Physical Scientist

Department of Energy Headquarters • Albany, OR

22d

About The Position

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) at the Department of Energy. The Physical Scientist oversees technically complex scientific and engineering projects or initiatives, including their design, development, implementation, and evaluation. HGEO advances hydrocarbon and geothermal technologies to support affordable, reliable, and secure energy, strengthen grid reliability, and enhance long-term energy security.

The role includes advising management, colleagues, and external partners on specialized scientific and engineering issues; preparing project documentation and budgets; and presenting technical information to professional audiences and agency leadership. Occasional travel may be required. The selectee must obtain and maintain Technical Project Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (TPO/COR) certification at the level appropriate to assigned projects, with certification required within one year of the start date.

The position has a positive education requirement: a qualifying degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in physical science or related engineering science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also meet the specialized-experience requirements for the applicable grade level. A one-year probationary period may be required. The position is not covered by a bargaining agreement.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or national status.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that includes 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that includes the required coursework.
• GS-12: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, meeting at least two of the specified criteria: participating in technical project or scientific study planning and execution; analyzing physical science data to identify trends and resolve technical issues; or assisting with written materials and communicating findings.
• GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, meeting at least two of the specified criteria: managing or leading projects or research initiatives; analyzing physical science or energy-related systems to resolve problems; or writing technical documentation and delivering scientific briefings or presentations.
• Provide college transcripts demonstrating the required education; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Obtain TPO/COR certification within one year from the start date and maintain certification at the level appropriate for assigned projects.
• If selected, complete a suitability or fitness determination and background investigation, if required.
• If selected, complete a one-year probationary period if required.
• Submit an OGE-450 financial disclosure statement upon entering the position and annually.
• If a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify Selective Service registration or exemption.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design, development, execution, and evaluation of advanced engineering and scientific research and development initiatives.
• Evaluate scientific and engineering data to resolve technical uncertainties, operational conflicts, and emerging engineering challenges.
• Evaluate new technologies, industry trends, and innovative applications to establish technical standards, processes, and methods.
• Advise internal management, colleagues, and external partners on controversial, novel, or high-visibility scientific and engineering issues.
• Prepare and oversee project documentation, including statements of work, funding opportunity announcements, budgets, and procurement packages.
• Prepare reports and deliver technical presentations to professional audiences and leadership.
• Represent the agency at intradepartmental meetings and professional conferences.
• Obtain and maintain TPO/COR certification at the level appropriate for assigned projects, including obtaining certification within one year of the start date.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and available funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level