Interdisciplinary Physical Science (Recent Graduate)

US Department of Energy
  • Washington, DC
  • $50,460–$86,461 Per Year
2 days ago

Job Description

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Interdisciplinary Physical Science (Recent Graduate)

Department of Energy

Department of Energy Headquarters

National Energy Technology Laboratory

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  • Summary
  • This job is open to
  • Duties
  • Requirements
  • How you will be evaluated
  • Required documents
  • How to apply

Summary

The Recent Graduates Program is a dynamic, one-year developmental program that promotes careers in the Federal Government to recent graduates. Participants in the Program receive training and professional development, complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP), and are assigned a mentor. Recent Graduates who successfully complete Program requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position in the civil service.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

The Recent Graduates Program is a dynamic, one-year developmental program that promotes careers in the Federal Government to recent graduates. Participants in the Program receive training and professional development, complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP), and are assigned a mentor. Recent Graduates who successfully complete Program requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position in the civil service.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

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Accepting applications

This job will close when we have received 250 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Location

2 vacancies in the following locations:

Albany, OR

Pittsburgh, PA

Morgantown, WV

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $50,460 - $86,461 per year

Salary is dependent upon geographical location and the grade level selected.

Pay scale & grade

GS 7 - 9

Promotion potential 13

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Recent graduates

Occupations and job series

  • 1301 General Physical Science

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 26-NT-13068894-RG Control number 886251400

This job is open to

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Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens, Nationals, and Foreign Nationals who meet both Immigration and Annual Appropriations Laws who also meet the requirements of the Pathways Recent Graduate Program. See the Requirements and Qualification sections of this announcement for more information.

Duties

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As a GS-7 General Engineer (Recent Graduate) you will:

  • Serve as a professional engineer or scientist and performs general engineering or scientific work of limited scope and complexity in support of DOE projects assigned to higher grade engineers.
  • Plan work procedures and select standard practices and data to be applied to engineering or scientific assignment and identified problems.
  • Assist in coordinating and carrying out limited, well-defined engineering and/or scientific projects.
  • Prepare routine, recurring engineering and/or scientific reports for use by higher graded engineers or to convey factual engineering and/or scientific data and information.

As a GS-9 General Engineer (Recent Graduate) you will:

  • Research, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and carry out difficult but conventional scientific and/or engineering assignments in support of programs/projects.
  • Conduct preliminary scientific and/or engineering analyses to assist higher graded scientists and engineers in accomplishing work on large and complicated projects.
  • Review reports, plans, specifications, change orders, modifications, and other documents prepared by others to identify discrepancies or potential issues.
  • Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, design specifications, and related documentation to support higher level scientific and/or engineering efforts.
  • Provide input into, and prepares, recurring technical reports to inform stakeholders of status of projects issues that may impact program/project objectives and goals.

CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS: DOE has the option to non-competitively convert a Recent Graduate to a permanent or term position upon successful completion of program requirements. This is not automatic, nor guaranteed. Conversion is at the discretion of the hiring manager and employing office. To be eligible to be converted to a permanent or term position you must:

  • Be a US Citizen or National
  • Be recommended for conversion by your manager or supervisor.
  • Complete all training and development requirements within the 1-year appointment period.
  • Successful completion of 1 year of continuous service.
  • Demonstrate successful job performance of at least a "Fully Successful" or equivalent on performance appraisal.
  • Meet the Office of Personnel Managements qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted (which may include a positive education requirement).
  • A Recent Graduate may be converted to the highest General Schedule (GS) grade level qualified for at time of conversion.

Recent Graduates converted to a term position in the competitive service may subsequently be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM? For additional information regarding the Pathways Program, please refer to the following website: USAJOBS Help Center | Students & recent graduates

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Foreign National who meets both Immigration and Annual Appropriations Laws.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
  • A Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement is required.
  • Recent Graduates serve a trial period for the entire duration of their excepted service appointment.
  • Applicant must provide proof that they have obtained an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, technical degree, or a certificate from a qualifying educational institution with the previous 2 years.; OR
  • Applicant must provide proof that they have completed a qualifying career or technical education program within the previous 2 years.
  • Veterans precluded by a military service obligation have up to 6 years after completion of degree or certificate to apply.
  • The position available upon conversion will be to a Term position that cannot exceed 4 years.

Qualifications

You must meet the eligibility and qualifications within 5 months of the closing date of this announcement.

To be eligible for the Pathways Recent Graduate program you must be a:

  • Recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, technical degree, or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or completed a qualifying career or technical education program that awards a recognized postsecondary credential (such as a Registered Apprenticeship Program or Job Corps).
  • OR-
  • Student who within 5 months of the closing date of this announcement will meet the education requirements and will graduate with a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, technical degree, or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or completed a qualifying career or technical education program. A student may not be appointed to a position until they have graduated.
  • OR-
  • Preference eligible veterans who were prevented from applying during the two-year period due to their military service obligation may begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion. You MUST submit a copy of the DD214 showing the duration and dates of service that precluded you from applying due to the military service obligation.

