QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Accelerated Compensation for Developmental Position (ACDP} Quality Assurance Specialist under the direct guidance of a Senior or higher level specialist, the incumbent performs a variety of Quality Assurance Specialist duties in the support of assigned program(s).

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

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

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position.

OR Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge in monitoring, controlling, or maintaining the quality of products or services in quality assurance, procurement, inspection, production, or related areas.

Examples include: Reviewing production activities and capabilities in light of contract quality requirements.

Reviewing written quality or inspection procedures for adequacy, and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of quality/inspection systems, including sampling plans.

Analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality/inspection system.

Verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance.

Identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action. Computing data, summarizing results, and preparing reports or charts depicting pertinent relationships using statistical methods.

Investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports, and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities.

Reading, interpreting, and applying technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals.

Reviewing and evaluating supply systems operations and procedures through periodic audits and surveillance inspections.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-01, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-04 or equivalent in other pay systems.

Specialized experience is described as experience applying problem-solving methods including conducting studies, investigations and analysis to identify solutions; Monitoring audits, product inspections and process reviews to detect deficiencies; Evaluating effectiveness of and researching new business practices; Utilizing system controls to maintain consistency and gather data, and ensuring product and processes are in compliance.

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.

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 quality assurance principles, regulations, practices and procedures.

Knowledge of assigned commodity. Knowledge of test methods and ability to use test/inspection equipment (e.g. scales, micrometers, comparators).

Knowledge of inspection techniques and manufacturing processes.

Knowledge of material control processes such as packing, cleaning, preservations, containers, environmental controls, marking and labeling. Ability to apply sampling methods.

Ability to read, interpret, and apply specifications and drawings.

Skill and ability to gather, assemble, analyze and present quality assurance facts and information, draws conclusions, and devises solutions to problems.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Skill and ability to apply lean, safety, security, and health principles, practices, and procedures and to understand and apply internal management procedures.

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:

Supports project work alongside Quality Assurance Specialists and Production Personnel under the direction of the Quality Chief or supervisor.

Assists in analyzing and researching quality assurance methods, including statistical techniques and sampling. Learns to interpret product specifications, technical data, and regulations.

Supports the advancement of industry-standard quality goals and objectives.