Joining the Secret Service, Forensic Services Division will allow you to plan, direct, and coordinate forensic science activities in the Secret Service to include analyses of questioned documents, fingerprints, false identification, credit cards, voice identification, and related forensic science areas. This Physical Scientist position starts at a salary of $68,405.00 GS-9, step 1, with promotion potential to GS-13.

Duties

This position is with the United States Secret Service, Office of Investigations (INV), Forensic Services Division (FSD), Scientific Studies Branch. FSD is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating forensic science activities including, but not limited to expert examination of questioned documents, latent prints, papers, inks, and other related materials; the administration of polygraph examinations; and the analysis and preparation of photography and evidence for court appearances. Scientific Services is responsible for the research, validation, and support related to the examinations of fingerprints, questioned documents, and trace exams. The selectee will serve as a Physical Scientist in the United States Secret Service, Forensic Services Division. Typical work assignments include: Conducting research and development projects for the solution of problems related to latent fingerprint detection, ink identification, and related forensic techniques. Using a variety of laboratory instruments and techniques such as XRF, XRD, FTIR, GCMS, lasers and infrared, ultraviolet, and monochromatic light sources to examine a variety of surfaces. Reviewinglaboratory results to ensure quality and conformance with lab policies and procedures. Documenting results of research and validation projects and drafting reports of findings. Reviewing literature and past research projects to apply knowledge of technical advances. For more information on the Secret Service click here.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification/Specialized Experience requirements as noted below: Basic Requirement: Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in 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 An equivalent combination of education and experience: Education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND Minimum Qualifications: You qualify for the GS-09 level (starting salary $68,405.00) if you possess one of the following: GS-09: Applicant must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties: 1) Using laboratory instruments to conduct initial testing of forensic samples; 2) Assisting in the research and validation of physical or forensic materials; and 3) Maintaining laboratory workspaces for validated testing. (Note: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.) OR Have successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree; or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform this work. Note: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted to support your claim. OR Have a combination of specialized experience (less than one year) and graduate education (beyond one year of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement. Note: Only graduate education in excess of one year (generally 18 semester hours) may be used in this calculation. You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (official or unofficial) and your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet the experience to support your claim. You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $82,764) if you possess one of the following: GS-11: Applicant must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing the following duties: 1) Performing forensics research projects with a wide spectrum of instrumentation; 2) Analyzing laboratory results to ensure quality, repeatable experimentation; and 3) Researching collected data to develop solutions. (Note: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.) OR Have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, from an accredited college or university that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform this work. Note: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (official or unofficial) to support your claim. OR Have a combination of specialized experience (less than one year) and graduate education (beyond 2 years of graduate education), that when combined equals 100% of the qualification requirement. Note: Only graduate education in excess of two years (generally 36 semester hours) may be used in this calculation. You must submit a copy of your college transcripts (official or unofficial) and your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet the experience to support your claim. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For information on eligibility criteria and required documentation, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.

Education

This position requires specific coursework and/or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent.

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for 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. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address United States Secret Service Please read entire announcement Please apply online Washington, DC 20223 US
• Name: Philadelphia Services Branch
• Email: [email protected]