This position is in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Field Organization, Northeast Area (NEA), Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory located in Beltsville, MD. In this position, you will support senior research scientists and perform a wide range of duties to address complex theoretical and applied research questions in the areas of micrometeorology, hydrology, soil science, and remote sensing.

Duties

Calibrates, deploys, operates, and maintains a variety of specialized equipment including, but not limited to, eddy covariance, relax eddy accumulation, and scintillometry systems and meteorological, vegetation, and soil sensor packages. Selects the appropriate methods and procedures used in collecting and analyzing micrometeorological, hydrologic, and biophysical measurements for advancing the project. Maintains detailed records of experimental activities including data collection, postprocessing, and analysis techniques, including any modifications to the methodology applied and the effects of those changes. Assists with the collection and analysis of air, water, and soil samples in the field and laboratory. Contributes as a team member to all phases of the research process to achieve project objectives as outlined by the supervisor and assumes full technical and operational responsibility for specific components of the research. Compiles and maintains datasets by conducting post-processing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), formatting, documentation, and storage tasks for all incoming data.

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.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• 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/
• Motor Vehicle or Commercial Driver's License Required.

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 a major, as shown 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 the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following minimum qualification requirements: GS-09 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-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 utilizing equipment to improve measurement accuracy and efficiency; collecting and analyzing air, water, or soil samples in the field and laboratory; and documenting the results of research data. OR Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. Related degrees include physical science, civil engineering, agricultural engineering, hydrology, atmospheric science, agronomy, ecology, environmental engineering, other related physical science degrees. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. GS-11 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 designing specialized equipment or techniques to improve measurement accuracy; conducting training for calibrating, deploying, or maintaining measurement systems; and preparing presentations, technical reports, or manuscripts to summarize experimental work. OR Education:3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees include physical science, civil engineering, agricultural engineering, hydrology, atmospheric science, agronomy, ecology, environmental engineering, other related physical science degrees. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking, repeated bending, standing for prolonged periods, or lifting and carrying instruments and other materials that weigh up to 30 kg. In many situations the duration of the activity, e.g., continuous testing of field samples, contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, such as when deploying instruments above or within plant canopies, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Incumbent is required to operate a motor vehicle. Work Environment: The work is performed in office, field, laboratory, and other research settings and involves moderate risks or discomfort, e.g., outdoor activities with exposure to heat or other inclement weather, insects, and noxious plants; work at elevation and near machinery or moving parts; contact with irritant chemicals, bacteria, or obnoxious odors, which require special safety precautions such as the use of safety harnesses, respirators, goggles, lab coats, and gloves. Some travel is required. 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 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 US
• Name: Jared Foret
• Phone: 7032599390
• Email: [email protected]