Job Information
U.S. Secret Service Physical Scientist in Washington, District Of Columbia
Summary Joining the Secret Service, Office of Technical Development and Mission Support, Technical Security Division will allow you to provide program and project planning, coordination, management, and quality assurance for contraband, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threat detection and mitigation countermeasures. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here. Responsibilities The selectee will serve as a Physical Scientist in the Office of Technical Development and Mission Support (TEC), Technical Security Division. Typical work assignments include: Working with program/project managers, colleagues, and other applicable internal and external stakeholders to identify capability gaps, develop requirements and recommend the appropriate level of governance to ensure project/program has the appropriate oversight within the scope of the program objectives. Exploring opportunities to improve value through partnerships. Collaborating with subject matter experts and project managers to coordinate and identify applicable requirements based on assigned program areas. Serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) in managing awarded contracts. Performs or oversees contract management functions such as monitoring and ensuring compliance on all assigned contracts. Apply for this exciting opportunity to provide a technically secure environment for the President and Vice President of the United States; limited technical security for other protectors; and technical assistance for investigative support to USSS field offices throughout the world. This Physical Scientist position starts at a salary of $99,200.00, (GS -12 step 1) with promotion potential to $181,216.00 (GS-14 step 10). Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship is required. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. If selected for this position, you will be required to: Obtain and maintain a top secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page. Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. Domestic travel is required on a regular basis and foreign travel is required on a limited basis. Submit a financial disclosure report. The incumbent is required to complete annual ethics and procurement integrity training. Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. The person selected for this position may be subject to a one-year probationary period. This position requires a minimum FAC-COR Level 2 Certification, or the incumbent must be able to meet requirement within 24 months of assignment (with an approved waiver). This position also requires the incumbent to engage in acquisition continuous learning activities, achieving 40 continuous learning points every 24 months. This position is an emergency essential position. The incumbent will be subject to on-call and irregular work hours. The incumbent must be able to work holidays, evenings, weekends and during inclement weather and government shutdowns as required to support operations. Shift work may be required. Must be willing to undergo Full Scope Polygraph. Qualifications Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: Applicants must possess: A. Degree: 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. AND You must meet both the Basic Requirement above and the Specialized Experience below to qualify for this series as described below. You qualify for the GS-12 level (starting salary $99,200.00) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as: Aiding with work related to environmental monitoring, investigative operations, or the protection of persons and infrastructure Aiding with briefings or trainings on the detection or mitigation of weapons or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threat materials; and Supporting the planning and management of procurements or interagency agreements for scientific projects You qualify for the GS-13 level (starting salary $117,962) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level performing duties such as: Implementing initiatives related to environmental monitoring, investigative operations, or the protection of persons and infrastructure Providing briefings or trainings on the detection or mitigation of weapons or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threat materials; and Leading the planning, development, design, and direction of procurements or interagency agreements for scientific projects The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this 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. 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 Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional Information DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to HRsupport@usss.dhs.gov. The agency's Telework Policy allows up to 80% telework, which is at the discretion of management and based on roles and responsibilities. Additionally, compressed or flexible work schedules are offered with appropriate approval. More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger). DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.