This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 03/14/2024.

Duties

The Fire Research Division in the Engineering Laboratory performs experimental research on a variety of fire related topics focused on reducing the impacts of unwanted fires on people, property, and the environment. Research is performed in small scale laboratories, the National Fire Research Laboratory, at off-site laboratories, and in the field. Research areas in the division include: Advancement of fire fighter safety and effectiveness; develops and applies technology, measurements and standards, and improves the understanding of the behavior, prevention and control of fires to enhance firefighting operations and equipment, fire suppression, fire investigations, and disaster response. Development of advanced, validated models with quantified accuracy and integrates the knowledge, tools, and models to assess building performance with respect to ignition, fire growth and spread, detection, suppression, toxicity, and egress. Development, advancement, and deployment of measurement science to reduce the fire hazard of building contents and construction materials. Carries out mission-related measurement science research and services to reduce material ignition probability, fire growth and spread, and environmental impacts; and develop codes and standards for cost-effective, fire-safe building contents and construction materials. Research to reduce the risk of fire hazards in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities. This research includes mission-related measurement science research and services to develop WUI fire risk exposure metrics, predict the spread of fires in WUI communities, assess the fire performance of structures and communities, and mitigate the effects of WUI fires on structures and communities through science-based codes and standards. Advancement of real-scale structural-fire measurements, generation of technical data to improve fire and building codes, validation of physics-based models, and post-fire investigations. If selected at the ZT-II level, you will: Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team. Under the close supervision of a scientist, engineer, or other senior engineering technician staff member, perform pre-defined tasks related to the preparation and fabrication of experimental apparatus and test fixtures, construct building mock-ups (portions or entire buildings composed of wood, concrete, and/or steel), and install various sensors on test specimens, buildings, apparatus, and fixtures. Assist research staff with basic troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. Under close supervisor and/or principal investigator guidance, carry out smaller parts of experimental testing. Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and perform work that improves the safety of the work environment. Provide technical support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes, and techniques. If selected at the ZT-III level: you will: Participate as a creative member of an engineering or technology team. Perform tasks related to the preparation and fabrication of experimental apparatus and test fixtures, construct building mock-ups (portions or entire buildings composed of wood, concrete, and/or steel), install various sensors on test specimens, buildings, apparatus, and fixtures. Perform troubleshooting that includes assisting with the development, enhancement, and corrections of systems, technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. Carry out experimental testing based upon supervisory-defined objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Follow health, safety, and environment guidelines and procedures and perform work that improves the safety of the work environment. Provide technical support on assigned projects through the application of professional knowledge and skill in the engineering practices, processes, and techniques. We would like the selectee to have experience in one or more of the following areas: Fabrication with a variety of materials such as wood, steel, and aluminum Building construction Prototype manufacturing processes, such as forming and shaping, machining, joining, and finishing Electronics repairs Plumbing / piping Wiring Gas analyzers Thermal instruments, such as thermocouples and heat flux gauges Computer-aided design and drafting software Familiarity with Labview for collecting data using NI DAQ systems Python or other programming language for analyzing experimental data Using hand tools, power tools, or equipment during construction activities Additionally, the ideal candidate should have the experience and the ability to work in a team environment with staff of similar and differing technical disciplines, as well as the experience and ability to successfully operate independently on assignments.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Merit applicants must meet time-in-grade/band requirements, as applicable
• Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination.
• Bargaining Unit Position: No

Qualifications

Basic Requirement: To qualify at the ZT-II Grade Level: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-04 grade level (ZT-I for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience in at least one of the following: Assisting colleagues in assembling basic experimental apparatuses or test fixtures, supporting the constructing of simple building mock-ups (portions or entire buildings composed of wood, concrete, and/or steel), and/or preparing and installing various sensors on test specimens, buildings, apparatus, or fixtures. Assisting teammates in basic troubleshooting efforts on technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics. At least 6 of the 24 semester hours must have been in drafting. OR A combination of education and experience To qualify at the ZT-III Grade Level: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-08 grade level (ZT-II for NIST employees) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience in at least two of the following: Assisting colleagues in assembling experimental apparatuses or test fixtures, constructing building mock-ups (portions or entire buildings composed of wood, concrete, and/or steel), and/or preparing and installing various sensors on test specimens, buildings, apparatus, or fixtures. Performing troubleshooting efforts on technical equipment, instruments, and/or software. Working with team to conduct basic experiments and collect data. OR Two full years of graduate education OR Master's degree OR A combination of education and experience Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration

Education

This position allows applicants to qualify with education. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.

Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.

Contacts

• Address Fire Research Division 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899 US
• Name: Evelyn Carter-Hopkins
• Email: [email protected]