, or (2) If you are serviced by the office filling this position and your transcripts are on file in your official personnel folder, you are not required to submit. However, it is your responsibility to ensure transcripts are on file.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

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: Foreign Education

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ .

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

For more information, please visit
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo.pdf

Other Notes:

Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at:
http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Competencies:

• Chemistry and Biology
• Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Oral and Written Communication
• Planning and Evaluating
• Test and Evaluation

Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist , save the document and attach it to your application package.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc...). Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED
1. Your resume:

• Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
• For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e.," HRS per week and month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
• For additional information see: What to include in your resume.

2. Transcripts

• This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript
• College transcript(s), required if qualifying based on education. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the lists of classes and credits earned.

3. Veteran's Documents

• If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents:
• DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.

PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/FourthEstateRequiredSupportingDocumentation%2011-16-2020.pdf?ver=Lgkkn1HW9a8is7V2lyCS2Q%3d%3d
If you are claiming Military Spouse Preference, you must submit supporting documents with your application package. These documents must provide acceptable information to verify: you reside within the commuting area of your sponsor's permanent duty station (PDS); proof of marriage to the active duty sponsor, proof of military member's active duty status, and other documentation required by the vacancy announcement to which you are applying; and must meet all pre-employment criteria and be eligible for immediate noncompetitive appointment to a position in the competitive service. Documentation required: Marriage Certificate or License, Signed Self-Certification Checklist, Veterans' Preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, Statement of Service, if applicable), Transcripts (if applicable). Additional documentation required if previously held a federal position: SF-50s (e.g., LWOP, highest grade held, overseas appointments, etc.), SF-75 Information, and documentation of performance rating of record (dated within the last 12 months)

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.