Summary This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer. GS-12: $101,401-$131,826 GS-11: $84,601-$109,975 Responsibilities You will serve as an ASTRONOMER in the EARTH ORIENTATION PARAMETER COMBINATION AND PREDICTION (EOPCP) AND GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) ANALYSIS DIVISION of the U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY (USNO) located in WASHINGTON, D.C. You will participate in the development and execution of Earth orientation parameter operations. You will analyze, validate, and review EOP data inputs to currently existing algorithms that are currently in use at USNO to produce accurate EOPs, namely, UT1-UT1 (astronomical time), polar motion, and nutation offsets. You will participate in training and review work performed by lower-graded scientists and members of the Operations Center to ensure proper dissemination of EOP information to the public and DoD. You will coordinate and implement software tests to ensure that any software or procedural changes are technically accurate, correct, and comply with Information Assurance (IA} and EOP C/P and GPS Analysis division objectives. You will maintain, patch, and ensure that EOP computer and software assets meet IA compliance and EOP C/P Division objectives. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GS-12: In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience applying a technical knowledge of astronomy and/or geodesy, which consists of a background in physics and mathematics with a preferred specialized study in astronomy, data fusion or optimal estimation techniques, and/or geodesy. Experience accomplishing timely analysis and utilization of new geodetic data in the analysis and prediction of the Earth's orientation in space. Experience participating in EOP C/P operations and to develop new methods, approaches, and/or procedures to solve difficult, complex, and possibly unique problems. Experience performing independent research and occasionally representing the department at national and international scientific conferences. GS-11: In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-9 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience applying knowledge of astronomy and/or geodesy, which consists of a background in physics and mathematics with a preferred specialized study in astronomy, data fusion or optimal estimation techniques, and/or geodesy. Experience applying knowledge in computer operations and a thorough understanding of and familiarity with high level computer languages (FORTRAN, C, C++, python, etc.) is necessary. Experience understanding and using LINUX computer systems with minimum delay. Experience developing and executing EOP operations. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Astronomy and Space Science Series 1330 General Schedule Qualification Standards Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Education Applicants must meet the following Basic Qualifications Requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (A) Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The course work must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics. OR (B) Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. There are no educational substitutions for basic requirements. Basic requirements are required for this position. However, the following are educational substitutions for specialized experience. GS-12: NO SUBSTITUTIONS GS-11: Successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree NOTE: Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable and must be directly related to the position. NOTE: College Transcripts from an accredited University MUST be submitted to show proof the applicant meets ALL education requirements e.g., Basic. *A transcript must be submitted with your application to verify basic requirements.** Additional Information This announcement uses the Certain Personnel of the DoD direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized. Occasional CONUS and OCONUS travel, less than 10%, is required. Occasional evening/weekend work is required. The ability to lift and move approximately 30 pounds may be required to work on astronomical instrumentation and computer equipment. A Security+ training certification is required in order to carry out Systems Operations duties. Vacancies filled from this announcement may be filled at any grade level listed. If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management. Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Several vacancies may be filled. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf. Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
