Physical Science Technician, GS-1311-9/10/11

Full TimeAZ-YUMAYPG
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Eligibility Requirements

US Citizenship

Career Category

Sciences (Physical/Natural)

Job Summary

 

The United States Army Test and Evaluation Command is posting this advertisement to fill a current vacancy. The chosen candidate will serve as a Physical Science Technician supporting the Metrology Branch, Metrology & Simulation Division within Yuma Test Center, Yuma, AZ. A selection will be made soon after the closing date. Selection of this position is permanent and will be made at the GS-9, GS-10, or GS-11 grade level, with full promotion potential to GS-11.

 

 

Job Responsibilities

 

As a Physical Science Technician, you will:

 

  • Apply knowledge and skills in the use of advanced techniques in spectroscopy, gas chromatography, particle size analysis, and sample collection. 
  • Be knowledgeable and experienced in the use, handling, and preparation of ordinary laboratory glassware (beakers, flasks, crucibles), equipment (balances, ovens, filtration apparatus, desiccators, fume hoods, planetary ball mills, sieve shakers, pH meters, analytical balances, pipettes, and flow meters), and chemicals (deionized water, acids, solvents, dry chemicals, certified standards, bases, compressed gasses, etc.).
  • Be responsible for deployment of new instrumentation, new collections techniques, and new test methods as well as updating outdated standard operating procedures.
  • Be responsible for instrumentation and software to analyze and collect the complex or unprecedented samples. 
  • Conduct physical and chemical analysis in accordance with the appropriate approved Laboratory Operating Procedures, American Society for Testing and Materials methods, or other approved methods/protocols. 
  • Determine the sample preparation method to be performed based on the type of analysis needed. 
  • Develop or modify procedures and techniques to more effectively utilize instrumentation.
  • Safely handle concentrated solutions of chemicals while preparing diluted solutions for use in calibrating laboratory instruments and detection equipment. 
  • Interface with scientists and technicians to ensure activities associated with the operations are compliant with pertinent test procedures and safety guidance. 
  • Maintain the laboratory chemical inventory, ensuring that ample supply is readily available.
  • Perform and assist with daily equipment maintenance and calibration support of all laboratory equipment. 
  • Perform field work. 
  • Perform routine and non-routine, qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples and prepare written reports based on the interpretation of the significance of analytical findings. This will include data reduction of measurement data collected.
  • Prepare reagents and standard solutions, gravimetrically and volumetrically with a high degree of accuracy, for internal use in testing, instrument check out, calibration, and quality control of analytical methods. 
  • Serve as a liaison with other activities to exchange technical information and ideas, provide information on unique test situations, to gather research information on new instrumentation, to collaborate on joint projects and to coordinate work with related projects in the organization. 
  • Set up and operate mechanical devices (flow meters, hand-held gas monitors, etc.) for sampling or data collection as to ensure that devices operate to collect representative samples and that the samples are properly packaged for transfer to the laboratory. 

Job Qualification

 

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

 

Physical Science Technician Series 1311 (opm.gov)

 

Technical and Medical Support Positions:

General Schedule Qualification Standards (opm.gov)

 

 

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED. You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

 

  • Skill level and experience in the methodologies required for test sample preparation as well as the operation and use of various laboratory systems and supporting equipment to analyze test samples.
  • Skill level and experience in performing and interpreting, routine and non-routine, qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples as well as writing reports regarding the analysis.
  • Skill level and experience with laboratory terminology, knowledge of chemical hazards and chemical compounds/mixtures, and the ability to follow written technical/laboratory procedures.
  • Skill level in oral and written communication.
  • Skill level and experience in problem-solving by identifying problems and using sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

 

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

As vacancies occur, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation.

If, after reviewing your résumé and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation.

 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Your complete application includes your resume and other documents which prove your qualifications and 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.

1. Your resume:

  • Your resume may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For qualifications determinations, your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
  • For additional information on what to include in your resume. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

2. Other supporting documents: 

  • Cover Letter, optional

  • This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education, you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses.

     

Conditions of Employment

 

  • Incumbent must obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • 10% Temporary Duty Travel is a requirement.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

  • This announcement uses the direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • A one-year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet at the OPM website.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • This is a Science, Engineering, & Analysis Functional Community Position - Career Program (CP) 16 – Engineers and Scientists
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Incentives may be authorized (Relocation/Recruitment/Superior Qualifications).
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government interest.
  • ATEC’s recruitment, hiring, and promotion programs are conducted in accordance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulatory guidelines which ensure the protections and equal consideration of all members and applicants.

  • Information may be requested regarding the vaccination status of selectees for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols. For more information, visit https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/  

     

Travel Requirements

Up to 10% Travel