Physical Scientist (Technical Advisor)

DutiesSummary

As our nation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is committed to delivering our mission to safeguard America's borders and enable legitimate trade and travel. Staffing mission critical positions remains a high priority. Be reassured that CBP is still hiring, despite potential hiring process step delays due to restrictions to in-person activities.


Responsibilities

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate (LSSD) located in Houston, TX.

Upon selection, you may be eligible to receive a Relocation Incentive depending upon terms outlined in agency policy and availability of funding.

In this Physical Scientist (Technical Advisor) position, you will be serving as a principal scientist with responsibility as the laboratory management's technical advisor on the scientific and technical activities of the CBP field laboratory. This position starts at a salary of $125,197.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $162,753.00 (GS-14, Step 10) with promotion potential to $162,753.00(GS-14 Step 10).

Typical duties will include:

• Serving as the principal technical advisor to the Laboratory Director with supervision under the Assistant Laboratory Director/Deputy Director in technical related inquiries and complaints, court cases and protest reviews and programs and methods for technological advancements and provision of expert technical advice to all levels covering the technical scope of scientific activities of the field laboratory.
• Providing expertise covering the scope of forensics and trade commodities for scientific, technical and statistical counsel on quality related applications.
• Representing on inter-agency policy committees, methods committees, scientific working groups, university liaisons, or meetings concerned with scientific or technical matters.
• Overseeing comprehensive field laboratory scientific programs, including national forensic and trade enforcement focus and initiatives, and giving recommendations on technical decisions. Monitoring and evaluating the delivery of services with development and implementation of recommendations for improvements.
• Coordinating with supervisors on training and development of technical staff that include proficiency and competency, providing feedback on employee' work products. Teaching and guiding scientists and other personnel in performance improvement of analytical skills.
Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

14

• Job family (Series)

  1301 General Physical Science

  Similar jobs
  • Physical Scientists, All Other
  • Scientists, Physical, All Other

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • 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 below)
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
  QualificationsExperience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Providing technical and administrative guidance in developing and implementing new and improved data assessment and technical procedures and methodologies in the physical science field; and
  • Coordinating technical activities with other governmental agencies; and planning, assigning and directing scientific tests.
  • Participating in analytical methods and instrumentation needs and evaluating application of new instruments and test technologies.
  You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience as described above and meet the basic requirement listed below.
  
  Basic Requirement: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you meet the basic requirement below: A. A degree in 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. ORB. 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.
  
  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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 02/02/2021.
  
  The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
  
  Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. . For more information visit this link.
  
  Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
  Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Education

  Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

  Additional information

  Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
  
  Security Clearance: You may be required to obtain a Top Secret or higher level clearance for this position.
  
  Work Environment: Occasional exposure to moderate risks such as irritant chemicals may occur during mobile operations. Special safety precautions may be required, e.g., the use of fume hoods when working with acids, and protective clothing and gear must be worn, e.g., laboratory coat, gloves, respiratory protection, and safety glasses.
  
  Special Appointing Authority: Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application, please click on the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact the CBP Hiring Center via the contact information listed at the end of this job opportunity announcement.

  • Veterans
  • Military spouses Effective until August 12, 2023, any spouse of a member on active duty may be eligible
  • Individuals with Disabilities The proof of disability documentation must specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation. For more information visit this link.
  • Peace Corps/VISTA
  • Other miscellaneous hiring authorities
  
  DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
  
  Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder
  
  The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11007623
  
  We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.
  
  The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

  • Knowledge of chemistry and its application to federal operations sufficient to provide technical and scientific advice to other Headquarters and field offices;
  • Ability to provide assessment on sound scientific compliance of comparison findings for reports and intelligence briefs and on adherence to digital forensics standards
  • Knowledge of the principles of general administration of technically oriented procedures, policies, laws and regulations
  • Ability to organize and coordinate thorough and systematic efforts to meet operational and programmatic needs.
  
  If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11007623
  
  Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.
  
  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Top Secret

  Drug test required

  Yes

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

  Trust determination process

  Suitability/Fitness

• Required Documents

  Required Documents
  • Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link.
  • Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11007623
  • Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate Sf-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
  • Your transcripts: All applicants are required to submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. If you are a current CBP employee within the position series announced, transcripts will not be required at the time of application; however, education will be verified if you are selected and you may be required to submit transcripts at that time. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of accrediting agencies, please see www.naces.org
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
  • Special Appointing Authority: See "Other Information" to determine what documentation you need to submit as proof of eligibility for a Special Appointing Authority.
  • Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a veteran appointing authority, you must submit documentation to support eligibility such as a DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period, a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, and/or supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, your rank, expected character of service and anticipated date of separation. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD-214 upon separation from the military. To learn more click here.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
    • Position title
    • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
    • Agency
    • Beginning and ending dates of appointment
  • You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• Federal employees - Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Veterans

Current Federal employees with competitive status; Individuals who are eligible under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).