Physical Scientist

Summary The International Joint Commission assists the governments of the United States and Canada in preventing and resolving water and environmental disputes under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. IJC is an independent organization and not a part of the Executive Branch. The physical scientist for this position will aid in developing policy, providing advice for Commission Consideration, fulfilling complex and high level duties, pursuing the common good of both countries.   Learn more about this agency Duties Reviews, analyzes, makes recommendations, to governments for water infrastructure and security projects that have potential to cause significant or serious damage to national security. Participates with the Commission Information Technology Team providing IT recommendations for new collaborative software and technologies for the IJC, US Section office and Commission boards. Collaboratively constructs policies and procedures as well as leads development of briefings package for Commissioners before meetings with high level government officials, making recommendations for actions. Attends binational board and committee meetings and works closely with the US and Canadian Section office liaisons to lead preparation of scientific, technical and policy advice to Commissioners to facilitate consensus decision making. Develops, secures and maintains continuous contact with professional counterparts in appropriate U.S and Canadian federal, state, provincial, local, university, industry, and business organizations and activities. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship is required. Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/ Qualifications Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. [If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application. Applicants MUST meet the required basic entry qualification requirements described below: BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Have an undergraduate or higher level degree from an accredited college or university in 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 B. Have 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. IN ADDITION to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements listed above, the applicant MUST have at least one year of specialized experience that has equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service.  Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience leading transboundary water projects, including conducting studies, interpreting data, analyzing technological resources used, managing complex cases, communicating with officials from another government, and making recommendations regarding water levels, flows, quality, and environmental health. Experience with addressing transboundary water disputes, creating reports, conducting briefings, handling contracts, and coordinating with water resource experts. Experience with assisting operations as a technical expert, liaising with stakeholders, and supporting leadership with policy recommendations, briefings, and dispute resolution. Note: All applicants WILL BE required to submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position. Education See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. When an applicant has less than one year of specialized experience as described in the announcement, he or she may combine successfully completed graduate-level education with experience to meet the total qualification requirements. Generally, 18 graduate semester hours is equivalent to 1 full-time year of graduate study (your school and department determine what constitutes 1 full time year of graduate study). The percentage of specialized work experience (for example, 6 months equals 50%) and the percentage of graduate study (for example, 9 graduate hours for a GS-07 equals 50% where 18 graduate hours constitute a full time year) must total at least 100%. Additional information For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at [email protected].    OAA is responsible for reviewing and adjudicating reasonable accommodation (RA) requests for the Assessment Battery being used for this announcement.  RA requests cover additional time on timed sections only.  Applicants MUST submit their application before the vacancy closes, even if pending an adjudication decision. Applicants will have 48 hours after their RA request is adjudicated to complete the assessment battery.  Scores generated after the allotted timeframe will not be admissible and the applicant will not be considered further for the vacancy.  If a different type of RA is needed, please contact OAA directly at [email protected].    If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.  Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.  Veterans: Veterans’ preference points are added to the passing score of candidates eligible for either 10-point or 5-point preference. Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% or more are listed at the top of a certificate regardless of score, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is considered scientific/professional. Other 10-point and 5-point preference eligible veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed in score order. View information on veterans' preference on OPM’s Fed Hire Vets website. Expand Hide  additional information 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. 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.