Nuclear Materials Courier Job in Amarillo, TX

Vacancy No. 25-NA-15-03375-12597860-DEU Department National Nuclear Security Administration
Salary $54,292.00 to $85,844.00 Grade 1 to 1
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/8/2024 Close Date 11/7/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Amarillo, TX


Summary

This Open Continuous Announcement is to recruit for Nuclear Materials Courier (NMC) positions for the future Candidate Training Academies.

Go to this link for more information on Nuclear Materials Courier positions. https://fmt.kcnsc.doe.gov/OSTfederalagent/

Duties

As a Nuclear Materials Courier, you will

  • Serve as a member of a highly specialized armed protective force that is responsible for the safe and secure transportation of classified and/or hazardous materials including nuclear weapons, components, test assemblies, and strategic quantities of weapons-grade special nuclear materials. This involves the operation of Government-owned motor vehicles, including tractor-trailers.
  • Integrate many processes and methods in the fields of security; health and safety; emergency management; and law enforcement, including tactical operations to respond to a multitude of possible natural and/or man-made threats to the safety and security of sensitive, dangerous, and extremely valuable cargo.
  • Respond quickly and effectively to environmental, resource, and safety and security issues that may arise unexpectedly during mission operations.
  • Participate in security planning prior to trip departures; assess multiple issues and factors related to shipment security during convoy operations; coordinate with other Federal, state or local law enforcement agencies and first responders concerning the investigation of potential criminal or terrorist acts or activities that could be considered a threat to the mission.
  • Be armed to provide the force necessary, up to and including the use of deadly force, to prevent theft, sabotage or takeover by unauthorized persons or groups.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be under age 38 at the time of appointment, with the exception of those applicants who have current covered service for comparable special retirement or those individuals who claim veterans' preference.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must receive a favorable suitability determination.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Occasional exposure to potential dangers from explosives and radioactive or toxic materials may occur.
  • Possess or acquire a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment and have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Must pass a comprehensive medical examination and psychological evaluation and continue to meet these requirements throughout employment.
  • Pass a semi-annual run of 1 mile in 8 minutes, 30 seconds or less and a 40-yard sprint from prone position in 8 seconds or less.
  • Complete the requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) (Class A) during the Federal Agent Training Academy and maintain CDL as a condition of employment. Not required at time of appointment but must earn during the academy to graduate.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q security clearance.
  • Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain certification under the Department of Energy Human Reliability Program.
  • Required to carry a firearm and maintain qualifications on assigned weapons.
  • Satisfactorily complete the Federal Agent Candidate Training Academy.
  • Subject to Random Drug/Alcohol Testing.
  • Be able to meet first aid training requirements.
  • Nuclear Materials Courier positions are designated as primary positions with special retirement provisions as defined in 5 USC 8412(d) FERS.

Qualifications

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS OPEN CONTINUOUS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:

  • This is an open continuous vacancy announcement that will be used to fill vacancies as they occur.
  • To receive consideration for vacancies, applicants must submit a complete application prior to the established cut-off date(s). The initial cut-off date will take place on December 8, 2024, to begin the initial applicant consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered upon subsequent cut-off dates every 30 days: January 8, 2025, February 8, March 8, April 8, May 8, June 8, July 8, August 8, September 8, October 8, November 7.
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-7 or equivalent) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience that provided a knowledge of a body of laws and regulations maintaining and enforcing law and order, practices and techniques involved in protecting life and property, and knowledge of law enforcement/military practices and techniques in performing high risk, armed, tactical/security operations.


Example of Specialized Experience:
Performing armed guard, armed security, or tactical security functions, law enforcement, or armed personnel protection work. Such experience must have involved protecting against the hazards of fire, theft, damage, accident, or trespass; maintaining law and order; protecting lives; or similar duties. Specialized experience may have been gained through such positions as an armed guard, armed protective forces, law enforcement officer, border patrol agent, or military service (if performing armed guard, armed security, or tactical security functions).

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following competencies. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application and resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the competencies identified below.
  • Firearms
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Personnel Security and Safety
  • Vehicle Operation
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal Skills

"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.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.


