Document Analyst (Firearm & Toolmark Examiner - Technical Lead)

Summary

The selectee serves as a Document Analyst (Firearm & Toolmark Examiner - Technical Lead) within the Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Sciences Division, Laboratory Services Branch. The position will be located in either Atlanta, Georgia or Beltsville, Maryland. The laboratories provide highly technical and scientific services in support of the Bureau's primary law enforcement missions.

Duties

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Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities for a Document Analyst (Firearm & Toolmark Examiner - Technical Lead) GS-1397-14 generally include, but are not limited to the following:

• Functions as a leading technical expert in firearm and toolmark examination as Discipline Technical Leader, providing expert advice and assistance to ATF officials, other federal agencies, state and local government organizations, private laboratories, and industry.
• Performs firearm and toolmark examinations and comparisons of the highest complexity, analyzing microscopic surface contours to determine if two items share a common origin and authoring laboratory reports documenting results and conclusions.
• Advises attorneys on the evidentiary value or significance of the results of examinations and the appropriate approach to use in presenting scientific testimony and maintains expert knowledge in court decisions regarding admissibility and reliability of the discipline.
• Provides training and guidance to other lab personnel in their technical duties and evaluates the analytical work of peers and lower graded examiners or technicians.
• Plans and leads the development of new or modified analytical procedures to improve the methods used in forensic evidence analysis of firearms and toolmark evidence.
  
  

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Key Requirements

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug Screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
  
  

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Basic Requirements

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - physical and biological sciences, graphic arts, police science, criminology, or law.

OR

To qualify for this position at the GS-14 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of

• Performing firearm and toolmark examinations and comparisons of the highest complexity without technical guidance; AND
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, key concepts of forensic firearm and toolmark examinations and comparisons as well as analytical results and conclusions; AND
• Training and/or mentoring (guiding) other forensic examiners in their technical duties related to firearm and toolmark analysis; AND
• Establishing and maintaining internal and external work relationships with management, coworkers, peer groups, customers, and other organizations or agencies; AND
• Analyzing issues, overcoming obstacles, fostering teamwork, and coordinating the work of several organizational segments or projects.
  
  

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

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 a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement.

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
• Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
  
  

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

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.

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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.