For the GS-07: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position at the GS-7 includes:

  • Assisting in project execution using basic engineering/scientific principles.; AND
  • Documenting engineering/scientific findings.

OR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE GS-7 BASED ON EDUCATION: 1 year of graduate-level education. Graduate education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in the position. Please see the information under Education.

OR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE GS-7 BASED ON SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A bachelors degree AND meet one of the following:(1) Class standing -- You must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- You must have 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR(3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (other than freshman honor societies) -- You are a member of one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achshonor.org/). The Bachelor degree must still show the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in this position.

OR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE GS-7 BASED ON A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: If you have some qualifying education and some qualifying experience, but dont fully meet either requirement on its own, you may be able to combine them. Only graduate education can be used in this calculation. Experience must be reflected in your resume, and transcripts are required.

  • Divide your qualifying graduate semester hours by 18. That gives you your education percentage.
  • Divide your months of qualifying experience by 12. That gives you your experience percentage.
  • Add the two together. If the total is 100% or more, you qualify.

For the GS-09: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience for this position at the GS-9 includes:

  • Conducting scientific/engineering research and analysis to interpret technical data for project support.; AND
  • Drafting concise technical reports and scientific/engineering communications for varied audiences.

OR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE GS-9 BASED ON EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree. Graduate education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in the position. Please see the information under Education.

OR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE GS-9 BASED ON COMBINATION: If you have some qualifying education and some qualifying experience, but dont fully meet either requirement on its own, you may be able to combine them. Only graduate education in excess of one year (18 semester hours or equivalent) can be used in this calculation. Experience must be reflected in your resume, and transcripts are required.

  • Divide your qualifying graduate semester hours beyond the first 18 by 18. That gives you your education percentage.
  • Divide your months of qualifying experience by 12. That gives you your experience percentage.
  • Add the two together. If the total is 100% or more, you qualify.

Experience may include paid or unpaid work, including internships, volunteer service, student leadership, military service, apprenticeships, or other relevant activities. Resumes must clearly describe duties, dates, and hours worked per week.

(For GS-07) Note about Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Applicants usually cannot claim credit based on their overall GPA if more than 10 percent of their total credit was based on pass/fail or similar systems, rather than on traditional grading systems. However, if they can document that only their freshman-year courses (25 percent or less of their total credit) were credited on a pass/fail or similar system, they can use their overall GPA to claim SAA. If 10 percent or fewer credits or only freshman-year courses were based on pass/fail or similar systems, such credits can be ignored, and the GPA can be computed from the graded courses. Applicants can, however, still claim credit based on their last 2 years if 10 percent or fewer credits were based on pass/fail or similar systems. Applicants who cannot claim credit under the GPA requirements may claim credit for SAA only on the basis of class standing or honor society membership.

Note about Graduate Education: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate schools definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet Minimum Qualifications, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Education

REMINDER: Submit transcripts for all degrees earned.

You must meet the following Basic Education Requirement listed below in order to qualify for the 1301 series:

  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelors degree or higher in 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 above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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; applicants resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

What constitutes a valid certificate program: The Pathways Programs regulation (see 5 CFR 362.102) defines certificate program as post-secondary education at either:

  • A qualifying educational institution (trade or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, or graduate or professional school) equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.; OR
  • A qualifying career or technical education program of at least one year that awards a recognized postsecondary credential.

What types of programs would meet the eligibility criteria for a qualifying career or technical education program?

Three types of programs meet these criteria:

  • Federally administered educational programs that provide rigorous academic content, technical skill proficiency, and a recognized postsecondary credential to prepare the individual for further education and/or a career in a current or emerging profession.;
  • Registered Apprenticeship Programs; and
  • Federally administered local, state, national, or international volunteer service programs.

What is a Federally administered career or technical education program?

A Federally administered career or technical education program is subject to programmatic oversight by a federal agency that includes:

  • The nature and scope of work to be performed by participants,
  • The type(s) and scope of training to be provided to participants,
  • The types of skills participants will acquire or develop during the program (e.g., teaching, environmental, business, scientific, public health/health care, languages),
  • The level and extent of mentoring participants will receive, and
  • The metrics for successful completion of the program.
  • Programmatic oversight may be reflected in partnership or cooperative agreements.

