U.S. Military Academy Logo
Position Title
Physical Science Technician
Agency
U.S. Military Academy
Announcement Number
NEBR227407897681D Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, July 25, 2022 to Friday, August 5, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. External Recruitment Military Spouse Preference

I am a military spouse who is currently married to my active duty sponsor. I am exercising my preference eligibility for positions within the local commuting area of my sponsor's current duty station.  I certify that I have not accepted nor declined a permanent, continuing Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the local commuting area of our current duty location. 

NOTE 1:  Military spouses are eligible for one permanent noncompetitive appointment using their preference eligibility for the duration of the active duty sponsor's assignment to a permanent duty station, as long as the military spouse has not declined or accepted a permanent Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the commuting area of the sponsor's current duty location.  If you certify that you have not used your preference at your sponsor's current duty location and it is discovered to be untrue, you may be subject to loss of MSP and possible disciplinary action. 

NOTE 2:  You must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP.

NOTE 3:  MSP applies if you are ranked among the "best qualified" for this vacancy, and the list established from this announcement is used to fill the vacancy. 

NOTE 4:  MSP does not apply, however, when preference would violate statutes or regulations on veterans' preference or nepotism.

Supporting Documentation:  You must provide a signed Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist, PCS orders/verification of duty location assignment, a copy of marriage certificate or license and documents as listed on the Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist.

Are you a military spouse eligible for preference under delegated examining procedures?
(limit characters)
3. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan

Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?  If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy

• your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and

• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

ICTAP applicants must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well-qualified is defined as meeting all of the minimum qualification standards and eligibility requirements as well as possessing skills that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.

*Note: Under competitive delegated examining, an ICTAP eligible will be considered well-qualified if they attain an eligibility rating of 90 or higher, not including points for veterans' preference.

Supporting documentation: Federal employees seeking ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.704, by submitting a copy of the following documents with your completed application: A copy of your agency notice; AND,

A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal; AND,

A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  Additional information regarding ICTAP eligibility can be found in the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.  For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Conditions of Employment
This position has requirements which must be met prior to employment, and conditions for continued employment. Your answers to the questions in this section will indicate your understanding of, or possession of, these requirements and conditions. (limit characters)
1. Appointment to this position is subject to a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment. Are you willing to submit the proper documentation to have a background investigation completed? (limit characters)
2. This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 pounds in the regular performance of duties. Are you willing and able to meet the lifting requirement? (limit characters)
3. Appointment to this position is subject to a two year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights. Are you willing to serve a two year probationary period? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a Physical Science Technician position with Department of the Army. Your resume and the responses you provide to this assessment questionnaire will be used to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit your application. (limit characters)
1. Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Physical Science Technician at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent pay band in the federal service.
(limit characters)
2. Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Physical Science Technician at the GS-08 grade level or equivalent pay band in the federal service. (limit characters)
3. Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Physical Science Technician at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band in the federal service. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
4. Conduct laboratory experiments and projects in support of general chemistry, advanced chemistry, life science, and/or chemical engineering courses and academic research.
(limit characters)
5. Collect, prepare, and/or analyze data from various laboratory experiments.
(limit characters)
6. Prepare a variety of chemical solutions and compounds to be utilized in laboratory and/or classroom demonstrations.
(limit characters)
7. Utilize available chemical references to determine correct molecular weights, solubilities, and formulas.
(limit characters)
8. Fabricate new equipment in support of new laboratory experiments and/or classroom demonstrations.
(limit characters)
9. Assemble special purpose apparatus for chemistry and/or life science laboratory experiments such as digital balances, spectrophotometers, pH meters, microscopes, centrifuges, vortex mixers, micropipette.
(limit characters)
10. Utilize a full range of laboratory equipment such as infrared laser radiation, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, real time polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, ultracentrifuge, and chromatography.
(limit characters)
11. Test materials and equipment for safety and accuracy of directions given and achievement of desired results prior to use.
(limit characters)
12. Check laboratory equipment and components for serviceability prior to each use.
(limit characters)
13. Ensure that laboratories, prep rooms, and storage areas are maintained in a clean and safe manner.
(limit characters)
14. Assist in the development and/or maintenance of the inventories of Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) purchased, used, stored, and disposed of by a department.
(limit characters)
15. Ensure that faculty, staff, and student personnel comply with established procedures and applicable safety and toxic/hazardous chemical handling procedures.
(limit characters)
16. Oversee the cleanup and proper disposal of all laboratory and classroom products and wastes. (limit characters)
17. Maintain adequate stock levels of chemicals and equipment for support of chemistry and life science laboratory and demonstration programs.
(limit characters)
18. Ensure that the complete requirements necessary to assemble equipment into a composite unit for use are available such as glassware, instruments, tubes, adapters, and connectors.
(limit characters)
19. Perform calculations necessary to prepare required concentrations of solutions.
(limit characters)
20. Assist in the coordination of classroom demonstration projects for chemistry and life science courses with responsibility for ensuring that all
materials and chemicals are on hand when needed.
(limit characters)
21. Perform chemical or instrumental analysis to verify the accuracy of solution concentrations.
(limit characters)
22. Provide technical assistance to staff, faculty, and/or students in the use of laboratory equipment.
(limit characters)
23. Collaborate with other technical staff for projects related to execution of chemistry and life science programs and elective courses (limit characters)
24. Recommend improvements to existing laboratory experiments and/or classroom demonstrations to course directors.
(limit characters)
25. Propose new laboratory experiments and/or classroom demonstrations to course directors. (limit characters)
26. Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.
(limit characters)