Supervisory Physical Scientist

You must meet the Basic Requirements to qualify for Physical Scientist/Chemist, as described below. Transcripts must be submitted to verify education requirements. Basic Requirement - Physical Scientist: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: In addition to the basic requirements as described above, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience defined below. Be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume.

Specialized experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12, in the Federal Service that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, experience and skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. GS-13: Specialized experience must include at least three of the following: Perform modifications of robotic systems.

• Apply scientific methods to conduct field or laboratory testing applicable to weighing and analyzing respirable dust samples or instrumental analysis of health samples.
• Evaluates scientific data to prepare technical reports, analytical data reports, or briefing papers.
• Assists in the development and recommendation of policies and procedures which govern engineering aspects of mine ventilation, air quality, air contaminant monitory, and other associated areas.

Testify in mining related court cases or evaluate and supply data to support litigation. Maintain automated data tracking systems for scientific data. There is no substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.

Technical authority for MSHA on the weighing and evaluation of dust concentrations encountered in coal and metal/nonmetal mining. Develops new procedures related to the efficient and economic processing of respirable dust samples. Develops, institutes, and maintains laboratory quality control procedures necessary to ensure the quality of sample weighing and that cassette manufacturers are maintaining the required specifications.

Provides expert consultation and advisory services to mine operators, Office of the Chief Information Officer, and the various MSHA Enforcement District Offices and field offices as well as to other government agencies. Develops procedures and provides expert advice to MSHA Headquarters for the safe shipment and analysis of repirable dust samples collected by MSHA Enforcement personnel.

Serves as an expert witness in hearings and criminal court proceedings on procedures developed, tested, and instituted for the processing of min operator respirable dust samples. Resolves complex unprecedented and novel problems related to technical problems in the respriable dust sampling and analysis program. Modifies state-of the-art robotic systems to permit the accurate weighing of samples having, in some cases, less than 10 micorgrams of mass.

Conducts extensive statistical analyses of respirable dust data to provide information needed to prepare reports. Prepares technical reports based on findings. Based on the results of studies, prepares, or modifies standard operating procedures for the processing of coal mine dust samples.