Additional information

  • We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.opm.gov/telework/
  • EEO Policy: www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process
  • Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
  • Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/articles/reasonable-accommodation-and-personal-assistance-service-procedure
  • Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans
  • Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/
  • Relocation expenses/incentives will not be available.
  • Recruitment incentives may be available.
  • Student Loan Repayment will not be available.
  • Advance in Hire (Superior Qualifications) may be available.
  • Creditable Service may be available.
  • Positions may be covered by a bargaining unit. Bargaining unit will vary by departmental element, grade, and/or location.
  • Salary will be determined based on the duty location after selection.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at any grade level.
  • The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicants criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.
  • Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, non-career SES, or Presidential appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, 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) and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Responses to assessments must be prepared solely by the applicant. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot) to draft, edit, or generate responses is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from consideration.

If you are minimally qualified for this job, you will be placed into one of two pre-defined quality categories. These categories are "Highly Qualified" and "Qualified".

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. 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. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension

Application of Veterans Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13068894

Online assessments: Applicants must complete the online USA Hire Assessments measuring critical general competencies required to perform the job. Examples used in the assessments include general scenarios addressing the underlying competencies required for this position.

Pathways eligibility/Transcripts review: HR Specialists will review your transcripts or certificate of completion to determine your eligibility based on Pathways Recent Graduate Program requirements and qualifications for this position based on any education substituted, as described in the Qualifications and Education sections above. Applicants passing the Pathways eligibility/transcripts review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.

Resume review: HR Specialists will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the specialized experience. Resumes submitted for Federal positions may not exceed two pages. Be sure you address the specialized experience within the two-page resume limit.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

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To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position. For additional information on Resumes see: What to include in your resume or Resume Writing

  • Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.

  • Education Documentation:

  • Transcripts are required at the time of application submission for Pathways positions. Unofficial transcripts or a report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour), final grade, and overall GPA is acceptable. A degree audit is unacceptable and Word format will not be accepted.

  • Official transcripts WILL BE required if you are selected. Official transcripts will need to be emailed to Human Resources directly from the Registrars office. If you upload an Official Transcript with your original application package, please note another one will need to be requested and sent directly from the registrars office prior to your onboarding.

  • For career or technical education programs where transcripts are not available you can submit a copy of the partnership or cooperative agreement that outlines the program requirements.

  • A complete application questionnaire and online USA Hire Assessments.

  • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Assessments, you can find the Reasonable Accommodation process here.

  • Proof of eligibility for the Pathways Recent Graduate Program.

  • This may include college transcripts or other proof of having completed a qualifying program, as described in the Qualifications and Education sections above.

  • You may need to submit multiple transcripts to show how you meet all requirements for this position (e.g., Recent Graduate eligibility versus meeting minimum qualifications).

  • For career or technical education programs where transcripts are not available you can submit a copy of the partnership or cooperative agreement that outlines the program requirements.

  • Other supporting documents, if applicable:

  • Are you claiming veterans preference?

  • If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or parent or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.

  • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge (from when you apply to this announcement), you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement date from active duty, 2) your discharge will be under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) your separation date from active duty service.

  • If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of service (Member 4 copy), or other documentation of service and separation under honorable conditions, as listed on the SF-15. If you dont have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.

  • For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, non-career SES, or Presidential appointee employee?

  • Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

  • Position title;

  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, non-career SES, or Presidential appointee);

  • Agency; and

  • Beginning and end dates of appointment.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials. You must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc. or you may be removed from consideration.

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

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Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  • Read all instructions before you begin.
  • Click "Apply Online."
  • Complete the application and attach all required documents.
  • Submit by 11:59 PM ET on the 10/09/2026.
  • If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  • Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  • Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  • Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the closing date of this announcement.
  • Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
  • Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

Managing Your Application:

  • Update: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  • Status: Log into USAJOBS to view your application status. Learn more here: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Support:

  • USAJOBS Help: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ for login.gov or USAJOBS assistance.
  • Application Issues: If you have difficulty applying online, contact the Agency Contact listed in this announcement during business hours. Take screenshots of any system errors.

Agency contact information

Applicant Inquiries Pathways

Email PathwaysNewRecruitActions@hc.doe.gov Address Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office

Department of Energy

Human Capital Shared Service Center

1000 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20585

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

Please note that the Department of Energy may share lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

If you are interested in being added to our Schedule A or 30% or more Disabled Veterans repository, please submit your information by using the below links.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/859568600 - 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran Repository 2026 for Department of Energy Headquarters and their associated field offices.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/859568900 - Schedule A Repository 2026 for Department of Energy Headquarters and their associated field offices.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position. For additional information on Resumes see: What to include in your resume or Resume Writing

  • Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.

  • Education Documentation:

  • Transcripts are required at the time of application submission for Pathways positions. Unofficial transcripts or a report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour), final grade, and overall GPA is acceptable. A degree audit is unacceptable and Word format will not be accepted.

  • Official transcripts WILL BE required if you are selected. Official transcripts will need to be emailed to Human Resources directly from the Registrars office. If you upload an Official Transcript with your original application package, please note another one will need to be requested and sent directly from the registrars office prior to your onboarding.

