Supervisory Chemist (Forensic)

Summary

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Forensic Sciences Laboratories in Miami, FL. This position(s) primary purpose is to supervises the activities of a lab unit engaged in the analysis, interpretation and identification of seized evidence related to alleged violations of Controlled Substances laws; research and method development related to evidence analysis; technical support of criminal investigators in the enforcement of controlled substance.

Duties

• As a your typical work assignments may include: Exercises supervisory and/or managerial authorities and provides occupational specific technical and administrative direction at least 35% or more of the time over subordinate employee performing the work and functions of the organization. Supervises a group of employees performing work at the GS-7 to GS-13 level. Supervises general laboratory activities and analytical work of a group of forensic, clerical or technical employees in the examination and interpretation of evidence and related items and provides for the security and integrity of same. Provides direct operational assistance and support in the field laboratories. Oversees laboratory workflows and backlogs and implements changes to improve laboratory turnaround time. Identifies internal and external factors resulting in changes to the laboratory's workload and recommends improvements to senior leadership. Provides subject matter expertise in the chemistry discipline; provides technical and scientific information relating to the chemistry discipline within the laboratory's Area of Responsibility; develops and updates discipline-specific policies and procedures; and provides DEA representation to and close liaison and cooperation with principal officials of associated and companion agencies and organizations, both domestic and international, to assist in the accomplishment of DEA forensic sciences programs.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application. Basic Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet ONE of the following qualification requirements: (A). 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 (B). 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. Applicants applying for the GS-14 must meet the following requirements: Have at least one full year of specialized experience that is at least equivalent to work performed at the GS-13 grade level. Specialized 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 Federal grade level in applying chemical specialty area of forensic chemistry which enables the chemist to serve as a technical authority and manager to a group of forensic chemists. Knowledge of Federal laws, agency regulations, standard operating procedures, and guidelines pertaining to forensic chemistry to implement and conduct ongoing reviews of technical forensic work products. Additional information on the position qualification requirements is located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php. If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

How to apply

Prepare your application in USAJOBS During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Resume must not exceed two pages. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section. Alternate Application Procedures: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.