Physical Scientist

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Environmental Management - Carlsbad Field Office, Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will receive assignments in WIPP operations, mining techniques, waste management assessments, and nuclear safety rules and responsibilities.

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Duties

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As a Physical Scientist (Facility Representative), you will:

• Assists in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of technical engineering and scientific projects across DOE facilities and programs.
• Researches and analyzes engineering and scientific issues, data, and conditions to develop practical solutions and improvements for operating programs.
• Performs on-site operational oversight and functional area assessments alongside qualified Facility Representatives and subject matter experts.
• Collaborates across varied scientific and engineering disciplines to resolve technical conflicts, sequence project milestones, and ensure technical requirements are met.
• Reviews project needs and assists with drafting technical documentation, statements of work (SOWs), and budget or procurement packages.
• Prepares and presents clear reports and data updates to technical and non-technical stakeholders, management, and interagency partners regarding project status and operational issues.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• Occasional travel required.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• You will be required to complete an OF-306, "Declaration for Federal Employment" form to (a) determine your suitability for Federal employment.
• This position is designated as a technical position and is subject to the Department's Technical Qualification Program (TQP) for Facility Representative (DOE-STD-1151-2019).
• General Technical Base - Part A (DOE-STD-1146-2026 and General Technical Base - Part B (DOE-STD-1146-2026) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Site Specific.
• Incumbent is required to acquire and demonstrate technical competencies identified in a technical qualification standard and requires certification of the competencies by a qualifying official.
• Incumbent may be required to complete additional training in assessment and accident investigation techniques, radiological control monitoring, and mine safety along with general OSHA safe operating practices.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES:

A. 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

B. 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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of the 4 of the following:

1. Conducting walkthroughs, field observations, or inspections of industrial, mechanical, chemical, mining, or scientific facilities/equipment.
2. Investigating technical anomalies, operational issues, or equipment data using standard engineering or physical science principles.
3. Preparing written technical documents to communicate findings and project status to colleagues and management.
4. Assisting in coordinating project schedules, milestones, or work activities across different disciplines, contractors, or work teams

GS-12: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of the 4 of the following:

1. Planning and performing on-site evaluations, walkthroughs, or quality/safety surveillances of operating systems, industrial facilities, chemical/processing plants, or mining sites.
2. Analyzing engineering, physical science, or operational problems, including evaluating data anomalies, equipment malfunctions, or incident/occurrence reports.
3. Coordinating and tracking project schedules, resources, and/or technical milestones for scientific or engineering initiatives.
4. Preparing technical requirements, engineering specifications, Statements of Work (SOWs), or budget justifications.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

GS-11 Position:

If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Education Substitution Requirement: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

Additional information

• Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.
• The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit:
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
• EEO Policy:
• Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
• Reasonable Accommodation Policy:
• Veterans Information:
• Selective Service Registration:
• The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at View email address on click.appcast.io.
• CTAP/ICTAP Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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.