Physical Science Technician

Full Job Description

If selected you'll serve as a Physical Science Technician responsible for supporting and performing analytical testing in either NSL-Gastonia, NC or NSL-Blakely, GA to determine the acceptability of agricultural and food products in relation to customer test requests, contract specifications, quality control requirements, and regulations of various agencies.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy.

Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as general or specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents.

or Education and Training: For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics..

FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Reconcile samples with sample information documentation and review for correctness and completeness.

Prepare laboratory samples for testing by following sample grinding and homogenization procedures for each type of sample.

Coordinate with analytical staff to prepare samples for testing in the most efficient manner possible by prioritizing work according to sample priority and analytical staff work schedules.

Operate such equipment as food processors and mills to prepare samples for analyses.

OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.

or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.

Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-06 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Analyze samples by using scientific measurement instruments for instrumental and wet chemical procedures.

Perform basic standardization checks and make simple operational adjustments to instruments. Maintain detailed laboratory records and process analytical laboratory data and results.

Contributes with corrective action investigations and documentation and assists with writing procedures.

OR Successful completion at least one full year of graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or equivalent) in an appropriate field of physical science as shown above at the GS 5 level.

Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education.

You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.

This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5/6 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements.

The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Performs chemical and physical analyses of samples using established methods and procedures, as directed by the scientists who supply supervision for the activity being performed.
• Performs other related technician duties such as sample receipt, sample preparation, and sample login within the laboratory as assigned.
• Sets up laboratory apparatus and prepares reagents and maintains glassware by properly cleaning and storing it.
• Chooses appropriate sample preparation techniques to adequately prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
• Prepares a variety of detailed reports and other summaries of data illustrating findings on worksheets and maintains records of tests.