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Posted: January 9, 2026 (6 days ago)

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Chemist

Defense Logistics Agency

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$76,463 - $99,404

per year

Closes

January 19, 2026

GS-12 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves analyzing and testing petroleum-based fuels in a lab setting for the Department of Defense, including conducting studies, investigations, and inspections to ensure product quality and identify contamination sources.

A good fit would be someone with a strong science background who enjoys hands-on lab work, can handle physical tasks like lifting heavy samples, and has experience in chemistry related to fuels or materials.

The role requires working in potentially hazardous environments with safety gear and occasional travel for site surveys.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, plus coursework in calculus and 6 hours in physics
  • One year of specialized experience at GS-11 level or equivalent, including studies, analysis, and testing of petroleum-based fuels
  • Ability to conduct investigations, research testing, inspections, and determine product acceptance or rejection based on specifications
  • Provide technical expertise in petroleum chemistry and prepare reports on contamination sources
  • Physical capability for prolonged standing, lifting 50-70 lbs, moderate exertion during site surveys, and working in confined spaces with PPE
  • DoD Acquisition Engineering, Technical & Management (ETM) Foundational certification within required timeframes, plus 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points every 2 years
  • Compliance with drug-free workplace policy and ability to work occasional weekends or outside normal hours

Full Job Description

See below for important information regarding this job. To qualify for a Chemist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: A.

Basic Requirement: Bachelor's Degree or higher 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 Combination of education and experience -- Bachelor's Degree or higher equivalent to a major in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, or a major in a related field 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, plus appropriate experience, or additional education.

Applicants MUST submit a copy of transcripts showing they meet the basic requirements AND B.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position.

To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.

Creditable specialized experience include: Conducting routine studies, reviews and analysis of petroleum-based fuels. Conducting investigations and performing research testing.

Conducting inspections, providing technical expertise in the field of petroleum chemistry, reports establishing the probability of contamination sources.

Determines acceptance or rejection of products that deviate from procurement specifications.

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.

Physical Demands The work requires prolonged standing at a chemistry bench or hood, periodic lifting and/or transporting of sample bottles and compressed gas cylinders (50 to 70 lbs), and occasional travel to perform site surveys, participate in technical conferences and meetings, and attend training classes.

During site surveys, the employee will be involved in moderate physical exertion to include carrying equipment, climbing, standing, walking and bending.

Work is also occasionally performed in confined environments wearing personal protective equipment.

Work Environment The employee works in a chemistry laboratory where they may be toxic, flammable, corrosive and sometimes explosive chemicals.

Specialized safety practices designed to minimize exposures are mandatory and may include using fume hoods and wearing protective clothing and gear (safety glasses, face shields, lab coats, aprons, gloves, safety shoes, etc).

Work is occasionally required outside of normal duty hours and on weekends in response to critical customer and management requirements. Performs other duties as assigned.

Acquisition Workforce: Position requires DoD Acquisition Engineering, Technical & Management (ETM), Foundational certification within required timeframes.

Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace. All DLA employees are required to refrain from illegal drug use on and off duty.

DLA conducts pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug testing.

Applicants tentatively selected for employment in testing designated positions will undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Refusal to undergo testing or testing positive for illegal drugs will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and a six-month denial of employment with DLA from the date of the drug test.

Employees in drug testing designated positions are subject to random drug testing.

The DLA drug testing panel tests for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl, norfentanyl, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and opioids.

ADVISORY: Use of cannabidiol (CBD) products may result in a positive drug test for marijuana.

DLA employees are subject to Federal law and under Federal law, Marijuana is a Schedule I drug and is illegal. Major Duties:

  • Oversees and directs assigned laboratory administrative programs, including safety, environmental protection, waste management, security, and equipment.
  • Manages the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Program for the laboratory, ensuring all processes are completed accurately and in a repeatable manner.
  • Provides petroleum chemistry expertise to DLA Energy, resolving conflicts between technical, environmental, and logistical requirements to ensure product availability.
  • Provides analytical testing, product certification, and investigative support on Class III and gaseous products to DLA Energy customers.
  • Conducts tests and forensic investigations, assists with the maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment while ensuring completion of quality assurance/surveillance processes.
  • Monitors lab consumables and equipment condition. Assists in procuring necessary test equipment, standards, and reagents to ensure effective laboratory operations for DLA product evaluation.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DLAEnergy-26-12861957-DHA