Federal
PHYSICAL SCIENTIST-Direct Hire Authority
Air Force Materiel Command · Department of the Air Force
About This Position
Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose of this position is to serves as the Air Quality engineering/ scientific source matter specialist and assists the Air Quality Program Manager in the development, implementation and management of the Air Quality Program and related contract efforts.
Qualifications
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, General Physical Science Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: 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 Combination of education and experience -- 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. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is serving as the Air Quality engineering/scientific source matter specialist and assisting the Air Quality Program Manager in the development, implementation and management of the Air Quality Program and related contract efforts. . NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Ideal Candidate: Serves as an engineering/ scientific source matter specialist and assists the environmental compliance program manager(s) in the development, implementation and management of environmental compliance programs and related contract efforts. Manages identification of and installation regulatory compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and policies including periodic compliance evaluation and inspections tracking utilizing the Enforcement Actions, Spills, and Inspections Environmental Reporting (EASIER) guidelines within the framework of Environmental Management System (EMS). Conducts root-cause analysis and develops corrective action plans to resolve findings and observations. Provides experienced permit application, modification and maintenance support for all local, State and Federal permits. Assists all base organizations by providing environmental compliance expertise and assistance in complying with permit-required inspections, Air Emissions source permitting, and reporting of compliance program requirements. Assists environmental compliance program manager(s) with oversight of in-house and off-site support contractor activities associated with program requirements, including developing and analyzing requirements, developing statements of work, and surveillance of contractor output for quality and technical corrections. The ideal candidate is a flexible, adaptable, and team-oriented problem-solver with at least 5 years of regulatory compliance experience at a large, complex facility with a proven record of success. This role requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and involves negotiating directly with regulatory agencies to ensure overall program success. 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 professional environmental engineering principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform project development, execution, training, and advisory services in assigned program element. 2: Knowledge to troubleshoot environmental engineering problems requiring investigation and innovative solutions. 3: Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices. 4: Skill to integrate an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, environmental physical scientists, biological scientists, regulators and other governmental officials, and community groups. 5: Ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy; and establish effective working relationships with others. 6: Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization. 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.
Major Duties
Plans, coordinates, and supports all aspects of assigned environmental program or programs through application of professional knowledge and skill in the practices, processes, and techniques. Responsible for executing assigned program element(s), in-house and by contract, to comply with all applicable Federal, state, and local environmental laws and policies. Provides advisory services on specific problems, projects, programs, and functions in assigned program area.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.
Additional Information
This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection. This job announcement may close at any time - apply now! This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13 Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/25/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12885447 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the PHYSICAL SCIENTIST-Direct Hire Authority position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $104,349 - $161,313/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the PHYSICAL SCIENTIST-Direct Hire Authority job located?
This position is located in Edwards AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, General Physical Science Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or relat...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 25, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does NH-3 mean?
NH-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.