PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position, PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, NJ-1311-03, is to provide advanced technical support and analysis in a laboratory environment using qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques and instrumentation to characterize hazardous waste, aircraft fluids, and other materials used in weapon systems maintenance operations.

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Technical and Medical Support Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the 1311 Physical Science Technician Series.

Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NJ-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-7 or equivalent (pay schedule, pay band, etc).

Specialized experience is experience 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 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.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OR EDUCATION: Applicant must have two full years of graduate education or a master's degree with major study in an appropriate field of physical science.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Applicant must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed qualifying education and experience to meet total experience requirements.

General experience directly related to the work of the position and education in excess of one full year of graduate education with major study in an appropriate field of physical science and experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position may be used to qualify applicants for the NJ-3 level.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of chemistry theory, principles and practices.

Knowledge of the principles of mathematics and statistics. Ability to apply good and safe laboratory practices.

Knowledge of simple and advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical methods in chemistry. Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles, practices, and procedures.

Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems. Ability to operate and maintain analytical equipment used in a laboratory environment.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that 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:

Chemically and physically characterize a variety of substances from aerospace platfonns, components, support equipment, maintenance processes, and waste streams using advanced and standard analytical techniques and instrumentation.

Conduct detailed extraction and sample preparation for characterization of hazardous waste from industrial processes.

Write reports indicating test results, utilized standards, statistics, and any anomalies found during analysis.

Knowledge of and compliance with Air Force and internal organizational Quality Managements System, Good Laboratory Practices, Safety, health, and Bio-environmental guidelines and practices.