Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) Direct Hire

Summary

The Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST), Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, in Beltsville, MD. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission.

The Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST), Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch, in Beltsville, MD. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission. Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.

The major duties of the Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs forensic fingerprint examinations with minimal technical guidance.
• Uses appropriate laboratory techniques to develop and compare latent prints in order to determine if they share a common origin.
• Draws conclusions based on fully documented physical examination of the evidence and interpretation of scientific results and prepares laboratory reports.
• Works with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
• Provides expert witness testimony on the basis of laboratory examinations.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Conditions of employment

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.

New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

To qualify for the Physical Scientist (Latent Print Examiner) position at the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

• 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
• 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.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

• Examining physically a wide range of evidence from criminal investigations requiring the development and comparison of latent prints; AND
• Performing comparative testing of finger/palm print evidence, both…