Summary
This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Technical Support, Analytical and Laboratory Division. MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining; promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners. MSHA carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.
Duties
The responsibilities described apply to both the Physical Scientist and Chemist position titles. Performs complex analyses of airborne mine particulates. Prepares and analyzes samples for quartz using x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Prepares and analyzes fume, water, and bulk samples for elemental composition using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. Analyzes diesel particulate samples using an elemental carbon analyzer. Analyzes dust samples for size and number concentration using microscopic and electronic counting techniques. Reviews the background material submitted with the samples, determining approaches as needed. Modifies and adapts standard methods and procedures to solve analytical problems. Evaluates and interprets analytical findings, reporting results and makes recommendations as needed. Evaluates the acceptability of samples, stating the method used, modifications of the method, the results and the impact of any quality control deficiencies on data usability. Interprets analytical data as it relates to project goals. Explains analytical results as needed. Independently works out the required test procedures and methods for the analysis of particulate samples that may require modification of standard or generally acceptable methods of analysis. Validates the method with known samples and prepares reports of results in the standard MSHA format. Keeps abreast of the latest developments in the field of industrial hygiene sample analyses and environmental chemistry and recommends new instrumentation and/or techniques which may be applicable. Provides technical advice to laboratory personnel and consults with outside scientists in the specialty area. Processes laboratory data using various commercial and custom made computer software programs. Prepares technical manuscripts dealing with the work conducted.
Education
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service. If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum coursework requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.
How you will be evaluated
Your evaluation will be based on how well you meet the qualifications outlined in this vacancy announcement, as demonstrated through your resume and supporting documentation. Click Application of Veterans Preference for more information. You may preview application questions for this vacancy here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13065627 If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses. Category A - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and has successful experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity. Category B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies required by this position. Category C - Meets the specialized experience described in the minimum qualification requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies. Click here for Evaluation details. SME Resume Panel Review Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review your resume to assess your technical qualifications based on the competencies listed below. Applicants who meet the required qualifications will advance to the next stage of the hiring process. For each below competency, SME(s) will provide a rating of 0-Not Applicable, 1-Awareness, 2-Basic, 3-Intermediate, 4-Advanced, or 5-Expert based on the content of your resume. Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies: Chemistry Oral Communication Teamwork Technical Problem Solving Writing The information you provide may be verified by a review of your paid, unpaid, volunteer, as it demonstrates the competencies or skills required for the position to be filled. Your evaluation may include an interview, reference checks, or other assessment conducted by HR specialists, subject matter experts, or panel members and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc.). INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligible(s) who are Category B or higher will be considered well-qualified. Be sure to review the eligibility questions to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.