Summary
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is accepting applications for summer employment in the following areas:
Physical Science Technician, Grade 5 $42,404 – $55,130
Computer Clerk/Assistant, Grade 5 $42,404 – $55,130
Office Clerk/Assistant, Grades 3 – 5 $33,764 – $55,130
Engineering Aide, Grades 3 – 5 $33,764 – $55,130
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Open to all qualified US citizens.
Duties
Duties: Physical Science Technician: Analyzing photometric observations to characterize distant solar system objects, revise and define data processing pipelines, and exploring the context of photometric results and implications for solar system history; performs other duties as assigned.
Duties: Computer Clerk/Assistant: Using PC and workstation-based processing systems, the employee will create content and process archival data for the ADS database, organize journal scanning that is contracted to external supplies, perform assurance tests and accuracy checks for the ADS abstract and article services, and maintain, update, document, and add bibliographic data holdings maintained by the ADS project.
Duties: Office Clerk/Assistant: Performs a variety of Internet and database research functions and uses word processing,spreadsheets and presentation software. Duties include data entry, and data management, imagine and scanning, presentations and graphics manipulations, office management, and communications.
Duties: Engineering Aide: Performs selected tasks and phases of routing studies and projects that require the application of basic principles in the technical area of Systems Engineering, assists in planning, monitoring, and conducting special studies, projects, and initiatives, and participates with senior personnel in conducting special studies, projects, and initiatives.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Pre and Post background investigation.
- Electronic funds transfer/direct deposit is required for salary payment
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-1311, Physical Science Technician please click on the following link: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1311.htm
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0335 Computer Clerk Series please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-CLER
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0303 Office Clerk/Assistant please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/miscellaneous-clerk-and-assistant-series-0303/
For information on the qualification requirements for IS-0802 Engineering Aide please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/
Qualifications
Requirements for Physical Science Technician:
Grade 5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.
OR
1 Year equivalent to at least grade 4. Or Equivalent combinations of education and experience qualify for this grade.
Requirements for Computer Clerk/Assistant
Grade 5 Specialized experience of one year equivalent to at least grade 4 or 4 years above high school.
OR – Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels.
Requirements for Office Clerk/Assistant:
Grade 3:- 6 months of general experience or 1 year above high school.
Grade 4: – one year of general experience or 2 years above high school. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels.
Grade 5:1 year specialized experience equivalent to grade 4 OR 4 years above High School leading to Bachelor’s degree.
OR – Equivalent combinations of education and experience qualify for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable
Requirements for Engineering Aide:
This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving applying practical knowledge of the:
Methods and techniques of engineering or architecture; and construction, application, properties, operations, and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices, and materials.
Basic Requirements:
Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 or equivalent and above):
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in drafting, surveying, construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as:
Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes.
Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on fabricated devices.
Education and Training:
Grade 3: Successful completion of l year of post secondary study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
Grad 4 : Successful completion of 2 years of post secondary study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-3 (or equivalent). At least 3 of the 12 semester hours must have been in drafting if a drafting area of specialization has designated the position.
OR
Grade 5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology; or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-3 (or equivalent). At least 6 of the 24 semester hours must have been in drafting if the position has been designated by a drafting area of specialization.
Additional information
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions
- Benefits
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for the basic qualification stated in the requirements.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
- Benefits
Review our benefits
- Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
Detailed Resume.
Copy of transcript if qualifying by education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
- How to Apply
Click on the “Apply Online” button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the ‘Apply Online’ button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Agency contact information
Joy Mathew
Phone
617-496-8327
Fax
617-495-7263
Email
jmathew@cfa.harvard.edu
Address
SMITHSONIAN Human Resources 60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Mail Stop 17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your “junk” or “bulk” mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
- The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
- The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Detailed Resume.
Copy of transcript if qualifying by education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Click on the “Apply Online” button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the ‘Apply Online’ button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Agency contact information
Joy Mathew
Phone
617-496-8327
Fax
617-495-7263
jmathew@cfa.harvard.edu
Address
SMITHSONIAN Human Resources 60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Mail Stop 17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your “junk” or “bulk” mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.
- The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
- The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request