Summary
This position is part of the Office of Environmental Management - Carlsbad Field Office, Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will receive assignments in WIPP operations, mining techniques, waste management assessments, and nuclear safety rules and responsibilities.
Duties
As a Physical Scientist (Facility Representative), you will: Assists in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of technical engineering and scientific projects across DOE facilities and programs. Researches and analyzes engineering and scientific issues, data, and conditions to develop practical solutions and improvements for operating programs. Performs on-site operational oversight and functional area assessments alongside qualified Facility Representatives and subject matter experts. Collaborates across varied scientific and engineering disciplines to resolve technical conflicts, sequence project milestones, and ensure technical requirements are met. Reviews project needs and assists with drafting technical documentation, statements of work (SOWs), and budget or procurement packages. Prepares and presents clear reports and data updates to technical and non-technical stakeholders, management, and interagency partners regarding project status and operational issues.
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. GS-11 Position: If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide 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. Education Substitution Requirement: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
How you will be evaluated
This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Physical Scientist positions in the 1301 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the DHA process. Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b). Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Compliance Inspection Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility General Engineering Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Physics Problem Solving Project Management Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Writing CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application: Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status. Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include: Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/22/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13088744