Launch Your Career as a Chemist with the Mine Safety and Health Administration
Are you an analytical chemist passionate about public safety and rigorous technical inquiry? The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve at the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center (PSHTC). This role offers the unique chance to apply complex chemical analysis to the noble mission of protecting American workers.
Job Responsibilities
Your day-to-day will involve high-level chemical analysis and field support. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing gas chromatography (GC) and GCMS analysis on air and bulk samples.
- Operating and maintaining mobile laboratories for remote deployment.
- Developing and validating analytical methods for complex chemical compounds.
- Directing analytical teams and serving as a subject matter expert in technical litigation.
- Assisting in industrial hygiene investigations and accident forensics.
Comparison of Requirements
| Level | Experience/Education Focus | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | 52 weeks specialized exp at GS-9 or Ph.D. | Foundational analysis and support |
| GS-12 | 52 weeks specialized exp at GS-11 | Method development and team leadership |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must hold a degree in a physical or life science or engineering, with 30 semester hours in chemistry, mathematics through calculus, and 6 hours of physics. You must also provide a two-page resume that details your technical competencies. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with a salary range between $77,211 and $120,309 per year. The salary offered is commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience and grade level determination.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Flexible retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Opportunities for career advancement within the federal government.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit to avoid automatic rejection.
- Detailed Experience: Clearly note your hours worked per week and specific dates for all listed employment history.
- Documentation: Ensure your unofficial transcripts are complete and include all required math and physics coursework.
If you are ready to combine your passion for chemistry with a mission-critical federal role, the MSHA provides an unparalleled environment to grow your technical expertise while serving your country. Apply today to become part of a team where your analytical precision truly saves lives.
Why This Chemist Job Matters
Advance your career in chemistry while ensuring the safety of those on the front lines of American industry—join the MSHA team in Pittsburgh as a critical technical expert.
Chemist Job Overview
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is seeking a skilled Chemist to join the Technical Support team at the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center. This role is vital to the agency’s mission of preventing mining-related fatalities, illnesses, and injuries. You will serve as a technical specialist, conducting advanced gas chromatography, managing mobile laboratory operations during emergency events, and providing critical data interpretation to support workplace health and safety nationwide.
Requirements for Chemist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Completion of a degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering with 30 semester hours in chemistry.
- Coursework must include mathematics through differential and integral calculus.
- Must include at least 6 semester hours of physics.
- Minimum of 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
- Submission of unofficial transcripts to verify educational requirements.
- Two-page resume limit requirement.
- Ability to undergo and pass a background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Chemist
- Demonstrated proficiency in developing and verifying gas chromatography analytical methods.
- Experience in the deployment and operation of mobile analytical laboratories during emergency scenarios.
- Proven track record of performing statistical data analysis and preparing technical reports.
- Ability to lead industrial hygiene investigations and provide expert advice on chemical data interpretation.
- Demonstrated experience in maintaining complex analytical instrumentation such as mass spectrometers and hydrogen generators.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Chemist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Chemist Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS website including your resume and supporting documents.
- Locate the Chemist vacancy and click the 'Apply' button.
- Complete the initial application questions within the USAJOBS interface.
- Transition to the Department of Labor (DOL) site to finalize your application and submit required documentation.
- Review and certify your application before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for potential instructions regarding USA Hire assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly document your start and end months, years, and average weekly hours for all previous experience.
- Save your work frequently during the application process as the system may timeout after 30 minutes.
- Verify that your uploaded transcripts clearly show the required chemistry, math, and physics coursework.
- Check your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard to ensure all documentation has been processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an MSHA Chemist?
You will perform specialized analytical work, such as gas chromatography, to support mine safety investigations, maintain mobile laboratory equipment, and serve as a technical expert during emergencies.
Can I use education to qualify for the GS-12 level?
No, at the GS-12 level, there is no substitution of education for specialized experience; you must possess the relevant professional experience.
What is the residency requirement for this position?
This position is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and requires physical presence for laboratory operations.
Job from Mine Safety And Health Administration
The Department of Labor’s MSHA is the primary federal agency charged with protecting the welfare of the mining workforce. By enforcing the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, MSHA works tirelessly to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. As a Chemist within the Technical Support division, you contribute directly to the research and analytical capabilities that keep modern mining operations safe.