Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist

Summary

As a Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist, you will serve as an expert providing technical oversight and evaluation of the performance of safety programs at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). This position will emphasize safety during construction and electrical work, while still covering other areas of occupational safety, facility safety, and hazards at a national laboratory.

Duties

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 Physical Scientist, you will: Serve as an expert technical advisor to senior DOE leadership and diverse stakeholders by proactively identifying safety risks and trends, interpreting policies, and developing risk-informed recommendations regarding complex, high-visibility construction and infrastructure projects, operational needs, and scientific/engineering projects. Independently assess and evaluate Brookhaven National Laboratory performance in implementing DOE's Integrated Safety Management core functions and guiding principles across national laboratory safety programs and complex construction, electrical, and other high-hazard industrial operations - to include chemical, biological, and radiological activities. Observe active work and technical operations across the national laboratory for the purpose of assessing and evaluating safety performance and compliance with applicable regulations, DOE requirements, and lab safety programs. Evaluate completeness and appropriateness of laboratory hazard analyses, work controls, training qualifications, permits, and other elements of work planning and control. Contribute to DOE communities of practice and/or working groups on safety policies, procedures, standards, and best practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of accident investigations and safety-related corrective actions, supporting sustainment and organizational learning.

Qualifications

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below. See the Education section for the Basic Requirement. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES 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 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. 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 in the Federal service. GS-13: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Conducting safety assessments of operations and documentation to ensure compliance with occupational safety, environmental, or health regulations or requirements. Contributing to evaluations of contractor, grantee, project, or facility safety performance. Providing technical advice to leadership and external stakeholders to implement program, policy, or work procedure changes. GS-14: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13). Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Conducting safety assessments of operations and documentation to ensure compliance with occupational safety, environmental, or health regulations or requirements. Leading or independently conducting evaluations of contractor, project, or facility safety performance. Providing expert technical advice to leadership and external stakeholders to implement program, policy, or work procedure changes. NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 or GS-14 levels. "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.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES 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 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. NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 or GS-14 levels. This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.