Chemist

Agricultural Marketing Service•Blakely, GA

About The Position

The Science and Technology Program (S&T) improves the quality, wholesomeness, and marketing of agricultural commodities by overseeing regulatory programs and providing scientific, certification, and analytical services that facilitate domestic and international trade of U.S. agricultural commodities and products. At the full-performance level, the Chemist works with laboratory staff and management to ensure that Quality Management Systems (QMS) are suitable and fit for purpose. The role monitors laboratory operations for adherence to quality plans and requirements; investigates adverse quality trends or conditions; initiates and monitors corrective actions; organizes and conducts audits and management reviews; maintains accurate and defensible records of operations, data, and decisions; communicates findings to management; and coordinates QMS improvements while ensuring mission specifications are consistently met. Assignments at developmental grade levels have more limited scope, independence, and complexity.

Requirements

Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry, mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; or equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
For GS-9, demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, including relevant analytical methodologies or principles, work within a standards-based Quality Management System, quality assurance functions, and laboratory quality assurance practices; alternatively, have two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or a master's or equivalent graduate degree in relevant courses.
For GS-11, demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, including administering an accredited Quality Management System under supervision, handling corrective-action processes with limited supervision, evaluating quality data and practices and reporting nonconformities, and maintaining defensible records; alternatively, have three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in relevant courses.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify at the GS-9 or GS-11 level; combined qualifying percentages must total at least 100 percent.
Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience; education must be successfully completed at an accredited school, college, or university.
Meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Individuals born male after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Successfully complete the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
Pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Enroll in Continuous Vetting.
Use direct deposit for federal payments.
Meet the applicable qualification requirements for the GS-9 or GS-11 grade level.

Responsibilities

Work with laboratory staff and management to ensure Quality Management Systems are suitable and fit for purpose.
Monitor laboratory operations for adherence to quality plans and requirements.
Analyze and investigate adverse quality trends or conditions, and initiate and monitor corrective actions.
Organize and conduct audits and/or management reviews.
Develop, coordinate, and maintain records to support the accuracy and defensibility of operations, data, and decisions.
Communicate findings to management.
Coordinate improvements to the Quality Management System while ensuring mission specifications are consistently met.