Chemist

Overview

Please see announcement on USAJOBS for available locations. This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations Support (OS, Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) in Savannah, GA;
Newark, NJ;
Houston, TX; and Ashburn, VA.

• This is a Recent Graduate appointment in the Pathways Program. Selected individuals are placed in a one year development program designed to lead to a competitive civil service career in the Federal government.
• At the successful conclusion of the program, the agency may non-competitively convert individuals to a term (1–4 years) or permanent position within the competitive service. Conversion is at the agency’s discretion and is not guaranteed.
• Salary starts at $50,460 (GS-7, Step
  1) to $80,243 (GS-9, Step 10) with promotion potential to $116,362 (GS-12 Step 10). Locality pay tables apply.
• Becomes a key member of the Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate team. Typical work assignments include:
  • Performing chemical and physical tests, forensic analyses, and/or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) detections on samples of imported merchandise or seized materials submitted to the field laboratory.
  • Performing analyses of samples in the laboratory or in the field; determining identity, grade, composition, origins, methods of manufacture, etc., using wet laboratory procedures or advanced analytical instrumentation.
  • Receiving samples for analyses, reviewing background material, performing preliminary examination, reviewing regulations, and determining information needed to satisfy requests.
  • Providing general advice to CBP employees on sampling procedures, analytical methodology, instruments, and issue resolution.
  • Organizing and writing test reports and briefings; articulating technical findings, interpretations, and conclusions.
  • Writing technical reports and papers describing laboratory work with sufficiency, technical merit, and compliance with the LSS Quality system.
  • Appearing as a witness in court proceedings or providing technical assistance in prosecutions.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details may apply).
• All pre-employment processes conducted in English.
• You may be required to pass a background investigation.
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• As an employee, you will adhere to government ethics standards and the agency ethics rules for Executive Branch employees and CBP employees, including restrictions on outside employment and business activities.
• Residency requirements apply to all applicants not currently employed by CBP; exceptions may be requested under specific conditions (working for the U.S. Government, family dependents of federal employees, study abroad, etc.).
• Bargaining Unit:
  This is a bargaining unit covered position represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
• CBP uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

Individual Occupational Requirements:
To be eligible, you must submit required documentation with your application package showing you meet the requirements such as college transcripts, certifications, proof of training, statements of qualifications, etc.

Note: All qualifications are described below and must be met. Basic Requirements:

• A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; OR
• B. Combination of education and experience — course work equivalent to a major as in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Experience for GS-07: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as routine chemical analysis;…