Summary
This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Technical Support, Analytical and Laboratory Service 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. Process and analyze complex industrial hygiene samples collected within the mining industry using sophisticated analytical techniques. Calibrates instruments, analyzes health enforcement samples, archives laboratory data, and performs preventive maintenance on laboratory instruments and accessories. Maintains and demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the following program areas: the X-ray diffraction analysis of metal/nonmetal dust samples for quartz; analysis of metal fume and dust samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy; analysis of diesel particulate matter by NIOSH thermo-optical techniques; infrared analysis of coal mine gas samples by gas chromatography. Provides high-level technical assistance, consultation to the Branch, the Center, and other MSHA groups in appropriate health sampling techniques. Prepares and reviews technical manuscripts that document test results, analytical reports, export files, modifications of analytical procedures, quality control procedures, and other information essential to improve the standardization, accuracy and reliability of analytical results. Performs a preliminary review of all work done in support of health enforcement activities. Serves as a senior scientist and principal operator in one or more fields of testing. Serves as the lead analyst responsible for retention of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accreditation for the lab functions in assigned area of responsibility.
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. You may preview application questions for this vacancy here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13076269 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 Mine Safety and Health Planning and Evaluating Technical Competence Technical Problem Solving The information you provide may be verified by a review of your paid, unpaid, and 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 CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. CTAP eligible(s) will be considered well-qualified if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review the eligibility questions to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.