This position is located at Bureau of Engraving and Printing, within the Office of Quality Operations. As a Physical Scientist, you will serve as a Physical Scientist working with other scientists, engineers, production personnel, Materials Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), quality personnel, product managers, and project managers.

Duties

The following are the duties of this position at the GS-12. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties, and will receive training to help you grow in this position. As a Physical Scientist, you will: Conduct routine to complex analyses that require exercising independent judgment; engage in independent or team efforts or scientific investigations to confirm test results or resolve any problems associated with BEP products and raw materials; inform peers, CORs, Quality personnel, production personnel and supervisor of nonconforming results. Conduct method development activities that incorporate knowledge of sample preparation and analytical instrumentation techniques to analyze incoming and processed materials. Incorporate QA/QC attributes to ensure that new developed methods are reproducible/reliable; applies statistical analysis principles to demonstrate method suitability; and prepare applicable documentation following QMS (e.g. Standard Operating Procedure, Work Instructions). Operate a full range of laboratory equipment, which includes chemical, physical, and optical test equipment, such as titrators, density meters, crumple testers, abrasion testers, UV/IR lamps, image capture/analysis systems, micrometers, fold testers, tear testers, spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes and universal mechanical testing systems; reviews testing methods and submit changes when necessary; coordinates, train and assist lower level scientists, chemists and technicians in the use of laboratory equipment; develop test plans and conduct special investigations. Independently, or as part of a team, develop new quality assurance procedures and standards that result in improvements of methods for product quality assessment or material performance prediction to include the assessment of new technology, providing technical specifications for the acquisition of equipment, writing Standard Testing Methods (STM), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Work Instructions (WI) and trainings for users. Provide technical support and solutions to currency manufacturing production problems and/or participate in investigative trouble shooting, which may involve such activities as collecting, analyzing and testing raw materials, finished products, and by-products in support of process product improvement, procurement, and contract administration.

Requirements

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement. To be eligible for the Recent Graduates Program, applicants must have, within the previous 2 years*, completed all educational requirements for a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying institution; [or intended graduation is no more than 9 months from date of application. (However, you must graduate prior to being appointed to the position.)] if applicable. For more information on education requirements go to Treasury's Pathways Program.*Veterans who, due to a military service obligation, were precluded from applying to a Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2 year eligibility period may have their eligibility period extended so that they receive the full 2 years of eligibility. The remaining 2-year eligibility period will begin upon his or her release or discharge from active duty. The veteran's eligibility period may not extend beyond 6 years from the date of completion of all requirements of an academic course of study. For the GS-9, you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for the GS-9 is one year of experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent, that is directly related to the position as listed in this announcement and which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience to qualify at the GS-9 level is defined as: - Applying principles and concepts of general engineering and science in order to research, interpret and carry out assignments; AND - Communicating basic level technical analysis information through oral discussions/presentations and written fact sheets/reports; AND - Investigating and analyzing data trends OR Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, OR You may qualify by a combination of experience and education.

Education

Education Requirements: The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

Individual Occupational Requirements for the Physical Scientist:
Basic Requirements:
A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree 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

B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Individual Occupational Requirements for the Chemist:
Basic Requirements:
A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in 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 as shown in A above, 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.

RECENT GRADUATE INFORMATION:Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. Following the completion of program requirements, selectees may be considered for non-competitive conversion to a career-conditional or term appointment. All conversion requirements will be identified in the Participant Agreement. Program requirements include but are not limited to:

• Successful completion of at least 1-year of continuous service;
• Completion of at least 40 hours of interactive training;
• Demonstration of successful job performance; and
• Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate may be converted.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM? For additional information regarding the Pathways Program, please refer to the following website: www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads

Contacts

• Address Office of Quality Operations Administrative Resource Center Parkersburg, WV 26101 US
• Name: Applicant Call Center
• Phone: 304-480-7300
• Email: [email protected]