Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) - Direct Hire

ATF; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ATF's Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Science Laboratory, seeks a Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) to support the Bureau's law enforcement mission. This entry should perform examinations, train personnel, and help interpret results, contributing to investigations and reports.

The role requires a solid foundation in physical science or engineering and experience with firearm/toolmark analysis, with opportunities to influence technology adoption and casework outcomes.

Qualifications

• Examining firearm and toolmark evidence from investigations.
• Interpreting analysis results to answer key questions.
• Providing conclusions in laboratory reports and testifying in court.

Responsibilities

• Perform forensic firearm/toolmark examinations with minimal guidance.
• Provide training regarding firearms/toolmarks to agents and staff.
• Evaluate new technology and equipment for potential adoption.

Skills

Firearm/toolmark analysis

Laboratory reporting

Court testimony

Analytical interpretation

Education

Physical science/engineering/mathematics degree

Job description

Summary

The Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) will work in the Office of Science and Technology (OST). Forensic Science Laboratory. This position supports the mission of OST by providing highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement mission. Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages.

Duties

The major duties of the Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner) position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs forensic firearm/toolmark examinations with minimal technical guidance.
• Provides advice and training regarding forensic firearms/toolmarks to special agents, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, other scientists, and laboratory personnel.
• Interprets and evaluates the results of analyses to determine the scientific significance and to ensure that all relevant questions are answered.
• Works with senior examiners to evaluate new technology and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by Laboratory Services.
• Provides investigative leads through observations and analysis of evidentiary material.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Physical Scientist (Firearm and Toolmark Examiner), at the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the basic qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements

• 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.

AND

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of The Below

• Examining a wide variety of firearm/toolmark evidence from criminal investigations; AND
• Performing comparative testing of firearm/toolmark evidence to determine if they share a common origin; AND
• Preparing laboratory reports detailing the conclusions of examinations performed; AND
• Providing court testimony based on laboratory examinations of firearm/ toolmark evidence.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

This position requires 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. Please refer to the Qualifications section for full details.

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

FOREIGN EDUCATION:

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement.

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP):

These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
• Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

Probationary Period:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may 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 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.

EEO Statement/Policy:

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation:

ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

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.