This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). The primary purpose of this position is to provide an expert in scientific capabilities to support S&T's efforts in investigating and analyzing biological threat characterization and synthesis to ensure scientific research will meet the needs of Homeland Security requirements. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As a General Biological Scientist, GS-0401-13/14, your typical work assignments may include: Providing authoritative advice concerning scientific concepts, potential threats, and impacts of biological agents and other hazards to senior managers of DHS and other agencies and to representatives of foreign governments and entities. Conducting projects and studies which require analysis of interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of substantive mission-oriented programs. Developing detailed plans, goals, and objectives for long range implementation and administration of the program, and/or developing criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Participating as active member or leader of panels, committees, and task forces concerning innovative research and development objectives, international programs and projects, and new and emerging threats and technologies All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5 business day open period due to the number of applications received. This announcement will be open for 5 business days. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
• This position has been designated as SPECIAL-SENSITIVE and requires security clearance at the TOP SECRET level with special access to secret compartmentalized information (SCI).
• Required to file on a yearly basis form OGE SF 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• This position is non-bargaining.

Qualifications

Basic requirements for the GS-0401 General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. or Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: 1) executing or managing a variety of research and testing duties that require using a variety of technologies or techniques relevant to counter-weapons of mass destruction (counter-WMD) missions; 2) advising on the application of laws, regulations, and standards applicable to biological or chemical research for complex or controversial issues; 3) preparing briefings and coordination with Interagency partners, the public, regulatory agencies, the chain-of-command, and others as needed. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as: 1) applying technical leadership and knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards applicable to biological or chemical research for complex or controversial issues; in particular act as a project leader for execution of difficult and highly complex or controversial projects or program initiatives with far-reaching scope and effect; 2) analyzing, preparing, and/or providing senior level review, assessment, and oversight of specialized products (including but not limited to project plans for work in areas such as biological or chemical threat characterization research; risk analysis research, development or execution; spend plans and budget justification; knowledge products. technical reports, or presentations; and technology development plans) to ensure technical accuracy and conformance with United States Government (USG) policy. These products include (but are not limited to) project plans for work; 3) preparing and delivering briefings and coordination with Interagency partners, the public, regulatory agencies, the chain-of-command, and others as needed; 4) Developing, implementing, managing, and coordinating science or computing research efforts in accordance with best practices for protecting national security information. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. 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.

Education

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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Contacts

• Address Department of Homeland Security Headquarters OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170 6595 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA 20598-0170 US
• Name: Jared Tittle
• Phone: (912) 267-3551
• Email: [email protected]