This position is located in the Office of Science and Technology, Fire Research Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, Beltsville, Maryland.

The incumbent serves as a final technical authority at the Fire Research Laboratory. Provides administrative and technical services and support to a staff of professional personnel conducting fire testing and research. The incumbent performs casework examination in his/her field of expertise.

MAJOR DUTIES:

The incumbent serves as a technical expert concerning products, equipment and components having electrical or electronic functions and mechanical features. Researches and develops testing for electrical equipment and/or components for use in forensic fire investigations and reconstruction activities. Investigates possible electrical malfunctions/failures or modifications to electrical equipment and/or components. Interprets, provides technical advice on, and determines compliance with current electrical codes and standards. Performs engineering, chemical, and physical analyses, and tests to provide information requested. Develops modification and alternative testing techniques since samples received for testing and evaluation are often complex and without precedent. Receives physical evidence, reviews background material submitted with the evidence, pertinent agency regulations, Federal laws and regulations, manuals and scientific literature to determine the general approach necessary to develop the requested information. Performs examinations that may require the use of instrumental/measurement procedures and equipment, such as thermocouple electrical/electronic instrumentation. Provides investigators with written and/or oral presentations of test results. Interprets and evaluates the results of analyses to determine the validity and scientific significance based on a reasonable degree of scientific certainty and to ensure that all relevant questions are answered. Draws conclusions and takes final action on evidence submissions. Identifies the need for development of information, new methods or novel approaches to address trends and/or problems. Plans, organizes and conducts studies to meet those needs. Evaluates new technologies and scientific equipment for adoption or acquisition by the Fire Research Laboratory. Serves as an advisor to various outside interests, such as other Federal and state law enforcement agencies, concerning methodology problems in the area of electrical engineering.

Participates in crime scene processing by providing assistance to investigators on electrical failure scenarios and analyses. Testifies in courts of law on cases and instructs prosecuting attorneys on the evidentiary value or significance of the results of forensic examinations. Plans and implements tests to evaluate electrical equipment, components and products that may cause fire hazards and their effect on fire ignition, development and spread. Analyzes, tests, and evaluates test data and diagnoses, based on prior knowledge and experience, the failure mode of electrical equipment, and components and/or wiring that may be considered capable of causing fire hazards or failures.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To qualify at the Band 3 level, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12) or pay band (PD-2) level.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having experience in one or more specialized areas such as electrical failure analysis, electrical engineering or electronic engineering and a broad based knowledge of all areas of electrical failure, electrical fire causation and forensic science.

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