Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist

Clarification from the agency

U.S. citizens or U.S. Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

The mission of the Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) as the Department's central organization, is to be responsible for health, safety, environment, and security; providing corporate-level leadership and strategic vision to coordinate and integrate these vital programs. EHSS is responsible for policy development and technical assistance; safety analysis; and corporate safety and security programs. EHSS advises DOE Senior Leadership on all matters related to environment, health, safety and security across the complex.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As an Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist. you will:

• Manage multi-site evaluations of information classification and control programs to ensure federal headquarters, field elements, and contractor organizations comply with national nuclear security policies and directives by planning and coordinating on-site reviews.
• Perform quality control reviews and processes appeals of classified, declassified, and unclassified controlled nuclear information to determine appropriate public disclosure, by systematically analyzing documents under the Freedom of Information Act and Mandatory Declassification Review requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate comprehensive inspection reports with observations and finding supported by national classification and controlled information policies and requirements.
• Evaluate classification decisions on documents containing nuclear weapons and related technologies and security related information to determine if classification guidance provided by government agencies was accurately applied and provide detailed analysis of any issues identified and their potential damage to national security.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
• This position does not support 100% remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified in this announcement. Situational telework may be approved according to agency's policy.
• This position has been designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk) and requires a security clearance at the "Q" level. The incumbent is required to obtain and this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• In addition, if selected, you will be required to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance prior to entrance on duty; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• This position is not included in a Bargaining Unit.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
• Must successfully complete an initial CI evaluation and on a recurring basis, which may include a CI-scope polygraph examination.
• Situational telework may be available in accordance with agency policy.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

You must meet both the "Basic Requirement" and the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this series as described below. Please see "Education" section for the Basic Requirement.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

1. Applying national policies, statutes, and directives governing the classification, declassification, and control of sensitive information to include classified national security information, Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.
2. Reviewing and analyzing technical or security-related documents to evaluate risks to national security and determine public releasability under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) protocols.
3. Conducting technical compliance audits, evaluations, or appraisals of classification and information control programs within headquarters, field offices, or contractor organizations.

Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Physical Scientist positions in the 0801/1301 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).

Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Flexibility
• Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
• Nuclear Physics
• Quality Assurance
• Security
• Technical Competence

CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal. Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.


Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (07/31/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13016014

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

• Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including duties performed, full name and address of each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year), work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent), salary, and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position. Your resume must NOT include photographs, classified or government sensitive information, social security number (SSN), encrypted/digitally signed documents, or other inappropriate material or content. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. ** For additional information on Resumes see: What to include in your resume or Resume Writing **
• Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
• Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Do not provide photos or list a Social Security Number or date of birth on any attachment.

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