QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to enable and strengthen the squadron's mission of effectiveness and efficiency.

**Qualifications:**
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Education Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position. OR Experience General Experience : Experience in fields such as quality control, quality inspection, contracting and purchasing, supply and storage, industrial or production planning, research and engineering, maintenance, and test and evaluation that provided (1) familiarity with quality assurance or related work, (2) pertinent product or process knowledge and skill, (3) ability to interpret and apply contract requirements and engineering specifications, and (4) skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-01, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-04 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge in monitoring, controlling, or maintaining the quality of products or services in quality assurance, procurement, inspection, production, or related areas. Examples include: Reviewing production activities and capabilities in light of contract quality requirements. Reviewing written quality or inspection procedures for adequacy and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of quality/inspection systems, including sampling plans. Analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality/inspection system. Verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance. Identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action. Computing data, summarizing results, and preparing reports or charts depicting pertinent relationships using statistical methods. Investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports, and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities. Reading, interpreting, and applying technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals. Reviewing and evaluating supply systems operations and procedures through periodic audits and surveillance inspections. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. OR EDUCATION: 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the broadband levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the broadband level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. This announcement establishes a pool of candidates to fill future positions. We accept applications continuously during the open period of this announcement. We review applications and refer candidates for selection consideration as vacancies occur within the organization. Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement upon its closing for up to 120 days. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of quality assurance/control methods, principles, and practices, including statistical analysis and sampling techniques of assigned functional area systems, processes, and equipment. 2. Broad knowledge of operating policies and procedures of both internal and external quality-related activities such as program management, workload planning, procurement, financial management, training, and skill to coordinate quality assurance plans and functions with these activities. 3. Skill in applying knowledge of quality assurance/control methods, principles, and practices and of operating policies and procedures to the identification of quality problems. Skill to plan and conduct studies, analyze performance and quality data and to develop sound recommendations for correction of quality system and process deficiencies. 4. Skill in applying knowledge of quality assurance/control methods, principles, and practices and of operating policies and procedures to planning and developing quality systems and processes for the facility. 5. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships throughout the various departments and with supported and supporting organizations and activities, internally and externally at all levels. 6. Ability to conduct technical reviews, analyze findings, and develop recommendations for corrections or improvements in the quality assurance program. Ability to prepare technical reports on quality levels, to identify specific problem areas and to recommend corrective action. Skill in developing and presenting written and oral technical and non-technical presentations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.