Physical Scientist

This position is part of the Office of Environmental Management - Portsmouth Paducah Project Office, Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will serve as an expert advisor providing strategic leadership for major Department of Energy (DOE) scientific and engineering initiatives. You will also develop and implement technical guidance for complex systems, projects, and programs to resolve novel, mission-critical management and operational challenges.

Major duties

The mission of Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office (PPPO) is to manage the DOE cleanup efforts at two gaseous diffusion plant sites - Portsmouth (Piketon), Ohio, and Paducah, Kentucky. The PPPO conducts environmental remediation, waste management, depleted Uranium Hexafluoride (DUF6) conversion, and decontamination and decommissioning at the plant sites. PPPO's goal is to accelerate cleanup, eliminating potential environmental threats, reducing the DOE footprint, and reducing life-cycle cost. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As a Physical Scientist, you will: Direct high-impact scientific and engineering programs lacking technical precedent to to meet key organizational goals and missions. Represent the agency on interagency task forces and before groups such as Congress, state officials, and industry partners to deliver technical briefing or testimony. Evaluates technical maturity and scientific trends across complex technology options to guide decision-making and reduce operational risks. Serve as a technical authority, formulating and implementing key policies while providing strategic counsel to senior leadership and external partners. Develop cross-organizational guidance to resolve complex engineering problems and drive collaborative opportunities with public and private partners.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. 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 B. 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. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, you must also meet the Specialized Experience Requirements below: GS-13 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Managing complex engineering or science projects from planning through completion. Conducting technical analysis to solve difficult scientific or engineering problems. Preparing technical reports, project documents, budgets, or recommendations for managers and senior leaders. GS-14 - SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Planning and leading major science and engineering programs. Evaluating complex technology risks and performance to build risk-mitigation plans and drive long-term strategic goals. Advising senior leadership on resolving complex scientific and engineering issues. There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.