  • For career or technical education programs where transcripts are not available you can submit a copy of the partnership or cooperative agreement that outlines the program requirements.

  • A complete application questionnaire and online USA Hire Assessments.

  • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Assessments, you can find the Reasonable Accommodation process here.

  • Proof of eligibility for the Pathways Recent Graduate Program.

  • This may include college transcripts or other proof of having completed a qualifying program, as described in the Qualifications and Education sections above.

  • You may need to submit multiple transcripts to show how you meet all requirements for this position (e.g., Recent Graduate eligibility versus meeting minimum qualifications).

  • For career or technical education programs where transcripts are not available you can submit a copy of the partnership or cooperative agreement that outlines the program requirements.

  • Other supporting documents, if applicable:

  • Are you claiming veterans preference?

  • If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or parent or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.

  • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge (from when you apply to this announcement), you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement date from active duty, 2) your discharge will be under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) your separation date from active duty service.

  • If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of service (Member 4 copy), or other documentation of service and separation under honorable conditions, as listed on the SF-15. If you dont have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.

  • For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, non-career SES, or Presidential appointee employee?

  • Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

  • Position title;

  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, non-career SES, or Presidential appointee);

  • Agency; and

  • Beginning and end dates of appointment.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials. You must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc. or you may be removed from consideration.

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

Help

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  • Read all instructions before you begin.
  • Click "Apply Online."
  • Complete the application and attach all required documents.
  • Submit by 11:59 PM ET on the 10/09/2026.
  • If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  • Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  • Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  • Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the closing date of this announcement.
  • Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
  • Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

Managing Your Application:

  • Update: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  • Status: Log into USAJOBS to view your application status. Learn more here: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Support:

  • USAJOBS Help: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ for login.gov or USAJOBS assistance.
  • Application Issues: If you have difficulty applying online, contact the Agency Contact listed in this announcement during business hours. Take screenshots of any system errors.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Applicant Inquiries Pathways

Email PathwaysNewRecruitActions@hc.doe.gov Address Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office

Department of Energy

Human Capital Shared Service Center

1000 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20585

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

Please note that the Department of Energy may share lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

If you are interested in being added to our Schedule A or 30% or more Disabled Veterans repository, please submit your information by using the below links.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/859568600 - 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran Repository 2026 for Department of Energy Headquarters and their associated field offices.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/859568900 - Schedule A Repository 2026 for Department of Energy Headquarters and their associated field offices.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Department of Energy Headquarters

Agency contact information

Applicant Inquiries Pathways

Email PathwaysNewRecruitActions@hc.doe.gov Address Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office

Department of Energy

Human Capital Shared Service Center

1000 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20585

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Department of Energy Headquarters, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.energy.gov

Summary

The Recent Graduates Program is a dynamic, one-year developmental program that promotes careers in the Federal Government to recent graduates. Participants in the Program receive training and professional development, complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP), and are assigned a mentor. Recent Graduates who successfully complete Program requirements may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position in the civil service.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

This job will close when we have received 250 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Location

2 vacancies in the following locations:

Albany, OR

Pittsburgh, PA

Morgantown, WV

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $50,460 - $86,461 per year

Salary is dependent upon geographical location and the grade level selected.

Pay scale & grade

GS 7 - 9

Promotion potential 13

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Recent graduates

Occupations and job series

  • 1301 General Physical Science

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 26-NT-13068894-RG Control number 886251400

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Numbers & Facts

LocationWashington, DC
Salary$50,460–$86,461 Per Year

Skills

  • Analysis Skillsunmatched
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)unmatched
  • Background Investigationunmatched
  • Change Requests/Ordersunmatched
  • Code of Federal Regulationsunmatched
  • Content Developmentunmatched
  • Department of Veterans Affairsunmatched
  • Detail Orientedunmatched
  • Documentationunmatched
  • Electronicsunmatched
  • Federal Assistanceunmatched
  • Federal Governmentunmatched
  • Fitnessunmatched
  • Governmentunmatched
  • Government Organizationsunmatched
  • HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure)unmatched
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  • Public Healthunmatched
  • Publicationsunmatched
  • Regulationsunmatched
  • Reporting Skillsunmatched
  • Requirements Managementunmatched
  • Scientific Principlesunmatched
  • Scientific Publicationsunmatched
  • Scientific Researchunmatched
  • Student Loansunmatched
  • Student Servicesunmatched
  • Support Documentationunmatched
  • Technical Drawingunmatched
  • Technical Writingunmatched
  • Training/Teachingunmatched
  • Training/Teaching Curriculumunmatched
  • United States Citizenunmatched
  • United States Department of Energy (DOE)unmatched
  • Willing to Travelunmatched

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