Chemist

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Utilities and Power Plant Operations, Operations Division. The Chemist manages and advances the CPP Chemical Treatment Program, ensuring optimal water quality for steam, chilled water, hot water, and condenser systems. Responsibilities include chemical analysis, program oversight, regulatory compliance, and technical consultation. 

Qualifications:

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as the following: Experience leading chemical treatment programs, developing new technologies, and serving as subject matter expert.

Responsibilities:

Emergency Essential: The incumbent is required to report during emergencies, equipment failures, and inclement weather to support CPP’s critical mission.

Chemical Program Leadership and Analysis (50%) 

Leads the scientific design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the CPP Chemical Treatment Program. 

Conducts and oversees advanced chemical analyses of water samples using professional chemical principles and laboratory instrumentation. 

Interprets complex chemical data to develop and refine treatment protocols, ensuring optimal system performance and regulatory compliance. 

Serves as the technical authority on corrosion, scaling, and fouling control strategies, applying thermodynamic and kinetic principles to resolve persistent water quality issues. 

Develops and maintains laboratory quality assurance protocols and ensures adherence to scientific standards. 

Provides expert consultation to CPP staff and AOC jurisdictions on chemical treatment issues, including startup, lay-up, and troubleshooting of treated systems.

Strategic Program Management and Innovation (30%) 

Manages the long-term planning and budgeting for the chemical treatment program, including forecasting chemical usage, laboratory needs, and contract support. 

Develops and implements new chemical treatment technologies and methodologies based on scientific research and industry best practices. 

Authors and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical guidance documents for chemical treatment and testing. 

Analyzes historical and real-time data to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for optimization. 

Leads training and certification programs for Power Plant Operators and other staff on chemical treatment systems and procedures. 

Represents the CPP in interagency working groups, technical committees, and regulatory discussions related to water chemistry and environmental compliance. 

Contract Oversight and Technical Collaboration (20%) 

Serves as the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for chemical treatment contracts, providing technical input on scopes of work, performance metrics, and deliverables. 

Reviews contractor proposals, evaluates technical adequacy, and monitors performance to ensure compliance with specifications and scientific standards. 

Collaborates with engineers, project managers, and external consultants to resolve complex chemical and operational challenges. 

Provides expert advice on contract modifications, change orders, and claims related to chemical treatment systems. 

Ensures compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and hazardous materials regulations.

Salary : $121,785