Job Information
Bonneville Power Administration Chemist in Vancouver, Washington
Summary This position is located in the Diagnostics, Metrology & Labs (TEZT) organization in Technical Services (TEZ), Engineering and Technical Services (TE), Transmission Services (T) Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) A successful candidate in the position will serve as a Chemist conducting insulation oil analysis, characterization analyses of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), herbicides, wood preservatives, and other industrial materials as they relate to soil contamination and hazardous waste. Responsibilities As a Chemist, you will: Receive and process test samples; which includes logging samples into the tracking system and provide "change of custody" to customer. Perform oil quality tests, dissolved-gas-analysis tests, and PCB tests; analyze results, and identify any unknown materials. Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques. Write technical reports for publication and/or internal use stating the purpose, methodology, results, conclusions, and recommendations. Coordinate with field personnel for proper sampling, shipment and/or disposal of waste. Provide consultation on ASTM D27 (Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases) methods and specifications as it pertains to the power industry. Provide recommendations on new product purchases for electrical insulating liquids from a chemical perspective. Inspect laboratory equipment and performs regular maintenance or as-needed repairs, escalating maintenance and repair needs, as necessary. Research and identify system-wide needs for development of information on PCB's and other materials of concern to BPA operations. Plan and carry out research projects on analytical techniques. Develop procedure validation techniques and provides documentation of improved methods and approaches to laboratory practices and processes. Plan and conduct quality control tests. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics. or B. Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: experience applying knowledge of the use and capabilities of laboratory instrumentation to include understanding of the chemical principles, theories, and practices to evaluate relationships between at least two unrelated properties. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience Education This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Additional Information About the Location - Vancouver This position is located in Vancouver, WA, a splendid place to live because of its picturesque downtown area full of trendy shops, delicious restaurants, and exclusive breweries. There are several breathtaking nature parks, miles of bike trails, and amazing panoramic mountain views! Vancouver is the perfect place for anyone who loves to be outdoors and really enjoys nature! The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Information on how to create a federal resume https://www.usa.gov/government-jobs https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk EEO Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo Reasonable Accommodation Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps Veterans Information: http://www.usajobs.gov/vi Telework: www.telework.gov Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.