Physical Scientist (Firearms & Toolmark Examiner) with Security Clearance

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Job description

Duties Analyzing evidence to identify the firearm which fired a particular bullet or cartridge case. Preserve basic evidentiary materials to prevent loss/contamination during transport. Analyze fundamental evidence using microscopic techniques to identify toolmarks in support of forensic testing. Analyzing evidence to identify the tool which created a particular toolmark. Analyze evidence to identify toolmark in support of forensic testing. Perform basic physical fit/fracture match comparisons of broken edges of metallic items. Perform serial number restoration on firearms/munitions in support of forensic testing. Identify complex/advanced range of serial numbers on firearms and munitions in support of forensic testing. Assist in preparing laboratory reports. Advise on activities associated with assisting the generation of technical notes and reports. Prepare a full range of written laboratory reports in support of forensic testing. Prepare reports of findings during the examination/analysis of evidence and material. Utilize computer software to prepare written technical notes. Utilize basic photographic equipment for documenting forensic evidence. Utilize a full range of photographic equipment for documenting forensic evidence. Generate fundamental digital images for documenting forensic evidence. Requirements Conditions of Employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance. Travel will be required in response to crime scenes, courts and life-cycle training. Travel is 25% The work requires using the eyes for prolonged periods of time with/without magnifier and special lighting. Must have normal color vision; normal ability to distinguish shades of color; and normal ability to perceive and remember forms and shapes. Must have normal vision (corrective lenses/glasses acceptable). Required to lift evidence that weighs up to 40 pounds to working heights of 48 inches. Must pass pre-employment and annual physical examinations due to the heavy lifting requirement. Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for the position. Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment and while employed in the position. Will be required to operate motor vehicle in accordance with applicable OPM regulations and related requirements of Department of the Army. Must participate in DNA database within the USACIL. Must comply with Drug Abuse Testing Program requirements. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing. Qualifications Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
People with Disabilities, Schedule A
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
Reinstatement
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998
Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) In order to qualify, you must meet the education AND experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document . 1301 Basic Requirements: A degree in physical sciences, 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 - course work equivalent to a major as shown above, including at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Experience required: 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Specialized Experience: GS-11: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Forensic laboratory experience and knowledge of firearms and toolmark examinations. OR Education Substitution for Specialized Experience for the GS-11: Successful completion of a PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related from an accredited college or university.(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Specialized Experience and Education for the GS-11: You must possess some specialized experience as described above, but less than one year; and have more than one year of graduate level education, but less than three years of graduate-level education as described above. If you have computed the percentage of the requirements that are meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education in excess of 36 hours (total semesters hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify) (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-09. GS-12: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Plan and execute complex studies; use conventional methods and techniques in adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance; performing bullet comparisons, cartridge case comparisons, toolmark examinations, and serial number restorations, and issuing reports of scientific results. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-11. GS-13: To qualify based on your experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, such as: Planning, executing, and reporting on original studies or ongoing studies requiring a fresh approach to resolve new problems; defending analytical approach and results against rigorous cross-examination; and assisting in the training of other examiners in the areas of forensic firearms and toolmark examination. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service GS-12. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Computer Skills
Forensics
Physical Evidence
Reporting Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: . Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 . click apply for full job details

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