Supervisory Physical Scientist (Laboratory Chief, Forensic Science Laboratory)

Summary

ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals/criminal organizations, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, acts of arson/bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, & technology. Visit www.atf.gov.

This job is open to
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.

Individuals with disabilities

Land & base management

Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Military spouses

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Your application will be considered if you are a: Current or former career/career-conditional; Reinstatement eligible; Special Appointing Authority (i.e., Military Spouse, Land and Base Management, 30% Veteran, Sch A) eligible; VEOA eligible Veteran; ICTAP eligible; or OPM Interchange Agreement eligible.

Duties

This position is located under the Office of Science and Technology in Wichita, Kansas.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Chief of a Laboratory within the Office of Science and Technology (OST), Forensic Services Division and serve as an advisor to the Deputy Assistant Director of Forensic Services.

As a Supervisory Physical Scientist (Laboratory Chief, Forensic Science Laboratory), GS-1301-15, your typical work assignments may include:

Plan, direct, and evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of the Laboratory and supervise a staff of subordinate supervisors, scientific and technical professionals, and support personnel.
Conduct scientific, technical, and physical analyses on evidentiary material and analyze data connected with criminal investigations.
Oversee complete laboratory work that encompasses broad range of responsibilities to include: identification and analysis of fire debris and explosives, firearm and tool-mark examinations, fingerprint examinations, DNA analysis, trace evidence analysis, crime scene assistance, and other support activities, depending on the laboratory's specific mission.

Requirements
Conditions of Employment

The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement. The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

MOBILITY PLAN: 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.

Key Requirements:
Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
Must sign a mobility agreement as condition of employment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:
You must show you have successfully completed a bachelor's degree (or higher 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 OR a combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the basic qualifications above, to qualify for 15, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-14.

Additional Conditions of Employment:
GS-15 - You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing the following duties.

Specialized experience includes all of the following:
Establish internal controls to ensure responsible use of funds and resources.
Devise methods for completing projects and resolve conflicts that arise.
Develop major aspects of key scientific program operations of a highly scientific and/or technical nature.
Manage work of multiple scientific and/or technical groups through subordinate supervisors.
Establish and implement a safety program to address unique challenges encountered in a laboratory where potentially hazardous conditions exist.

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if:

1) This vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility; and
2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and
3) You are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: https://www.usajobs.gov//working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if:

1) This vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; and
2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and
3) You are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: https://www.usajobs.gov//working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/.

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a Veteran Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.

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.

Education

All academic degrees and course work must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Agency contact information
Ann Blagmon
Phone

202-648-8833

Email

Ann.D.Blagmon@usdoj.gov

Address

Office of Science and Technology
99 New York Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20226
US

Next steps

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.