Physical Scientist

US Department of Energy Headquarters; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office, is seeking a Physical Scientist to manage national TRU waste transportation services, coordinating movements across highway, rail, and multimodal networks in compliance with federal and state regulations.

The successful candidate will evaluate containment systems, monitor contractor performance, and serve as a technical lead on transport safety and incident response, with opportunities to influence SOWs and project milestones.

Qualifications

• Degree must include 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
• Experience equivalent to the next lower grade may be substituted with combined education/experience as described.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate transportation logistics for hazardous, radioactive, or dangerous materials across highway, rail, or multimodal networks in compliance with regulations.
• Evaluate containment systems for safety and compliance and assist in incident/emergency readiness.
• Monitor contractor performance, develop SOWs or specifications, and track project milestones and resource allocations.
• Analyze data to resolve transportation or packaging issues, mitigate risks, and improve safety and efficiency.

Skills

Hazardous materials logistics

Regulatory compliance

Logistics coordination

Data analysis

Education

Physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 s.h. in physical science/engineering

Job description

This position is part of the Office of Environmental Management - Carlsbad Field Office, Department of Energy. As a Physical Scientist, you will be managing the National Transuranic (TRU) waste transportation services across the nation and to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR 1301 SERIES

A. 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

B. 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: GS-13:

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-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of the 4 of the following:

1. Coordinating the transportation logistics of hazardous, radioactive, or dangerous materials across highway, rail, or multimodal networks in accordance with applicable federal, state, or commercial transport regulations.
2. Evaluating hazardous or radioactive containment systems and packaging for structural integrity, safety standard compliance, or incident/emergency response readiness.
3. Monitoring contractor or commercial carrier performance, developing technical statements of work (SOWs) or specifications, and tracking project milestones, schedules, or resource allocations.
4. Analyzing data to resolve transportation/system anomalies, mitigate operational risks, or improve safety and process efficiencies.

GS-14:

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-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 2 of the 4 of the following:

1. Directing or overseeing the operational logistics, scheduling, carrier allocation, and dispatching of hazardous, radioactive, or dangerous materials shipments across inter-facility, regional, or nationwide transport networks.
2. Interpreting and enforcing multi-jurisdictional transportation regulations and assessing certified containment systems.
3. Serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), technical monitor, or commercial contract lead by preparing statements of work (SOWs), evaluating technical proposals, monitoring operational performance, and recommending contractual adjustments.
4. Conducting scientific or engineering analyses to resolve technical uncertainties, address transportation or packaging anomalies, and participate as a technical specialist in accident or incident emergency response involving hazardous or radioactive material containment.

"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.