Physical Science Technician

Summary

In this position you serve as a Physical Science Technician responsible for supporting and performing analytical testing to determine the acceptability of agricultural and food products in relation to customer test requests, contract specifications, quality control requirements, and regulations of various agencies.

Duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Performing chemical and physical analyses of samples using established methods and procedures, such as sample receipt, sample preparation, and sample login within the laboratory as assigned.
• Chooses appropriate sample preparation techniques to adequately prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
• Prepares a variety of detailed reports and other summaries of data illustrating findings on worksheets and maintains records of tests.
• Performs routine maintenance and verification checks of instruments and equipment, and keeps supervisor abreast of maintenance, service, and repair needs.
• Maintains and reviews sample logbooks, sample information documentation, and chain-of-custody documentation for samples and checks for completeness and accuracy.
• Recommends improvements to routine testing methods and helps scientists implement new or modified analytical methods and procedures for new and existing analyses
• Takes periodic supply inventories and prepares requisitions to maintain adequate supplies of chemicals, consumables, and laboratory apparatus for conducting analyses.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Individual Occupational Requirement: Education and Training: For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Reconcile samples with sample information documentation and review for correctness and completeness. Prepare laboratory samples for testing by following sample grinding and homogenization procedures for each type of sample. Coordinate with analytical staff to prepare samples for testing in the most efficient manner possible by prioritizing work according to sample priority and analytical staff work schedules. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics. or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.