United States Citizens Permanent Full Time **TOUGH WORK. VITAL MISSION. Challenge yourself! You have the power to help combat drug trafficking. Be a part of DEA! It's tough work, but a vital mission. Whatever your background or expertise, your work at DEA will be tremendously rewarding because it will have a daily impact on national security and the quality of life of all Americans.**
Do your career "Justice" by working with DOJ, which has been ranked in the Top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government. Come and join the nation's law enforcement agency, where our most important resource is our people. The Department leads the nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. Become a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. All applicants for employment with DEA must possess and maintain the highest levels of character and conduct. DEA will evaluate applicants' qualifications based on these qualities. Once a conditional offer is made, DEA will conduct a continuous evaluation of information, as it is obtained, to ensure that the prospective employees with DEA meet the agency-specific qualifications in the areas of character and conduct. To this end, the unfavorable decision in any of the areas that follow will be deemed as disqualifying: Drug Policy Requirements (as specified in this announcement), Credit History, Candor and Honesty, Work History, History with the Law, and other qualities that would detract from the integrity and efficiency of the DEA.
**WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:** All U.S Citizens
Positions will be filled in the following geographic locations: Sterling, VA; New York, NY; Largo, MD; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Pleasanton, CA; Vista, CA. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Ultimate placement of the selectee will be in the best interest of the agency in order to effectively meet the goals and objectives of the agency.
Must be a U.S. Citizen Must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Background and/or Security Investigation required Drug testing designated position This position requires a Mobility Agreement Successful completion of Basic Forensic Chemist Training Course required
The incumbent will perform the following:
* Receives and analyzes complex samples, modifies existing methods where no accepted methods are prescribed, provides appropriate interpretations of findings, and validates altered methods.
* Creates and maintains quality control and quality assurance for samples and data. Interprets and evaluates the results of analyses to determine validity and scientific significance.
* Analyzes and identifies controlled substances in exhibits submitted by Federal and state/local law enforcement officers, utilizing a full range of modern analytical techniques, which may contain only trace quantities of suspected drugs.
* Develops analytical and testing methods, searching pertinent literature and references; studying the chemistry of the substances; evaluating possible approaches and methods to use; devising, modifying and performing the analytical analyses; evaluating and interpreting the data; making modifications; and writing reports that describe the method and its uses and limitations devising, modifying and performing the analytical analyses.
* Develops unique and imaginative solutions to compliance problems or issues in a chemistry field, making recommendations that include consideration of alternative options; the corrective impact on the public, the environment, or the industry; and/or the probability of a conviction.
* Testifies in Federal and state courts as an "expert witness"; presents technical testimony in layman's terms; defines analytical methods and results against rigorous cross examination by defense attorneys.
**Physical Demands:** Work requires considerable physical exertion such as: lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds, prolonged standing, bending and reaching.
**Work Environment:** Work environment involves moderate/increased risks and discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as laboratories, warehouses and secure office spaces. The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. Some of the evidence encountered during the normal execution of duties are noxious, toxic, bio-hazardous, or pose a threat of skin puncture or laceration. Safety precautions are required such as use of fume hoods when working with acids or volatile solvents and evidence. Requires use of protective clothing or gear such as laboratory coat, safety glasses/goggles, face shield and plastic gloves.
**Basic Requirements**
Applicants must have a degree in the 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**
a 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 entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as shown below:**
**FACTOR: Minimum Qualifications**
**GS-11:** one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 Federal grade level in conducting chemical analyses of drug substances and samples, calibrating and operating analytical instrumentation, such as the gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer, and liquid chromatograph, with computerized equipment, etc; and writing reports of findings of evidence;** **** OR**
3years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D.degree _or_ Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree **OR**
a combination of education and experience with course work equivalent to the major as shown above.
**GS-12:** one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 Federal grade level in determining a proper approach to chemically analyzing specified substances and samples based on literature research, methodology manuals and/or personal experiences; performing a full range of chemical analyses and physical tests on a variety of unknown substances for identification utilizing modern analytical techniques, instrumentation and following laboratory procedures; and generates a report which describes all the tests performed, calculations and conclusions.
**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)/Competencies:** Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
2. Ability to prepare written technical reports and findings.
3. Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques of forensic chemistry.
4. Knowledge of laboratory operations and enforcement processes.
**Conditions of Employment:**
Forensic Chemists are subject to reassignment to any location in the United States depending on the needs of the DEA. All applicants must be available for relocation throughout their career with DEA and will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement to this effect when accepting an offer of employment. The Mobility Agreement confirms your understanding and agreement to accept reassignment to any location depending on the needs of the DEA. This mandatory agreement remains in effect throughout your DEA career as a Forensic Chemist.
Newly hired Forensic Chemists must successfully complete a 16-week Forensic Chemist Training Course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Overtime Work: Occasionally
Successful completion of a one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed).
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, seehttp://www.ed.gov.
**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.** Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site athttp://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Your application will then be placed in one of three categories; _Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified._ Names of all candidates in the best qualified category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligible.
Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated," veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.
Candidates in the Best Qualified category may be referred to complete an in-person panel interview. Only the names of those candidates who pass the panel interview will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration.
**You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.******
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view a copy of the assessment Questionnaire please click here: View Occupational Questionnaire
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on **Friday, June 05, 2015** to receive consideration.
* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
* Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
* It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
* To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
If you cannot complete the Application Package online, you may fax all of your materials. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed. See the **R**equired Documents Section******of this announcement for fax instructions****.**
**For additional applicant resources please visit DEA's website: **http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/how-to-apply.shtml**.**
**Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.**
All applicants are _**required**_ to submit the following supporting document type(s):
* Resume
* Transcript
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
* Cover Letter
* DD-214
* Other (Drug Use Questionnaire)
* Other Veterans Document
* SF-15
* SF-50
For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
**NOTE:** Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined under the Applying for a Federal Job link: http://www.gpo.gov/careers/pdfs/of0510.pdf
**Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:******
**NOTE:** If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you completed the occupational questionnaire online and are unable to upload supporting document(s):
1. To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1419052.
2. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.
**To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit via fax:******
1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire
2. Print the 1203FX form, follow the instructions and provide your responses to the occupational questionnaire items http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf.
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement letter of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. You will receive a notification letter of the results of the review of your application package via email.
We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
If you submit a resume but no questionnaire, you cannot be considered for the position. If you submit a questionnaire but no resume, you cannot be considered for the position. Your application will be appropriately documented and you will be removed from further competition against this announcement.
**Regarding Interviews:**The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.
**NOTE:** Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a withdrawal from further consideration for employment regarding this vacancy.
The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits.
**Direct Deposit:** All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
**Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.**
Drug testing is required for this position. All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.
**It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package, it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click the following link to access the Drug Questionnaire.** http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/drug_questionnaire.pdf
**To submit your completed Drug Questionnaire please follow the instructions for uploading or faxing documents in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.**
**Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):**http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/priority-consideration.shtml
**Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):**http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/priority-consideration.shtml
**How to Claim Veterans' Preference:**http://www.justice.gov/dea/careers/veterans-preference.shtml
**Military Spouse Preference: **http://www.hr.dla.mil/downloads/onjams/military_spouse_preference_info_sheet.pdf or http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shams/index.aspx or http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19340.pdf.
**Selective Service:**MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
**EEO Policy Statement:**https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement
**Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:**https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement
**In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.**
The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify - **http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify**). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
**If you experience technical issues with completing your online application please email the Application Manager Help Desk at**HelpDesk@opm.gov.