Positions at Smithsonian Institution

Wool Flag Research
Collaborative Research Program of the Smithsonian Institution
With USDA Eastern Regional Research Center

Physical Science Technician
GS-1311-5/6/7, $21,501 - $26,631 per annum
Temporary Full-Time Not to Exceed 2 years.

Two positions to be filled.  Assist scientist(s) in carrying out
various processing techniques on textiles. Performs measurements on
textile material using standard test methods for chemical, physical,
and mechanical characterization.  Operates laboratory equipment such
as analytical balances, Soxhlet extractor, constant temperature
baths, pH meters and electrodes, and computer-driven acquisition
systems. Utilizes a variety of analytical physical testing
techniques (such as IR and UV/VIS spectroscopy and Instron testing.
Compiles, tabulates, analyzes, and summarizes data using a personal
computer and relevant software; and maintains laboratory in a safe
operating condition. Applicants must meet one year of specialized
experience at the next lower grade or education requirements
(equivalent combinations of education and experience are
qualifying). Specialized experience is experience which has equipped
the applicant with the knowledge of chemistry principles and
techniques; ability to operate, maintain and calibrate laboratory
instruments; and ability to record laboratory results and summarize
data on a computer.  Education: GS-5: Four year course of study
leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in the field of
physical science *or* at least 24 semester hours in a combination of
related courses, such as chemistry, physical science, or
mathematics.  GS-6: One half year of graduate education (9 semester
hours) directly related to work of the position. GS-7: One year of
graduate education (18 semester hours) directly related to the work
of the position.  Identify country of citizenship U.S. citizenship
is required. Applicants qualifying based on education must submit
college transcripts or a list of college courses with titles,
credits, and grades.

Location of Position:  Hides, Lipids and Wool Research
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania
Announcement Number:  ARS-X9E-9039
Opening Date: October 26, 1998
Closing Date: November 9, 1998
Area of Consideration:  All U.S. Citizens

Applications will also be accepted from USDA surplus and federal
displaced employees in the commuting area. Applications will also be
accepted from all ARS surplus employees--nationwide.

Your education and experience will be evaluated against the
knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) as outlined under specialized
experience.  A specific response to the requirements outlined under
specialized experience is highly recommended to ensure adequate
consideration in the evaluation process.

Applicants qualifying based on education must submit college
transcripts or a list of college courses with titles, credits, and
grades.

How To Apply:  Send a resume, curriculum vitae, SF-171, or Optional
Application for Federal Employment, OF-612, to the Contact address.
The following information is required to evaluate applicant
qualifications and to determine if applicants meet legal
requirements for Federal employment:

    *   Announcement number, title, and grade(s) for the position

    *   Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and
        evening phone numbers (with area code)

    *   Social security number

    *   Identify country of citizenship (U.S. citizenship is
        required)

    *   Veterans' Preference (If applicable - DD-214 is required)

    *   Highest Federal civilian grade held (if applicable)

    *   Highest education level achieved.  Specify:

    Name, city, state, zip code (if known)
    Date or expected date (month/year) of completion of degree
    requirements
    Type of degree received
    Graduates of foreign universities must include proof of foreign
    education equivalency to an accredited U.S. college/university

    *   Copy of college transcripts or list of college courses (if
        required under Qualifications or if applicable to the
        position).

    *   Paid and nonpaid work experience related to the position.
        For each work experience include:
        Job title
        Series/grade (if Federal employment)
        Duties and accomplishments
        Employer's name and address
        Supervisor's name and address
        Starting and ending dates
        Hours per week
        Salary
        Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

    *   Job-related:
        Training courses (title and year)
        Skills (e.g., other languages, typing speed, computer
        software/hardware, tools, etc.)
        Certificates/licenses (current)
        Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

Other Important Information:

    *   All status candidates who wish to be considered under both
        alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive
        examining must submit two (2) complete applications.  When
        only one (1) application is received, it will be considered
        under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the
        applicant is a current or former Federal employee with
        reinstatement eligibility.

    *   Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality and extent
        of their experience, education, and accomplishments.  This
        may include factors such as number of credits in directly
        related subjects, grade point average, relatedness of work
        experience, and any other evidence of ability to do the work
        of the position.  For current and former Federal employees,
        the performance evaluation may also be taken into
        consideration.  Please be sure that your application or
        resume contains all of the information we need to determine
        if you are well qualified.

    *   This position is being filled in accordance with the
        Alternative Merit Promotion system.  All merit promotion
        principles remain in effect.

    *   USDA surplus/Federal displaced employees must submit
        documentary evidence of eligibility.  Well qualified surplus
        and displaced employees within the local commuting area will
        receive selection priority as provided by OPM regulations.
        Well-qualified means the applicant meets the basic
        qualification and eligibility requirements and all selective
        placement factors; is rated above minimally qualified
        against the knowledge, skills, and abilities or quality
        criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties
        of the position upon entry.  Applicants must submit the
        following:
        a copy of their RIF Separation Notice (for displaced
        employees) OR Certification of Expected Separation or other
        documentation identifying you as surplus;
        evidence of full performance level of current position; copy
        of their most recent performance appraisal; and
        a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel
        Action, to verify reassignment eligibility.

    *   Current Federal employees must submit their most recent
        performance appraisal.

    *   Applicants with Federal reinstatement eligibility should
        submit an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to verify
        reinstatement eligibility.

    *   Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959,
        must have registered with the Selective Service System (or
        have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.

    *   If applications do not contain all of the requested
        information, applicants may lose consideration for the job.

    *   If applicants make a false statement in any part of their
        application, they may not be hired; may be fired after they
        begin work; or may be fined or jailed.

    *   Applicants will not be notified of the status of their
        application until a final selection has been made.

    *   Applications submitted via Government envelopes will not be
        accepted.

    *   Applications must be postmarked by the closing date of the
        announcement.

Special Hiring Authorities:  Special hiring authorities may apply to
disabled individuals, former Peace Corps, Vista, action
cooperatives, volunteers, VRA eligibles, and 30 percent disabled
veterans.

Veterans' Preference:  If applicants served on active duty in the
United States military and were separated under honorable
conditions, they may be eligible for veterans' preference.  Most
veterans who served during the Gulf War era (August 2, 1990 through
January 2, 1992) are eligible for preference.  Veterans who did not
serve during this timeframe, but whose service began after October
15, 1976, must have a campaign badge, expeditionary medal, or a
service-connected disability to be eligible for preference. To claim
5-point veterans' preference, applicants must attach a copy of their
DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or
other proof of eligibility.  To claim 10-point veterans' preference,
attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference, plus
the documentation required by that form.  For further details, call
the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 912-757-3000.
Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "Veterans."  Or, dial
OPM's electronic bulletin board at 912-757-3100 or visit
<URL:http://www.opm.gov/employ/html/vetguide.htm>.

Submit applications to:

    S. Rable
    USDA/ARS/HRD/ESB
    5601 Sunnyside Avenue
    Beltsville, MD 20705-5104

For employment information contact

    M. Byrne
    USDA/ARS/ERRC/Personnel
    600 E. Mermaid Lane, Rm 2018
    Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598
    215-233-6571

    www.ars.usda.gov
    301-504-1482
    DC Relay Service:  202-855-1234 (TDD)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Provider
and Employer.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:40
                 Distributed: Monday, November 2, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-40-025
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