Chemist

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
FOR GS-11: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying knowledge of analytical chemical principles, theories and practices sufficient to perform a full range of complex analysis and investigative duties.

FOR GS-12: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying knowledge of the use and capabilities of laboratory instrumentation to include understanding of the chemical principles, theories, practices, and established methodologies sufficient to evaluate and understand synergistic relationship of to unrelated properties.

FOR GS-13: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing the full range duties to develop, adapt, and evaluate methods and procedures that require instrumental analysis; applying knowledge of chemical laboratory hazards and related safety procedures.

FOR GS-14: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying expert knowledge of analytic and evaluative methods plus thorough understanding of commercial and regulatory of chemical standards for the purpose of development of guidelines, criteria, and instructions for major agency activities.

FOR GS-15: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes applying mastery of scientific method and technical management acumen to independently conduct and oversee complex special scientific and engineering studies in areas where little knowledge has been assembled or in areas uncharted by previous work or theories.

To view additional qualifying information, click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/chemistry-series-1320/

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of analytical chemical principles, theories and practices sufficient to perform a full range of complex analysis and investigative duties.
2. Ability to independently design and conduct complex studies and investigations recommending appropriate courses of action.
3. Ability to independently accomplish administrative and technical programs.
4. Knowledge of procedures and related statistical requirements associated with analytical laboratory quality assurance and control.
5. Ability to effectively, efficiently and persuasively communicate , orally and in writing, with people at all levels of government.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.