Summary

Joining the Secret Service, United States Secret Service, Forensic Services Division will allow you to support the forensic laboratory's accreditation, research, and quality assurance programs within the Division.

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

Duties

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The selectee will serve as a Physical Scientist (Quality Assurance) in the Office of Field Operations, Forensic Services Division. Typical work assignments include:

• Coordinating periodic audits to determine conformance with approved quality policies and procedures. Participating in the annual self-inspection audit required to maintain accreditation.
• Examining evidence, lab results, and findings related to fingerprint, document, and instrumental analysis procedures, techniques, and methods used by laboratory personnel to ensure quality and conformance with policies and procedures.
• Supporting the research and validation of the quality assurance program; monitoring daily processes of various branches to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures and to ensure critical elements are met to maintain status of an accredited laboratory.
• Maintaining and updating standard operating procedures and quality documents; developing and publishing guidelines for implementation of quality assurance mechanisms in technical protocols for quality controls; and ensuring new procedures are validated and documented before implementation.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the Secret Service's ability to validate all systems, processes, and procedures in the forensic laboratory prior to use, in support of national security.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required.

If selected for this position, you will be required to:

• Obtain and maintain a top secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page.
• Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
• Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

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 FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

You qualify for the GS-11 level if you possess one of the following:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level performing duties such as:

• Supporting quality assurance of forensic examination activities in a laboratory environment.
• Assisting with the examination of laboratory evidence, results or findings for accuracy.
• Reviewing laboratory policies, procedures, or protocols related to quality assurance and proficiency testing.

OR

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

OR

• A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your toral months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.

You qualify for the GS-12 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as:

• Assisting in laboratory quality assurance programs, including proficiency testing, analytical quality control, and quality audits, to ensure compliance with established policies and accreditation standards.
• Updating laboratory policies and procedures related to the quality assurance program.
• Reviewing and validating laboratory evidence results and finding in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Assisting in researching and developing projects for the solution of problems related to forensic techniques.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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). 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for a position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

Additional information

More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.