About the role
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.
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.
What we are looking for
You must meet the Basic Requirements to qualify for Physical Scientist/Chemist, as described below. Transcripts must be submitted to verify education requirements.
Basic Requirement - Physical Scientist: 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 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.
Basic Requirement - Chemist: Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. OR Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirements as described above, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience defined below. Be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-11, in the Federal Service that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, experience and skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
GS-12: Specialized experience must include at least three of the following: Perform complex analyses of hazardous airborne contaminants present in the mining industries such as respirable crystalline silica, diesel particulate matter, metal dusts and fumes, and volatile organic compounds. Independently determine test procedures and methods for the analysis of particulate samples that may require modification of standard or generally acceptable methods of analysis.
Independently operate, maintain, and calibrate analytical instruments such as x-ray diffractometer, FTIR spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer, elemental carbon analyzer, and Coulter Counter. Provide technical advice to laboratory personnel. Prepare and review technical manuscripts and reports. There is no substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
