Become a Leader in Forensic Science: Supervisory Physical Scientist at the ATF

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated professional to step into the role of Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge). This is a GS-14 position based in Beltsville, Maryland, offering a unique opportunity to lead critical scientific efforts that directly support the nation's law enforcement mission.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a first-level supervisor within a forensic laboratory. Your primary responsibilities include:

Leadership and Mentoring: Managing the goals and daily operations of a team of forensic examiners.
Technical Oversight: Ensuring all friction ridge examinations meet the highest quality assurance standards.
Operational Excellence: Setting work goals, assigning tasks, and facilitating effective communication across the bureau.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria by the closing date:

Possess a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics (with 24 semester hours of specific scientific coursework).
Have one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
Successfully pass background investigations and drug testing.
Maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary Overview

The GS-14 position offers a highly competitive annual salary range:

Pay Scale	Minimum	Maximum
GS-14	$143,913	$187,093

Benefits

Employees of the ATF enjoy a robust suite of federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement package, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance through leave programs and potential telework opportunities.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The two-page limit for resumes is absolute. Ensure every detail is concise.
Quantify Your Experience: Be specific about your hours worked and your specific scientific contributions.
Monitor Your Email: You will receive instructions for the USA Hire assessment shortly after applying. Missing this 48-hour window is a common reason for disqualification.

This role represents an excellent opportunity for experienced forensic scientists to advance their careers while serving the public interest. If you are prepared to lead with technical authority, submit your application before the November 3rd deadline.

Why This Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge)-Direct Hire Job Matters

Lead critical forensic breakthroughs at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as a Supervisory Physical Scientist specializing in friction ridge analysis.

Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge)-Direct Hire Job Overview

The Office of Science and Technology at the ATF is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge) for a GS-14 level leadership position based in Beltsville, Maryland. This role is pivotal to the agency's mission, requiring an expert to manage complex forensic examinations, lead dedicated teams, and maintain rigorous quality assurance standards. As a supervisor, you will bridge the gap between technical forensic analysis and administrative excellence, ensuring the Bureau's scientific work directly supports the reduction of violent crime.

Requirements for Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge)-Direct Hire

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Completion of Selective Service registration for males born after Dec 31, 1959.
Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in related sciences.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and random testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Adherence to a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge)-Direct Hire

Demonstrated experience in mentoring forensic examiners.
Advanced proficiency in comparative testing of latent and visible fingerprint evidence.
Strong technical leadership in managing laboratory project teams.
Proven ability to translate complex forensic findings into clear oral and written reports.
Expertise in applying quality assurance procedures consistent with laboratory standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary schedule.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge)-Direct Hire Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Physical Scientist (Friction Ridge)-Direct Hire Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific resume formatting requirements, ensuring it is exactly two pages or less.
Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided portal.
Upload all required transcripts and supporting documentation.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessment within 48 hours of notification.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; anything longer will lead to automatic disqualification.
Clearly label your employment entries with hours worked per week, as this is used to calculate specialized experience.
Use action-oriented, quantifiable data to explain your accomplishments.
Double-check your email spam folder after applying, as important assessment instructions arrive via email.
Address the narrative questions thoughtfully; while not scored, they provide essential context to hiring managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the resume length limit for this position?

You must limit your resume to exactly two pages. Submissions exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.

What is Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)?

DHA allows agencies to hire candidates more quickly for positions where there is a severe shortage of qualified individuals or a critical hiring need. Note that standard veterans' preference rules may not apply under this authority.

How long will the hiring process take?

The agency aims to extend a final employment offer within 90 days from the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Can I use a long-form CV?

*A: No, the system strictly enforces a two-page limit.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation is not offered for this position.*

Job from Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms And Explosives

The ATF is an integral component of the U.S. Department of Justice, dedicated to reducing violent crime. By investigating illegal firearm trafficking, arson, and explosives-related incidents, the agency safeguards communities nationwide. Joining the Office of Science and Technology means contributing to a high-stakes environment where research, technology, and forensic excellence converge.