Chemist Jobs at U.S. Air Force Bases – Locations, Requirements & How to Apply
Chemist jobs at U.S. Air Force bases offer a strong career opportunity for students and recent graduates who want to work in the U.S. federal government. These U.S. Air Force chemist jobs are available through the PALACE Acquire Program, which provides structured training, salary growth, and a pathway to permanent federal employment.
This guide explains locations, salary, requirements, eligibility, and how to apply for federal chemist jobs in the USA, based on official government information.
What Are Chemist Jobs at U.S. Air Force Bases?
Chemist jobs at U.S. Air Force bases are civilian federal positions where professionals apply chemistry principles to research, testing, and analysis of materials and substances. These roles support Air Force missions through laboratory work, studies, and technical documentation.
Most Air Force civilian chemist jobs under this announcement are offered as internships, with a 3-year formal training plan and promotion potential after successful completion.
Available Locations
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Chemist jobs at Gunter AFB, Alabama
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Chemist jobs at Maxwell AFB, Alabama
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Chemist jobs at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona
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Chemist jobs at Edwards AFB, California
Salary (State & Location Based)
Salary for U.S. Air Force chemist jobs depends on grade level and duty station.
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Pay Scale & Grade: GS-7 to GS-9
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Annual Salary Range:
$55,486 – $99,314 per year -
Salary increases yearly during the PALACE Acquire training program
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Promotion potential: GS-12
💡 Federal pay varies by location according to official U.S. government pay tables.
Job Duties (GS-7 & GS-9 Chemist Jobs)
GS-7 Chemist Duties
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Perform developmental chemistry assignments
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Analyze composition and properties of substances
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Assist with research projects and studies
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Prepare basic reports and written documentation
GS-9 Chemist Duties
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Conduct advanced chemical analysis and interpretation
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Adapt procedures to resolve technical issues
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Participate in special initiatives and studies
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Prepare technical reports, letters, and correspondence
Requirements (Education, GPA, Eligibility)
Basic Education Requirement
To qualify for federal chemist jobs USA, you must have:
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A degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering
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30 semester hours in chemistry
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Mathematics through differential and integral calculus
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6 semester hours of physics
Qualification by Grade
GS-7 Chemist Jobs
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Bachelor’s degree
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Minimum GPA 2.95 / 4.0 (or qualifying Superior Academic Achievement)
GS-9 Chemist Jobs
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Master’s degree or 2 years of graduate education
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Minimum GPA 2.95 / 4.0
Additional Requirements
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U.S. citizenship required
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Security clearance: Secret
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One-year probationary period
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Willingness to relocate if required
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Official transcripts must be submitted
How to Apply for Chemist Jobs at U.S. Air Force Bases (Step-by-Step)
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Create an account on USAJOBS.gov
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Search using Announcement Number: K-26-DHA-12806437
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Prepare a federal resume (maximum 2 pages)
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Upload required documents:
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Resume
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Educational transcripts
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Supporting documents (if applicable)
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Complete the online application questionnaire
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Submit your application before 09/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
📌 This is a public notice. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Can Foreigners Apply for These Jobs?
❌ No.
Chemist jobs at U.S. Air Force bases are open only to:
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U.S. citizens
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U.S. nationals
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Individuals owing allegiance to the United States
Foreign nationals without U.S. citizenship are not eligible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting a resume longer than 2 pages
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Missing GPA or transcript documentation
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Not including employment dates and weekly hours
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Claiming qualifications not supported by documents
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Ignoring eligibility requirements
Avoiding these mistakes improves your chances of being considered.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Is this a permanent job?
The PALACE Acquire Program offers a permanent federal position after successful completion of training.
Is prior experience required?
No. Relevant education, internships, lab work, or volunteer experience is acceptable.
Is relocation paid?
No, relocation expenses are not reimbursed.
Is travel required?
Yes, occasional travel may be required.
Are these competitive federal jobs?
Yes, these are competitive service positions filled under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA).
Disclaimer
We do not offer jobs or provide hiring guarantees.
This article is for informational purposes only, based on publicly available U.S. government job announcements.
Sources
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USAJOBS – Official U.S. Government Employment Portal
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U.S. Department of the Air Force (Civilian Careers)
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Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Submit Your Application on the Official USAJOBS Portal