GEOPHYSICIST

Duties

- Develops new geophysical algorithms and integrates them into operational use to provide increased fidelity of geophysical sensor data for automated detection capabilities of tactically relevant signature classes.

- Plans, coordinates, and manages integration of applied geophysics research into operational detection and identification capabilities for time-dominant technical surveillance. Provides and obtains information on non-routine problems where some explanation or interpretation of facts is required to apply and analyze geophysical sensor data and meet other novel mission related requirements.

- Trains and works as needed, as the 24/7 on-call operational Seismic Duty Alert Officer (SADO) on a rotational basis for theater support as part of a 24/7 operations floor crew. Periodically performs on-call SADO duties for theater support missions as required.

- Serves as a technical advisor for geophysical surveillance technologies and capabilities within the Group. Leverages research and integration efforts to strengthen the Wing's operational mission and develop strategic collaborations with academic and inter-governmental agencies.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period.
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours such as evenings, weekends and/or holidays to satisfy urgent operational support requirements
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
• Employee may be required to undergo CI polygraph examinations in accordance with security regulations involving material handled.
• A Bachelor's degree or operational experience in the field of study is highly desired.
• This is a key position. Incumbent must be removed from any military recall status if alternatives are not available for filling this position during an emergency are not available.

Qualifications

This is a GG-13 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-13 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-13 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

A. Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).

OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

POSITIVE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: This position has a positive education requirement. If transcripts are not provided, your resume MUST list the appropriate academic field (e.g. biology, mechanical engineering, economics, sociology, etc.) and all courses you have taken (including those failed), which appear to satisfy the qualification requirements of the position for which you are applying. List graduate and undergraduate courses separately. Include the descriptive title and course code, completion date, grade, number of semester, quarter or classroom hours (for education completed at business, secretarial, technical school or military schools) and graduate and undergraduate classes. **As of 1 Sep 2016, current internal AF employees must attach their transcripts. Failure to do so will result in not being referred for the position.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: highly competent professional and technical understanding of applied geophysics, in particular infrasound and seismology. Familiar with Department of Defense operational capabilities and theater requirements and their applicability to AFTAC seismological capabilities. Knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles and practices in a physics, engineering, computer science or data science-based occupation, such as gained through extended graduate study or experience and skill in applying this knowledge to difficult and complex work assignments and/or a comprehensive, intensive, practical knowledge of a technical field and skill in applying this knowledge to the development of new methods, approaches, or procedures to support tactical operations. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Experience in physical sciences (geophysics, geology, and engineering). Field experience required in planning, conducting and/or participating in special studies to determine and satisfy current operations and requirements for integration of geophysical data into strategic and operational communities.

2. Knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles and practices in a physics, engineering, computer science or data science-based occupation and the skill to apply this knowledge to exercise ingenuity, originality and judgement to develop unusual and/or novel advancements in geophysical technology. Experience in leading and producing Processing Exploitation Dissemination concepts with geophysics. Decisions and/or recommendations will affect the techniques and procedures to meet time dominant operations requirements across multiple combatant commands and national customers.

3. Skill in transitioning new technical capabilities, techniques, research programs, improvements, and concepts for seismic analysis to time-dominant operational missions. Familiar of modem coding standard languages (Python, C++, Java, etc.) in a development environment is highly desired but not required.

4. Ability to direct and coordinate the efforts of a technical assessment team in an operational environment with constantly changing work environments and deadlines in a logical method of prioritization, including operating semi-autonomously in the absence of direction for higher-level priorities based on mission needs.

5. Ability to work across other organizations within the center and with external customers, contractors, research partners, and system developers for all geophysical project requirements supporting time dominant operations.

6. Knowledge of security procedures to maintain control of classified material is required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.

Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.

This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click to check accreditation.

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 conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.

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Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click .

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click .

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval)

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.