Physical Scientist

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Environmental Management - Portsmouth Paducah Project Office, Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will serve as an expert advisor providing strategic leadership for major Department of Energy (DOE) scientific and engineering initiatives. You will also develop and implement technical guidance for complex systems, projects, and programs to resolve novel, mission-critical management and operational challenges.

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Duties

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The mission of Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office (PPPO) is to manage the DOE cleanup efforts at two gaseous diffusion plant sites - Portsmouth (Piketon), Ohio, and Paducah, Kentucky. The PPPO conducts environmental remediation, waste management, depleted Uranium Hexafluoride (DUF6) conversion, and decontamination and decommissioning at the plant sites. PPPO's goal is to accelerate cleanup, eliminating potential environmental threats, reducing the DOE footprint, and reducing life-cycle cost.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As a Physical Scientist, you will:

• Direct high-impact scientific and engineering programs lacking technical precedent to to meet key organizational goals and missions.
• Represent the agency on interagency task forces and before groups such as Congress, state officials, and industry partners to deliver technical briefing or testimony.
• Evaluates technical maturity and scientific trends across complex technology options to guide decision-making and reduce operational risks.
• Serve as a technical authority, formulating and implementing key policies while providing strategic counsel to senior leadership and external partners.
• Develop cross-organizational guidance to resolve complex engineering problems and drive collaborative opportunities with public and private partners.

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.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• At the GS-14 level, you are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
• This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter.
• This position has been designated as Critical-Sensitive and requires a security clearance at the "Q" level. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Unit.
• This position has a travel requirement up to 25%.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

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.

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, you must also meet the Specialized Experience Requirements below:

GS-13 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 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-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

1. Managing complex engineering or science projects from planning through completion.
2. Conducting technical analysis to solve difficult scientific or engineering problems.
3. Preparing technical reports, project documents, budgets, or recommendations for managers and senior leaders.

GS-14 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 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-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

1. Planning and leading major science and engineering programs.
2. Evaluating complex technology risks and performance to build risk-mitigation plans and drive long-term strategic goals.
3. Advising senior leadership on resolving complex scientific and engineering issues.

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

"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.

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.