This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: The Chemist position is located a Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas working for the U.S. Army Public Health Command - West, Laboratory Division, Food Analysis and Diagnostic Lab, Veterinary Chemical Section.

Duties

Performs chemical analyses on a broad range of food, animal feeds and water samples. Prepares reports describing the results, conclusions and, if appropriate, recommends solutions to the problem. Review the background material, pertinent regulations, the sample's chemical properties and physical state and the information requested to determine if the requested tests are appropriate Operates: gas chromatographs, mass spectrometer, high pressure liquid chromatographs, ion chromatographs, inductively coupled plasma and extraction/digestion equipment. Troubleshoots and maintains laboratory instruments, performing minor repairs as required.

Requirements

• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• One year probationary period may be required.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• This position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
• This position has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is therefore subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations.
• Work involves regular and recurring exposure to irritant and/or hazardous chemicals. May require the use of a laboratory coat, safety glasses, gloves, fume hood and a protective shield.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing during employment.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/ or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Chemist: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: Course work equivalent to a major in the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience performing chemical analyses utilizing methods that meet laboratory accreditation requirements; analyzing using various methods, such as physical measurement, wet laboratory tests, and instrumental analysis; and analyzing data drawn from laboratory test and compiling reports of results, recommending solutions and drawing conclusion. OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: the physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address M1-W08GAA REGIONAL HEALTH COMMAND-CENTRAL DO NOT MAIL Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk