This position is located in the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit in Fort Collins, Colorado. In this position, you will be conducting research related to rangeland agroecosystems; managing and analyzing remote sensing data; and using scientific programming and high performance computing to conduct sophisticated geospatial analysis. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years.

Duties

Evaluates geospatial data quality and ensures the integrity of all geospatial data used in scientific analyses. Develops spatially explicit data products, thematic maps, and other spatial visualization tools. Prepares graphical and tabular summarizations of data and writes technical reports that detail methods used and interpretation of results for progress reports and scientific articles. Conducts appropriate data quality control and assurance as well as data analyses in the areas of study [e.g. rangeland ecology, soil science, plant science, biogeochemical cycling, plant physiology, or hydrology]. Plans, organizes, and performs complex image processing and geospatial analysis for airborne and satellite remote sensing data from semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. Interprets findings and experimental results in terms of their scientific significance and to identify impact, detect inconsistencies and initiate action to resolve issues. Analyzes and manages geospatial data using contemporary and sophisticated software and programming tools (e.g., Python and R scripting).

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Subject to satisfactory completion of a one-year trial period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience conducting or supporting research related to rangelands, agroecosystems, or other terrestrial ecosystems; managing and analyzing remote sensing data; and using scientific programming and high performance computing to perform computationally intensive analysis. OR Education: Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. Related degrees may include geography, geology, earth science, environmental science, atmospheric science. OR A combination of Ph.D. level education and specialized experience as described above. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Research Service 2150 Centre Avenue Building D, Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80526 US
• Name: Kendra Bledsoe
• Phone: 7032599425
• Email: [email protected]