PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
Air Education and Training Command
Summary The primary purpose of this position is to manage and teach the Solar Optical Observing Network (SOON) operator's (solar analyst) course and provide space weather products and services vital to the operational customers and resource protection support efforts to the Department of Defense, United States Air Force, United States Space Force, and/or other customers. Employee assists management in developing and administering an on-the-job SOON training program. Responsibilities Manages and teaches the SOON operator's (solar analyst) course, 557WW2500. Prepares lesson plans, audio-visual aides, multimedia, presentations, pamphlets, graphical visual aids, training films, and/or student reference materials Serves as the technical advisor to senior leaders and solar analysts in the operation and training related to the AN/FMQ-7 Solar Optical Observing Network (SOON) telescope system Develops improved observing and operating procedures and analysis techniques for the AN/FMQ-7 solar telescope for continued quality training Provides operational assistance to assigned unit and SEON network in resolving complex solar observing problems or design deficiency Provides review, critique, and technical assistance to designers and developers of observing system upgrades. Develops improved observing and operating procedures and analysis techniques for the AN/FMQ-7 solar telescope for continued quality training Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent in other pay systems, in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy with the knowledge of scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive knowledge of the 557th Weather Wing's 2d Weather Squadron and Space Weather Operations Center - its mission, organization, and operation; working knowledge of basic astronomy and optical principles - solar physics, transmission, polarization, spectroscopy, etc.; Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and daily operations of the AN/FMQ-7 solar optical telescope and the Air Force SEON; thorough knowledge of solar optical observing principles, procedures, methods, techniques, and practices; analyzing solar optical structures and magnetic field data; knowledge of Air Force astro geophysical data codes (FLARE, EVENT, DALAS, etc.); working knowledge of basic computer principles; operation of audiovisual equipment (overhead projectors, webcams, teleconferencing software, etc.); planning and management of projects; interpreting policy in terms of established objectives, resolving problems, and coordinating work with others. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-10 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. 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. Knowledge of solar optical observing methods, techniques, and practices, including solar physics, space weather physics and principles, telescope instrumentation systems/peripherals, communications, and support procedures. 2. Skill in using various computer software and various applications. 3. Skill in written and oral communication to prepare and present lectures, guidance products, briefings, coordinates planning efforts, and manages program activities. 4. Ability to operate the AN/FMQ-7 solar optical telescope (and its peripherals) and communication equipment. Ability to measure space weather phenomena with scientific equipment to collect, analyze, interpret, adjust, and verify solar environmental data to confirm and improve its accuracy and effectiveness. 5. Ability to maintain certification equivalent to an AN/FMQ-7 Solar Analyst. 6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interacting with individuals and unit representatives. 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 Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. 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 here for more information. Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. 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. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave 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 here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.
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