Physical Scientist - DIRECT HIRE Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. PHMSA.HMHQ-2025-0009 Department Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Salary $84,601.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 11 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/9/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation. The incumbent serves as a national/ and internationally recognized expert in the transportation of hazardous materials, specifically in packaging, operational control and classification of radioactive materials, nuclear fuels and byproducts. 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties

As a Physical Scientist, you will:

  • Assist in developing Federal policy and regulations for safe transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials by highway, air, rail, and water.
  • Provide technical expertise to develop regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive material, nuclear fuels and byproducts.
  • Technical Analysis and Safety Improvement - Perform scientific studies, make calculations, analyze plans and specifications, and make authoritative recommendations pertaining to the suitability of packaging for the safe containment of radioactive materials in transportation. The work effort is concerned with regulatory problems dealing with the design, construction, use, and testing of packaging containing radioactive and nuclear materials.
  • Provide technical guidance to Field Operations Division of OHMS in the conduct of field surveillance and investigations of shippers and carriers of radioactive and nuclear materials to determine compliance with the requirements for packaging and shipment of hazardous materials and provides training to inspectors of the Field Operations Division on the technical aspects of radioactive and nuclear materials.
  • Conceive, plan, and implement work projects to incorporate new packaging concepts and developments into the Hazardous Materials Regulations through the rulemaking process. As a national expert in the field, is responsible for ensuring that OHMS keeps abreast of developments at the cutting edge of technology.
  • Frequently serve on government and industry committees on radioactive and nuclear material packaging as the Department's representative in developing compatible safety standards. Serve as a technical expert for high-level conferences and meetings concerned with developing national and international safety packaging standards.
  • Respond to inquiries from members the U.S. Congress, industry, and the public concerned with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.

The ideal candidate for this position would possess knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices in the field of packaging, operational control, and classification of radioactive and nuclear material for the transportation of hazardous materials. The ideal candidate would also provide expert advice to the Department in the development of Federal policy and regulations for safe domestic and international transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
  • Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
  • Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
  • GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • TRAINING: You must successfully complete a residential 6-week formal training course including any pre- and/or post-course training requirements. Travel to and from this residential training will be paid as allowed by government travel regulations. Individuals who do not successfully complete the training academy may be separated from employment with the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include:

  • Experience providing analysis in support of program and policy development based on evaluation of packaging systems, material science and testing (destructive and nondestructive), failure analysis and fracture mechanics.
  • Experience performing scientific studies, making calculations, analyzing plans and specifications, and presenting recommendations pertaining to the suitability of packaging for the safe containment of radioactive materials in transportation.


To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience in providing analysis and recommendations regarding program and policy development based on evaluation of packaging systems, material science and testing (destructive and nondestructive), failure analysis and fracture mechanics.
  • Experience in providing technical support in the development of regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include:

  • Experience in developing regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.
  • Experience in performing scientific studies, making calculations, analyzing plans and specifications, and making recommendations pertaining to the suitability of packaging for the safe containment of radioactive and nuclear materials in transportation.
  • Experience in providing the United States (U.S.) delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency with opinions underlying U.S. positions on proposed new standards regarding the classification, packaging and testing of packaging for radioactive and nuclear materials.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-14 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13 it must include:

  • Experience in developing regulatory standards, compliance guidance, test methods, and criteria to evaluate the types and degrees of hazards and risk associated with the transportation of radioactive and nuclear materials.
  • Experience in performing studies and calculations on proposals for new types of packaging, analytical evaluations of the containment integrity of packaging, and calculations to develop new standards for production and in service qualification.
  • Experience in providing opinions underlying United States positions on proposed new domestic and international standards regarding the classification, packaging and testing of packaging for radioactive and nuclear materials.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-14 level; you must have experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  • Nuclear Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and application of nuclear technologies including research, development, construction, operation, testing, and maintenance of nuclear reactors, radiation generating devices, and associated systems and equipment.
  • Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
  • Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
  • Safety Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to identify, control, mitigate, and eliminate safety hazards in the design and use of facilities, equipment, operations, and work processes.
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.


For all types of consideration, 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

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

  1. Degree: Physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience -- Education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation 

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. 

All applicants:  For this announcement, applicants may be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational requirements.  Applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications may be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants will not be rated or ranked.  Veteran’s Preference does NOT apply.

Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. 


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

RESUME: In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application.  These should be legible and in a readable font size. A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages. 

Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time, or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles.  If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level.  The resume should show relevant experience and education, as well as support the required specialized experience. For assistance with the resume builder, please visit:  https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

TRANSCRIPTS are REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series.  The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements. 

DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 80) and provide all of the following documents:  

  • your most recent performance appraisal,
  • the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
  • your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.

Displaced employees may be eligible for ICTAP or CTAP priority consideration.  

For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system.  You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.

  • To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
  • Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
  • You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/

If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at:  Transjobs@dot.gov

Agency contact information

Automated Staffing Office
Address
DOT, PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMIN
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

Next steps

You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com (Select "My USAJobs" and click "Applications".  Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist may evaluate your application. If evaluated, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.  If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly.  Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status.


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


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