Job opening: PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
Salary: $72 553 - 94 317 per year
Published at: May 01 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to manage and teach the Solar Optical Observing Network (SOON) operator's (solar analyst) course. Provide space weather products and services vital to the operational customers and resource protection support efforts to the Department of Defense, United States Air Force, United States Space Force, and/or other customers.
Duties
Manages and teaches the SOON operator's (solar analyst) course, 557WW2500. Prepares lesson plans, audio-visual aides, multimedia, presentations, pamphlets, graphical visual aids, training films, and/or student reference materials
Serves as the technical advisor to senior leaders and solar analysts in the operation and training related to the AN/FMQ-7 Solar Optical Observing Network (SOON) telescope system
Develops improved observing and operating procedures and analysis techniques for the AN/FMQ-7 solar telescope for continued quality training
Provides operational assistance to assigned unit and SEON network in resolving complex solar observing problems or design deficiency
Provides review, critique, and technical assistance to designers and developers of observing system upgrades. Develops improved observing and operating procedures and analysis techniques for the AN/FMQ-7 solar telescope for continued quality training
Requirements
- Must complete initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s)
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
- Disclosure of Political Appointments
- All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
- Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
- Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
- Work requires at least two solar analyst shifts per month to maintain proficiency on the AN/FMQ-7. Additional shifts may be required depending on mission requirements. Cont...
- This will require the employee to report to work 30 minutes before sunrise and/or depart 15 minutes after sunset
- Work may require rotating shifts, irregular hours, and subject to recall to support unscheduled requirements
- Work occasionally requires travel away from the normal duty location, to include OCONUS (driving or flying via military/commercial air)
- Work may require access to classified information and must be able to obtain and maintain Secret Clearance
- This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent in other pay systems, in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy with the knowledge of scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive knowledge of the 557th Weather Wing's 2d Weather Squadron and Space Weather Operations Center - its mission, organization, and operation; working knowledge of basic astronomy and optical principles - solar physics, transmission, polarization, spectroscopy, etc.; Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and daily operations of the AN/FMQ-7 solar optical telescope and the Air Force SEON; thorough knowledge of solar optical observing principles, procedures, methods, techniques, and practices; analyzing solar optical structures and magnetic field data; knowledge of Air Force astro geophysical data codes (FLARE, EVENT, DALAS, etc.); working knowledge of basic computer principles; operation of audiovisual equipment (overhead projectors, webcams, teleconferencing software, etc.); planning and management of projects; interpreting policy in terms of established objectives, resolving problems, and coordinating work with others.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-10 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of solar optical observing methods, techniques, and practices, including solar physics, space weather physics and principles, telescope instrumentation systems/peripherals, communications, and support procedures.
2. Skill in using various computer software and various applications.
3. Skill in written and oral communication to prepare and present lectures, guidance products, briefings, coordinates planning efforts, and manages program activities.
4. Ability to operate the AN/FMQ-7 solar optical telescope (and its peripherals) and communication equipment. Ability to measure space weather phenomena with scientific equipment to collect, analyze, interpret, adjust, and verify solar environmental data to confirm and improve its accuracy and effectiveness.
5. Ability to maintain certification equivalent to an AN/FMQ-7 Solar Analyst.
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interacting with individuals and unit representatives.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you
MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click
here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS********************
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214,
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
- Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
- Branch of Armed Forces
- Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
- Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
- Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
- Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
- Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
- Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt
Contacts
- Address Holloman AFB
681 Second Street
Bldg 222, Ste 201
Holloman AFB, NM 88330
US
- Name: Total Force Service Center
- Phone: 1-800-525-0102
- Email: [email protected]
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