Rider University - Chemist

Font Size:

Chemist - GS 1320-05

Drug Enforcement Administration

Phone: 253-573-1877 x209
Posting Date: 5/19/2008

SALARY RANGE: $39,330.00-$75,669.00
CLOSE DATE: 5-23-2008
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: F-DEA-STLAB-08-0309-MP
OPENING DATE: 5-8-2008

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Status eligibles - Current Federal employees serving under a career or career conditional appointment, former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, or persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under Special Authorities. Eligible displaced and Surplus Federal employees in the local commuting area may apply. Veterans: Preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after three years or more continuous active service may apply. If you do not meet any of the areas of consideration listed above, please apply under Vacancy Announcement Number: F-DEA-STLAB-08-0309-DEU
WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time
TIME LIMIT: Permanent - No time limit
CONTACT NAME: Help Desk

CONTACT EMAIL: www.avuedigitalservices.com/dea/applicant.html

TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.

NOTES : This position is located at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Sterling, Virginia.

Because education is a prerequisite for the position, you MUST submit proof of successful completion of the education; i.e., a transcript from an accredited U.S. college or university or proof that foreign education has been deemed creditable in accordance with the provisions listed under Foreign Education on the vacancy announcement. Failure to submit the required proof of education will result in you being deemed NOT QUALIFIED for the position.

This position is being advertised concurrently under competitive procedures as vacancy announcement F-DEA-STLAB-08-0309-DEU. Status candidates that wish to be considered under merit promotion and competitive procedures must apply under this vacancy announcement as well as vacancy announcement number F-DEA-STLAB-08-0309-DEU.

Applicants who do not complete narrative statements for each KSA to support the level of experience and/or training claimed will not be given further consideration.

All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated in the candidate's work history. If, upon review, it is determined that your work history, KSAs narrative responses, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, you may be eliminated or your score may be modified to reflect the final rating based on all the information provided in your application. Ultimately, the DEA Human Resources Office is responsible for determining an applicant's final rating. Please ensure that your work history and narrative responses provide enough detail to support your answers to the KSAs.

Veterans Preference: If you are applying for consideration under the Veterans' Employment Opportunity or Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment Authority, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 'Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty' or other proof of eligibility. If you are applying for consideration under the 30% or more Disabled Veteran Authority, you must attach a SF-15, 'Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference' plus the proof required. LACK OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION WILL RESULT IN THE AGENCY’S INABILITY TO RECOGNIZE VETERAN STATUS FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Federal Civilian Employees: Current and former Federal civilian employees must submit a copy of the SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents appointment or promotion to the highest grade held.

Applicants submitting proof documents can electronically attach them, or scan and attach them to the employment application. If this is not possible, copies of documents can be faxed to 253-573-9869, or mailed to the following address: Drug Enforcement Administration, c/o AVUE Technologies Corporation, ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. All faxed or mailed proof documents must be identified with applicant's name and vacancy announcement number. Applications and supporting documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)

Performs analyses on drug evidence and interprets data to detect , identify, and quantitate controlled substances. Determines the identity and/or concentration of adulterants and diluents, which meet established thresholds. Renders expert testimony on own work in Federal, State or local courts. Assists prosecuting attorneys in the preparation of technical aspects of a case. As directed or requested provides advice and/or assistance in the performance of enforcement activities such as clandestine laboratory seizures and vacuum sweep searches for controlled substances. Operates various analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC/FID, GC/MS, UV/VIS. When necessary revises and develops procedures to accomplish the analyses of complex drug mixtures or trace quantities of particular substances. Writes laboratory reports which describe all tests performed, calculations and conclusions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:(The KSAs below may not apply at all grades)

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Skill in interpreting and applying guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of chemistry - principles, theories and practices.

Knowledge of laboratory methods, procedures and techniques used in analytical chemistry.

Ability to operate and calibrate common laboratory instruments.

Ability to collaborate with others to carry out routine work, scientific research, projects, or studies.

Knowledge of Federal or state laws and regulations pertaining to controlled substances.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 05: BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A. Applicants must show successful completion of a full four-year college course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in 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.

B. An appropriate combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including 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.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Grade 07: BASIC REQUIREMENTS

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had either specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below. Education and experience may be combined to meet the total experience requirements.

1. The applicant must have completed one (1) year of graduate level education OR be eligible for the superior academic achievement provision when it provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

2. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5.

Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. An example of specialized experience is performed routine, limited chemical analyses; performed routine calculations; and writing laboratory reports.

Grade 09: BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A. Applicants must show successful completion of a full four-year college course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester/45 quarter hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester/9 quarter hours of physics.

B. An appropriate combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including 30 semester/45 quarter hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester/9 quarter hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

1. The applicant must have completed two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree when it provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

2. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7.

Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. An example of specialized experience is performed varied chemical analyses and test; recommended minor modifications, and writing laboratory reports.

Grade 11: BASIC REQUIREMENTS

A. Applicants must show successful completion of a full four-year college course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester/45 quarter hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester/9 quarter hours of physics.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESEARCH POSITIONS

1. The applicant must have completed three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree when it provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

2. The applicant must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR RESEARCH POSITIONS

1. The applicant must have completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree when the position involves primarily scientific inquiry or investigation, or research-type exploratory development of a creative or advanced scientific nature, where the knowledge required to perform the work successfully is typically and primarily acquired through graduate study.

2. The applicant must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

Drug testing is required for this position. All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire when applying for this position. This questionnaire is part of the on-line application process and must be completed before the application can be certified and submitted. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of the other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.

Selectee must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to other geographic areas if required by the agency.

Applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirements, as well as the qualification requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Status applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade.

The primary method of applying for this vacancy is online via the Internet at www.avuedigitalservices.com/dea/applicant.html. If you do not have access to the Internet you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment commission, or a commercial establishment that provides Internet access to apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you may call the contact phone number listed on this announcement to obtain a copy of the vacancy announcement, applicant qualification form (Form No. F-16488-AVUE), and instructions for completing the form. No other form of application will be accepted.

Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

BASIS OF RATING: You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you report relative to this position which show the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed on this vacancy announcement.

Because education is a prerequisite for the position, you must submit proof of successful completion of the education; i.e., a transcript from an accredited U.S. college or university or proof that foreign education has been deemed creditable in accordance with the provisions listed under Foreign Education on the vacancy announcement. Failure to submit the required proof of education will result in you being deemed not qualified for the position.

Applicants who apply online will automatically receive email acknowledgement of receipt of their application.

Status applicants must submit a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which verifies status.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is an equal opportunity employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, handicapping condition, age, sex, sexual orientation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.

The Drug Enforcement Administration provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Relocation expenses are authorized.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicants successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) gives veterans access to job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The law allows eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under an agency's promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from outside of its own workforce.

If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.