[ RadSafe ] USEPA National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory Position Vacancy - Montgomery, Alabama

[Nielsen, Erik C.]

Link to listing:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428737600

Text of listing:
Job Title:  Physical Scientist, GS-1301-13
Agency:  Environmental Protection Agency
Job Announcement Number:  LV-OAR-DE-2016-0024

SALARY RANGE: $90,823.00 to $118,069.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 to Tuesday, February 16, 2016

SERIES & GRADE: GS-1301-13

POSITION INFORMATION: Full-time - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 13

DUTY LOCATIONS: FEW vacancies - Montgomery, AL   View Map

WHO MAY APPLY: Any U.S. citizen may apply.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Public Trust - Background Investigation

SUPERVISORY STATUS: No

JOB SUMMARY:
 About the Agency

Earth Day is every day at EPA! Come help us protect the environment! Our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career-we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be. We consistently rank as one of the top Federal agencies in which to work, with great benefits and work flexibilities. Find yourself at EPA. See more about us here: http://www.epa.gov.

This position is located in the Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory, Center for Environmental Radioanalytical Laboratory Science (CERLS), Montgomery, Alabama.
For more information on this office, visit their website: www.epa.gov/oar/oria/

Except in special circumstances, a new GS employee will be hired at the step 1 of the applicable grade.

One or more positions may be filled.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
*If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
*Pre-employment drug testing is required and random testing thereafter.
*You must submit resume and required documents (See How to Apply).
*Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.
*You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month.
*You must be a U.S. citizen.

DUTIES:
Collects, analyzes, and reviews data on radiological samples obtained using gross alpha/beta, Gamma Spectroscopy, Alpha Spectroscopy, and scintillation type detector. Collects and analyzes data from analysis systems in support of the NAREL Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program.

Designs and prepares specifications for highly complex and specialized equipment for measurement of radioactivity in environment. Develop, revie2ws and performs procedures for daily operational and calibration checks of instrumentation used for radiological analysis of environmental, industrial, and chemical samples.

Determines performance characteristics of detector systems and the associated analysis software and determines the quality, accuracy, and precision of the system in relation to regulatory, program, and industry requirements and practices

Provides computer connectivity, interface, and operational support to the Radioanalysis Laboratory as appropriate including evaluation, specification, and use of radionalytical data analysis software. Performs calibration, preventative maintenance and repair on radiation detection systems and associated electronic systems.

Provides advice and assistance to EPA regions, state, local and/or tribal governments on matters relating to the development, execution and monitoring of radiological protection policies and programs. Utilizes statistical methods for evaluating radiological data to ensure the usability of data for performing close and risk assessments.

Communicates with colleagues, Agency management and other contacts outside the Agency to gain information and corroborate findings. Writes study proposals, project plans, scientific and technical reports, papers and publications. Represents EPA at national and international scientific and technical meetings.

Serves as a contracting officer representative (COR) and/or a credit card holder.

You will spend less than 25%, of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.


QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as performing gamma spectroscopy calibration, data acquisition, analysis, and review in a radiation laboratory setting; experience developing, evaluating and validating standard operating procedures related to radiation measurements for use under QA/QC settings; AND experience performing basic troubleshooting and repairs on test equipment and instrumentation.
Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: knowledge in operation of instrument systems applicable to measuring radiological pollutants in environmental media, and interpretation and evaluation of the data obtained with these systems; knowledge of related scientific and engineering disciplines, especially electronics engineering and computer science sufficient to evaluate current instrument systems; ability to evaluate future measurement needs and the appropriate electronic and computer systems to meet those needs; ability determine the cause of instrument system problems and failures and recommend corrective actions; ability to calibrate instruments for performing gamma spectrometry and gross alpha/beta analyses on samples of varying environmental media, e.g. air, water, soil, etc.; knowledge of sources of contaminants from naturally-occuring radioactive materials and their potential for exposure to the population; skills and proficiency in the use of equipment for responding to radiological situations; ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally; knowledge of statistical methods for evaluation the data derived from measurement systems.
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 have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: 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 with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science. As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement. However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA. More information on verification of education can be found here: http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm

If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form prior to your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications Section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the on-line assessment. Your responses to the on-line assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position. You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified Category.

We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements.

NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.
To preview questions please click here.

BENEFITS:

You can review our benefits at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.phy/Pay_and_Benefits
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The following Web addresses are provided for your reference to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees. To find out more visit
Benefits. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.

OTHER INFORMATION:

This position is in the bargaining unit.

EPA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: http://www.epa.gov/careers/evapr.html

This information is used to determine your qualifications for employment. The use of this information is authorized under Title 5 USC, Sections 3302 and 3361.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: (http://www.epa.gov/careers/evapr.html)


HOW TO APPLY:

You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.





Erik C. Nielsen
Health Physicist
USEPA, National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
540 South Morris Ave.
Montgomery, AL 36115
Phone 334-270-3475
Fax 334-270-3454
http://www.epa.gov/narel/

"It's not having what you want.  It's wanting what you've got."
Sheryl Crow, Soak up the Sun,  2002