Physical Science Technician (IS-1311-05)

We need to output HTML fragment with sections: About the role? The posting includes Overview/Introduction, Summary, Major Duties, Qualification Requirements, Conditions of Employment, Benefits (trust fund benefits), etc. We must use

for section headings. Use

• for any list of duties/requirements/benefits. Use

  for prose. Do NOT repeat job title as heading. Do NOT put Job ID/requisition numbers as headings. Remove boilerplate: cookie/navigation/legal/EEO/equal-opportunity/scam-warning, duplicated lines, application instructions. Also remove "Application Deadline", "Opening Date", "Closing Date", "TYPE OF POSITION", etc? Those are metadata; we can fold minor metadata into a short

  or drop it. The instruction: "Do NOT put Job ID / requisition numbers as headings — fold minor metadata into a short

  or drop it." So we can include a short paragraph with location, department, compensation, maybe dates? But we should avoid filler like "commensurate with experience". Compensation is given: $46,137 - $59,978 / year. That's substantive, so we should include a Pay section if posting actually states them. Yes, compensation is stated, so we can include a Pay section with that range. Benefits: The posting lists trust fund benefits: Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). That's substantive, so include Benefits section. Schedule: Not mentioned explicitly. No schedule info, so we should not create Schedule section. We need sections: About the role? Could use "Overview" or "About the role". The posting has "OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION", "SUMMARY". We could combine into About the role. Use

  About the role

  with prose paragraphs. Responsibilities: Major Duties. Use

  Responsibilities

  with
  • each duty. Requirements/Qualifications: Qualification Requirements. Use

    Qualifications

    with
    • for basic requirements and knowledge, skills, abilities. We also have Conditions of Employment (background check, probation, bank account, eligibility). Could be part of Qualifications or separate section "Conditions". Might be better as a separate section "Conditions of Employment". Use

      Conditions of Employment

      with
      • . Pay:

        Pay

        with

        $46,137 - $59,978 per year

        . Benefits:

        Benefits

        with
        • list. We must not include filler like "commensurate with experience". Not present. We must not include duplicated lines. Ensure we preserve all substantive information. We need to extract duties list exactly as given. The duties are under "MAJOR DUTIES" with subheadings: Research Support, Field Support, Laboratory & Technical Support, Data, Records, and Reporting, Collections & Equipment, Logical & Project Support. Each has bullet-like sentences. We'll turn each sentence into
        • . Might be many; okay. Qualification Requirements: Basic Requirements: One year specialized experience equivalent to at least next lower grade level (grade 4). Examples... OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course... Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required: list. Physical Requirements: ... We'll turn each into
        • . Conditions of Employment: Pass Pre-employment Background Check..., Complete a Probationary Period..., Maintain a Bank Account..., The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply. Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Also maybe "Relocation expenses are not paid." and "The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation..." and "To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures." and "The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer..." That's EEO boilerplate; we should remove EEO/equal-opportunity/scam-warning boilerplate. So remove equal opportunity statement. Also remove "Please visit the SAO website at ..." maybe considered navigation? It's a link; could be considered boilerplate; but it's not navigation/legal/EEO. Might keep? The instruction: remove cookie/navigation/legal/EEO/equal-opportunity/scam-warning boilerplate, duplicated lines, and application instructions. The website link is not necessarily boilerplate; but could be considered navigation? It's a link to SAO website. Might be okay to keep but it's minor. Safer to drop it as it's not substantive about the job. We'll drop. Also "Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."" is a tagline; could be considered boilerplate? Might keep as part of overview? It's a motivational statement; could be considered part of overview. I'd keep it as a sentence in overview. Also "Resume/CV should include..." etc is application instructions; we must remove application instructions. So remove those lines. Also "What To Expect Next:" etc is application instructions; remove. Also "Relocation expenses are not paid." is substantive? It's a condition; could be kept under Conditions of Employment. Also "The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation..." is about accommodation; could be kept but it's somewhat EEO-related but not exactly equal opportunity; it's about accommodation. Might keep. We need to ensure we don't include any duplicated lines. Now craft HTML. Structure:

          About the role

          ... overview/introduction/summary combined.

          We need to include overview/introduction text: The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront... etc. Also SUMMARY: The Physical Science Tech performs routine, structured physical science technical tasks supporting scientific programs such as geology, paleontology, hydrology, chemistry, or related physical science disciplines. We'll combine into a couple paragraphs. Then Responsibilities: list. Then Qualifications: list. Then Conditions of Employment: list. Then Pay:

          $46,137 - $59,978 per year

          Then Benefits: list. Make sure no empty sections. Let's draft. Overview paragraph: "The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants." Then summary paragraph: "The Physical Science Tech performs routine, structured physical science technical tasks supporting scientific programs such as geology, paleontology, hydrology, chemistry, or related physical science disciplines." We could combine into one

          with both. Now Responsibilities: We'll list each duty sentence. Let's extract sentences: Research Support: - Assists in conducting a program of research and scholarship in high-redshift AGN under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator. - Assists in the development of software and procedures for the reduction, analysis of imaging and spectra, and interpretation of data needed; or assists in the development of analytical methods and/or software to model physical processes and conditions. - Assists in engaging in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group. Field Support: - Conducts routine field sampling, measurements, and observations using established protocols. - Documents field sites using mapping techniques, GPS unites, and standardized data sheets. - Participates in field investigations, excavations, or sampling mission; ensures accurate notes and documentation accompany all fieldwork. - Identifies situations not covered by instructions and seeks guidance from the supervisor. Laboratory & Technical Support: - Assists in preparing, consolidating, and processing physical science samples. - Uses manual, electrical, and air powered tools to prepare specimens. - Operates, maintains, and calibrates sampling, monitoring, and laboratory instruments following established procedures. - Performs data entry, quality assurance checks, and routine instrument troubleshooting. Data, Records, and Reporting: - Enters collected data into databases; verifies accuracy and completeness. - Assists in preparing draft reports, charts, graphs, and summaries of findings. - Conducts basic literature searches to support project documentation. Collections & Equipment: - Assist specialist in identifying, cataloging, and maintaining physical science collections. - Inventories equipment and supplies; ensure compliance with quality assurance procedures. Logical & Project Support: - Provides logistical support and orientation for visiting scientists or contractors. - Offers basic technical information, ensures adherence to established policies, and resolves routine operational issues within assigned authority. - Provides guidance to students or volunteers on routine tasks. - Perform other duties as assigned. Note: "GPS unites" likely typo but we keep as is. Now Qualifications: Basic Requirements: - One year specialized experience equivalent to at least next lower grade level (grade 4). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as general or specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. - OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required: - Knowledge of basic physical science principles and the ability to perform routine tasks using established methods and procedures. - Knowledge of the technical methods, principles, and practices of the field of X-ray and UV-optical astronomy data analysis, both spatial and spectral, including visualization and statistical analyses. - Knowledge of data reduction and analysis techniques applicable to JWST and astronomy data in general. - Ability to utilize computer technology in the solution of scientific problems. - Knowledge of physics or astronomy sufficient to understand the basic scientific concepts pertaining to the data being analyzed. - Ability to work effectively as part of a research group or scientific team. Physical Requirements: - Fieldwork requires walking, standing, and lifting moderately heavy items. Some routine laboratory work is required. Work is primarily performed in an office or Laboratory setting. Education equivalence note: "Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package." This is application instruction? It's about documentation; could be considered part of qualifications but also instruction. Might be considered part of qualifications but it's about documentation; we could keep as a qualification note. However it's about application package; might be considered instruction. Safer to drop as it's about application package. Also