The U.S. Department of the Air Force is actively hiring chemists through a Direct Hire Authority announcement open from December 22, 2025, to December 21, 2026. This broad opportunity covers the GS-1320 Chemistry series with positions ranging from GS-11 to GS-15, offering competitive salaries from $63,795 to $164,301 per year (depending on grade and location).
These government chemist positions provide stability, excellent federal benefits, and the chance to contribute to national defense and scientific advancement. If you’re a qualified chemist looking for Air Force civilian jobs or USAJobs chemist openings, this could be your ideal career move.
Why Pursue a Career as a Federal Chemist with the Air Force?
Working as a chemist in the federal government, particularly with the Department of the Air Force, offers unique advantages:
- Job Security and Benefits: Permanent full-time positions with comprehensive federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and more.
- Career Growth: Promotion potential up to GS-15.
- Impactful Work: Apply your expertise to areas like hazardous waste investigation, laboratory analysis, and technical problem-solving in support of Air Force missions.
- Multiple Locations: Opportunities across various Air Force bases nationwide.
This announcement is a Direct Hire Solicitation, meaning faster hiring for critical STEM roles without traditional competitive rating processes.
Key Job Details: Chemist (GS-1320) Positions
- Job Title: Chemist
- Agency: Department of the Air Force – Agency Wide
- Locations: Few vacancies at select bases, including:
- Vandenberg AFB, CA
- Air Force Academy, CO
- Patrick AFB and Tyndall AFB, FL
- Robins AFB, GA
- Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
- Tinker AFB, OK
- Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB, TX
- Hill AFB, UT
- Pentagon, Arlington, VA
- Salary: $63,795 – $164,301 per year (varies by grade and locality pay)
- Grades: GS-11 through GS-15
- Open Period: December 22, 2025 – December 21, 2026
- Work Schedule: Full-time, Permanent
- Security Clearance: Secret (may be required)
- Travel: Occasional
Duties and Responsibilities
As a federal chemist in these roles, your duties will vary by grade but may include:
- Applying scientific expertise to hazardous and toxic waste contamination investigations.
- Evaluating laboratory workflows, identifying trends, and implementing improvements.
- Analyzing test results and calibrator performance to ensure data integrity.
- Investigating and resolving technical problems efficiently.
- Providing testing support, technical assistance, and complying with laws and regulations.
Higher grades involve more complex analysis, method development, and oversight of special studies.
Qualifications and Requirements for Chemist GS-1320
To qualify for these federal chemist jobs, you must meet the basic Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR):
Basic Education Requirement
- Degree: Bachelor’s or higher in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering, including 30 semester hours in chemistry, plus mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
- OR Combination: Equivalent coursework (30 hours in chemistry + required math/physics) plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Specialized Experience by Grade
- GS-11: 1 year equivalent to GS-9, e.g., performing complex chemical analysis.
- GS-12: 1 year equivalent to GS-11, e.g., evaluating instrumentation and methodologies.
- GS-13: 1 year equivalent to GS-12, e.g., developing/adapting analytical methods.
- GS-14: 1 year equivalent to GS-13, e.g., developing guidelines and criteria.
- GS-15: 1 year equivalent to GS-14, e.g., leading complex scientific studies.
Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Expertise in analytical chemical principles and practices.
- Ability to design and conduct independent studies.
- Administrative and technical program management.
- Laboratory quality assurance and control.
- Strong oral and written communication.
Education substitutions may apply for lower grades; transcripts required if qualifying via education.
How to Apply for These Air Force Chemist Jobs
Applications are accepted via USAJobs until December 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
- Create or log into your USAJobs account.
- Search for announcement number AFPC-STEMDHA-12856491-1320.
- Submit a complete application package, including:
- Resume (limited to 2 pages, include hours worked and employment dates).
- Application questionnaire.
- Transcripts (if using education to qualify).
- Veterans’ preference documents (if applicable).
Job Source / Apply here – https://chemistry.usajobs.gov/job/852868300