Quality Assurance Specialist

About the role

This position is located at Bureau of Engraving and Printing, within the Product Quality Division (DCF), in Washington, DC.

As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you will you will serve as a senior Quality Assurance Specialist (at the GS-12 level), working with scientists, production personnel, COR, quality personnel, and product/project managers in various tasks associated with QA testing and evaluation of currency, currency related materials, and other security printing products.

What you will do

• The following are the duties of this position at the GS-12.
• If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties, and will receive training to help you grow in this position.
• As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you will be doing, but not limited to, the following duties: Prepare reports of findings, trends and recommended actions.
• Operate a full range of laboratory equipment which includes physical and optical test equipment such as density meter, crumple tester, abrasion tester.
• UV IR lamp, Image Capture Analysis Systems, micrometer, fold tester, tear tester, microscopes and universal mechanical testing systems.
• Evaluate and interpret analytical data and prepare reports which include analytical procedures, conditions, and results.
• Write standardized test procedures and reports with justifications for any recommended changes in methods or procedures.
• Perform visual inspections of semi and finished currency or ink prints and evaluate or rate appearance.
• As needed, lead and/or participate In Internal quality audits, investigations, and or special studies to resolve production processing problems as well as method deficiencies or equipment issues which were not fully resolved by lower grade assistants/technicians to determine casual factors and ways to prevent recurrences.

Requirements

• All newly appointed employees to the competitive (or excepted) service are subject to a probationary (or trial) period.
• During this time, your performance, conduct, and suitability for continued employment will be evaluated.
• You will not automatically convert to permanent status at the end of the probationary (or trial) period.
• Your supervisor must affirmatively determine that continued employment is in the best interest of the Federal service.
• If no certification is made before the probationary (or trial) period ends, your appointment will be terminated.
• You are encouraged to actively engage with your supervisor, seek feedback, and understand role expectations.
• Additional guidance and support will be provided during onboarding.
• Undergo a tax compliance review.
• Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9.
• Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. Obtain and use a government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
• Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
• Wear required safety clothing and/or equipment required by the position.
• This may include safety shoes, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, masks, etc. Weekend work and overtime, if applicable, will be scheduled when needed based on production requirements as determined by Management.
• Key Requirements: Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
• Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. A subject matter expert may be used in the evaluation.

If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.

Click here for Computer System Requirements (***) Note, set aside at least 2 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time.

If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Referral: All candidates who meet all the qualifications and other eligibility requirements may be referred for consideration.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) you must score 85 or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority. To preview the questionnaire: ***

Documents you must provide

• Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
• Please ensure all required documents, including any required work samples, narratives, or other materials as stated in this announcement, are attached to your application package.
• To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: All applicants must submit a résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
• The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service.
• One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis.
• All applicants are required to submit a résumé either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing.
• (Cover letters are optional.) Please limit your resume to two-pages.
• Applicants with resumes exceeding two-pages will be removed from consideration.
• We suggest that you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your résumé to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
• Please view résumé tips.
• All applicants must submit a Performance Appraisal or explanation: a copy of your most recent, signed, completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating.
• If it is not dated within the last 18 months, or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application.
• Note that 'N/A' is not an acceptable answer.
• If you do not provide a copy of the performance appraisal, or a statement advising why it is unavailable, you will be removed from further consideration.
• CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Documentation Relating to Your Federal Employment: - Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status.
• (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".) - If you are currently on a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), submit a copy of an SF-50 showing that.
• Also, you must submit a copy of your DD214 or other documentation showing dates of service and type of discharge and any other applicable documents such as SF-15, VA letters, etc. - Indicate on your application the highest permanent grade you have held; if this grade is different from your current grade, submit a copy of an additional SF-50 showing this grade. - Federal employees must submit a copy of their latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" that reflects career or career-conditional tenure showing position title, series, grade and tenure (please do not submit an Award SF-50 as it does not provide the needed information), if different, an SF-50 showing highest permanent grade ever held or you may not be considered under the merit promotion process. *** CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (CTAP) If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.
• EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of courses showing title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion.

Benefits

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has a distinguished history dating back to the founding of our nation. As the steward of U.S. economic and financial systems, Treasury is a major and influential leader in today's global economy. We have over 100,000 employees across the country and around the world.

Come Join the Department of the Treasury and Invest in Tomorrow. Our comprehensive benefits are very generous. Our benefits package includes: Challenging work, opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive awards.

Eleven paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13 to 26 days of vacation time each year. Access to insurance programs that may be continued after you retire. A wide choice of health insurance plans, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no waiting periods.

We pay a substantial amount (up to 75%) of the health insurance premiums. Public Transportation Incentives and reserved parking available for Washington DC positions. A retirement program which includes employer-matching contributions.

Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: *** Come Join the Department of the Treasury and Invest in Tomorrow.

What to expect next

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement.

You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at *** On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date.

The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: ***

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Additional information

We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Recruitment incentives will not be offered.

This is a bargaining unit position. - BU 1602 - Chapter 201, NTEU - National Treasury Employees Union (GS/Technical Employees) During the application process you will have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. We offer opportunities for telework and flexible work schedules.

The facility typically shuts down annually between Christmas and New Year's Day. As such, all BEP employees must take leave for workdays during the shutdown period.

This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with Treasury.

The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow Treasury to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time.

For more information about individual rights, Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights - FBI, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI, and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov). SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background investigation will be required for all new hires.

Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication.

Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for disqualification in the hiring process.

The background investigation process conducted by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is very thorough. Therefore, it is imperative that applicants exercise candor and honesty when answering background questionnaires, especially as it relates to arrest, employment, education, finances, illegal drug use, and/or other criminal history.

Falsification discovered in security documents or during the background investigation process may result in an immediate negative suitability determination or immediate revocation of your interim clearance (if applicable).

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.

You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.