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

According to 5 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 410.309(a) any employee selected for training exceeding, e.g.,180 hours must sign a written agreement to continue his/her employment with DOE. This continued service agreement (CSA) is required when:(1) Training involves particularly high cost or other unusual factors, and the required service period (one year) may be extended by the Head of the DOE element or designated official with the concurrence of the servicing human resources office.(2) A participant who fails to fulfill the terms of a continued service agreement is required to reimburse DOE for the percentage of the agreement not completed. However, the Head of the DOE element or designated official may waive the element's right of recovery with concurrence of the servicing human resources office

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under Title 18 USC, Section 922(g)(9), anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is automatically disqualified from being appointed to a position requiring the possession of a firearm or ammunition, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The applicants' and employees' health must meet demands for performance in the position and for human reliability program certification. Before entrance on duty and during employment, applicants/employees in these positions must undergo a medical examination and be physically/medically able to perform the duties of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Failure to meet any of the required physical/medical qualifications will be considered disqualifying for employment, except when substantial evidence is presented that the individual can perform the functions of the job without hazard to himself/herself/others, with or without reasonable accommodation.

TRAINING REQUIREMENT AFTER BEING HIRED: Selected individuals will attend a Nuclear Materials Courier training academy at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. Travel and per diem expenses will be provided during the candidate the FACT academy. Candidates will reside in a government dormitory while attending the academy. Training at the academy will consist of firearms, tractor-trailer operations, tactics and other required field and classroom instruction. Candidates will be evaluated during each portion of the training as well as evaluated for overall performance. Failure to perform satisfactorily will result in termination from the program and from employment in the Federal Service. Candidates will be required to qualify on assigned weapons day and night, pass a Nuclear Materials Courier Physical Fitness Standards test on the first day of training, and complete the requirements for a Commercial Driver's License during the academy. Failure to meet any qualifications during the training may result in termination from the program and from Federal employment.

Other Information:

  • The OST mission is performed on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis. All employees are subject to participation in both scheduled and unscheduled emergency response exercises and events.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  • A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with Agency policy.
  • Student loan repayment may be authorized. For more information refer to OPM Student Loan Repayment.
  • Annual leave accrual for non-Federal work experience and experience in the Uniformed Service may be authorized. For more information refer to OPM Fact Sheet.

EEO Policy: Click HERE.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.
Veterans Information: Click HERE.
Telework: Click HERE.
Selective Service Registration: Click HERE.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

THE APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS WILL BE IN TWO STAGES: Basic Qualification Review process and Selecting Official Review process. "Your application will be rated by our application system using the Category Rating procedure. A quality review will then be conducted by the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (if applicable to the job), and training described in your online resume/questionnaire as related to the duties of this position. The quality categories are usually defined as "Best Qualified", and "Qualified". Veterans Preference eligibles will be listed at the top of whichever category your score places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

We will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. If you meet the qualifications requirements, your application will be referred to the selecting official for further review.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.

MEDICAL EVALUATION PROCESS: The medical evaluation will consist of comprehensive medical examination and psychological evaluation as describe in the conditions of employment and Human Reliability Program requirements of this vacancy announcement. The physical fitness standard will be tested allowing for a 10% differential to the required standard. The physical fitness evaluations consists of passing the following within approximately 1 hour:

Run 1 mile in 9 minutes 21 seconds or less and 40 yard sprint from the prone in 8.8 seconds or less. Failure to complete or pass any of the comprehensive medical, psychological or physical evaluations will remove you from further consideration for the position.

Upon completion of the selection process as described above, the application package will be reviewed for security and Human Reliability Program (HRP) requirements. Upon favorable review of the security and Human Reliability Program requirements the applicant will be informed via a final offer letter of the starting salary and start date of the training academy. If you are selected for the Nuclear Materials Courier position, please note, applicants will be required to be within the continental United States to perform pre-employment drug test, medical examination, psychological examination and security clearance interview and processing. Being in an overseas location during this time will hinder the ability to accomplish items above and impact your ability to complete the required pre-employment processing for this position in time for the academy start date.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the link below.
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12597860

Required Documents

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

  • Your RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the 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).Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications
  • Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
  • Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Performance Appraisals: Submit your two (2) most recent performance appraisals. Your performance appraisals and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other applicants. If the performance appraisals are not available, please provide a written statement of explanation and upload as a separate document.
  • 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.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline.

For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off.

Steps to submit a complete application:

  1. Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
  2. You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder.
  3. You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system, will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
  4. If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
  5. You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
  6. You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
  7. After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.

If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Agency contact information

Michelle Allen
Address
NNSA - Office of Secure Transportation
24600 20th St SE
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5507
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

NEED HELP?

  • Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated. You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings. You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
  • If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center and select a topic of inquiry. Or, you may reach out to USAJOBS directly for support, by visiting the USAJOBS Contact Us page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.
  • If you are experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply online please contact the HR Office listed on this announcement during normal business hours to discuss your situation.

Next Steps:

After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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