PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

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, Technical and Medical Support Positions. ONLY EXPERIENCE OBTAINED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this position that has given them the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically, we would find this experience in work within this field that is closely related. To be creditable, one year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), pay band or equivalent. Specialized experience is described as helping to apply precedents and established criteria to resolve a variety of conventional problems, issues, or conditions; assist laboratory supervisor, faculty members, or industry representatives to set timelines for project requirements; and/or collaborate and support the graduate laboratories in laser/optics and electro-optics as well as student and faculty research in these same areas. OR EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION: Applicants must have successfully completed two full years of graduate education or a master’s degree that is related to the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed qualifying education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT COPIES OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1.Knowledge of basic physics, optics, radiation, semiconductor device technology, electro-optical device technology, laser technology, computer operating systems and programming, electronic instrumentation and basic engineering design and techniques. 2.Skill in optical electronic, computer hardware/software installation and maintenance, device fabrication, designing and assembling complex experimental systems for research and teaching. 3. Ability to make calculations applying standard formulas, prepare graphs, curves, or tables and record factual data in test and observation studies. 4.Skill in conceiving special methods of assembling optical, nuclear and materials characterization laboratory and prototype equipment system models and how to maintain a laser safe environment. 5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with technical accuracy to present data and results from experiments. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is evenly divided between sedentary activities and conducting physical tests and evaluations that require strenuous activity. Work involves normal physical effort but may involve movement of heavy equipment weighing up to 75lbs. Work often involves repairs and modifications carried out in physically constrained locations, fairly-high degree of manual dexterity with small and fragile specimens, and movement of large containers of cryogens and gases. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL. *WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is usually performed in an office or laboratory testing facility that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work involves exposure to potentially hazardous laser radiation, potentially lethal electrical shock, exposure to toxic chemicals and exposure to cryogenic liquids. There are also physical hazards working around power tools, moving heavy objects and powerful testing equipment. This is a TERM position. It is a time limited position, Not-To-Exceed 366 days from Appointment Date. Position may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition and the potential for extensions beyond 6 years is possible. However, the appointment plus extensions may not exceed a total of 8 years. This position may be converted to a permanent, career or career-conditional appointment without further competition as long as all requirements are met. To be eligible for conversion, employee must complete at least 2 years of current continuous service under a term appointment in the competitive service AND employee must have a current performance rating under such modified term appointment of at least fully successful or equivalent. NOTE: Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. 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.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position, PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, GS-1311-09 potential GS-1311-11, is to serve in the development and operation of experimental laboratories/facilities in the Department of Engineering Physics, Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology.