SummaryThe incumbent serves as a Scientific Advisor to the assigned Technical Support Group (TSG) Chief in the Contingency Operations Department (CZ-CO) and provides scientific and technical expertise to DoW, National Security Staff, and other US Government Department/Agencies (D/As) senior officials to prevent, protect from, respond to, and recover from radiological and nuclear (R/N) threats or incidents.
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This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023.This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated August 12,2024.As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST at the GS-1301-12/13 some of your typical work assignments may include:
- Participate as a member of the Technical Support Group (TSG) to deploy in support of Combatant Commander and other federal D/As in R/N emergency response events and training.
- Provide expert scientific, technical, policy advice, opinions and recommendations.
- Serve as focal point by providing support and input into program planning, management, review, and oversight of specific Research and Development programs related to radiological/nuclear matters.
- Develop authoritative analysis and reports.
- Conduct formal presentations and briefings within DTRA, other DoD components and agencies, federal D/A's, and allied partners on R/N response capabilities, technical challenges, program, and policies.
- Provide input to the planning and conducting of major studies of extreme difficulty involving key DTRA and DoD national defense and other U.S. D/As/R/N programs, national security policies, and regulatory requirements, to include relevant Host-Nation (HN) and international requirements, to provide findings and technical solutions.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECURITY/SCI security clearance.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- Work Schedule: Fulltime
- Overtime: Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization. Must be willing to work overtime during exercise play and real-world crisis.
- Recruitment Incentives: Authorized, https://www.dtra.mil/Careers-Opportunities/DTRA-Opportunities/
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
- Financial Disclosure: Not Required
- Telework Eligibility: This position may be eligible for limited, situational telework subject to supervisory approval and not to exceed current Agency guidelines. This position is not eligible for remote telework.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test screening and pass subsequent periodic random drug testing. Multiple failures to pass periodic drug testing will result in termination from federal service.
- Must be willing to spend up to (but not limited to) 90 days annually in temporary duty travel, sometimes on short notice, in the United States and foreign countries.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical prior to entry onto duty and annual deployment physical exams. Must meet the physical and medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
- Must be capable of lifting and carrying for short distances, loads up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods (8 hours), and be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including body armor and a protective mask.
- May be exposed to CBRN and hostile enemy threats. May be required to participate in the DoD Immunization Program. The work may require long hours in a field environment and under austere conditions.
- This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E).
- This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm.
QualificationsYou may qualify at the GS 12 , if you fulfill the following qualifications:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, military or private sector:
- Analyzing radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational and scientific solutions to the organization and supported units
- Utilizing field radiological/nuclear (R/N) detectors and apply knowledge of field detection capabilities and limitations, with experience interpreting both detection and spectroscopic R/N data
- Calculating the effects of radiation shielding for both detection and force protection
- Applying knowledge of radiological threats in support of emergency response events
- Participating in radiological/nuclear (R/N) response operations, exercises or training
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, military or private sector:
- Analyzing radiological/nuclear (R/N) threats and related detection problems in order to provide operational, scientific and policy solutions to the organization and supported units
- Utilizing field radiological/nuclear (R/N) detectors and apply knowledge of field detection capabilities and limitations, with experience interpreting both detection and spectroscopic R/N data and making operational recommendations
- Calculating the effects of radiation shielding for both detection and force protection
- Applying knowledge of nuclear weapon designs and radiological threats in support of emergency response events
- Participating in radiological/nuclear (R/N) response operations, exercises and training
In addition to specialized experience, this position requires an individual occupational requirement:
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.
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.
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.
EducationSubstitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
Additional informationOther Notes: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).
Incumbent must be able to qualify with a pistol according to U. S. Army standards.
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 able to obtain and maintain a valid passport.
Incumbent will participate in specialized classroom and field training related to the position.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements: Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
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: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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