This position is A part of the NRCS Alaska Snow Survey program, the incumbent collects prepares and issues snow survey data, water supply forecasts and other hydrologic analyses to various groups and organizations. Appointment includes OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) time restrictions. Initial duty is not-to-exceed 3 years with possibility for extension for an additional 2 years upon approval.

Duties

Responsible for the collection, quality control (QC), data entry, and annual archive of hydro­meteorological data within the boundaries of the NRCS Alaska Data Collection Office jurisdiction. Provides technical assistance to the snow survey staff in data collection, data entry, verification, quality control, processing and archival. Analyzes, interprets and communicates relevant snowpack water supply information to end users. Assists in the preparation and presentation of the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report (WSOR) and other summary products through the winter and spring.

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. If selected you will be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.
• 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/.
• A valid state driver's license is required. The incumbent serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator, requiring the safe operation of vehicles including pick-ups/1-ton trucks, SUVs, 4-wheel drives, ATVs and snow machines.
• The incumbent will be required to safely operate vehicles pulling trailers loaded with equipment for extended periods. The operator drives during daylight hours and occasionally after dark, commonly in snow conditions.
• The incumbent must pass an annual physical exam including a baseline treadmill cardiovascular stress test upon employment.
• This position requires field work where dangerous wildlife are common. Passing courses in bear safety and firearms handling on an annual basis and the legal ability to carry a firearm, are required for this position.
• This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996.
• Certification of compliance with 18 U.S.C. 922 (g) and (n) National Rifle Association Shotgun Safety and handling certification.
• This position is designated for random drug testing under Departmental Regulation DR 4430-7922-2 dated April 2011. This position must complete and pass a Pre-Employment Drug Testing before entrance on duty (EOD).
• A service agreement is required for authorization of relocation expenses and allowances.
• Employment/Mobility Agreement may be required due to time limitations on OCONUS assignments.
• At the completion of the tour(s), the employee has guaranteed return rights to a position of grade and pay equivalent to the employee's current position.
• This position includes Return Rights and Tour Renewal Travel. Return rights must be exercised prior to the 3 year ( 5 years if extension is approved) time period.
• After five years, the employee can opt to remain in Alaska but will forfeit any guaranteed return rights.

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 Education Requirement: Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Combination of education and experience: At least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines shown above, including at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualification requirement in order to be considered for this position: GS-07: Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-07 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include demonstrating experience of basic and applied research on water and water resources; the collection, measurement, analysis and interpretation of information on water resources; the forecast of water supply and water flows; and the development of new, improved or more economical methods, techniques, and instruments. Examples of specialized experience include: Participating in hydrologic investigations including collecting, evaluating, and analyzing data. Operating hydrologic instruments, equipment and materials to perform investigations. Assisting with data collection and data entry OR Superior academic achievement in a bachelor's degree curriculum directly related to the work of the position. To qualify for superior academic achievement, you must have ONE of the following: (1) standing in the upper third of your college class or major subdivision at the time you apply; (2) grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for all courses completed, either (a) at the time of application or (b) during the last 2 years of your undergraduate curriculum; (3) B+ (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for all courses completed in a related discipline, either (a) at the time of application or (b) during the last 2 years of your undergraduate curriculum; OR (4) election to membership in one of the national honorary scholastic societies that meets the requirements of the Association of College Honor Society; OR Education Substitution: for the GS-07 level: one year of progressively higher-level graduate education in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. OR Possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. GS-09: Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-09 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include demonstrating experience and knowledge of basic and applied research on water and water resources; the collection, measurement, analysis, and interpretation of information on water resources; the forecast of water supply and water flows; and the development of new, improved or more economical methods, techniques, and instruments. Examples of specialized experience include: Ensuring that data observations are conducted in a timely manner and the data is accurate; Developing snow survey products such as soil moisture, snowpack and precipitation products, surface water supply indexes, and streamflow models; Participating in the installation and maintenance of snow courses and snow telemetry (SNOTEL) sites; Performing data collection and data entry. OR Substitution of Education in Lieu of Specialized Experience: for the GS-09 level: two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in hydrology, water resources or related field. OR Possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. GS-11: Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service such as research on water and water resources; the collection, measurement, analysis and interpretation of information on water resources; the forecast of water supply and water flows; and the development of new, improved or more economical methods,techniques, and instruments. Examples of specialized experience include: Collecting, evaluating and analyzing data for hydrologic investigations; Evaluating data to make recommendations related to water supply forecasting efforts; Installing, calibrating, operating and maintaining sensors used to collect hydro-meteorological data; and Providing technical assistance in the data collection of snow water content, snow depth, precipitation, streamflow, soil moisture. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: for the GS-11 level: 3 year(s) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources including at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. To view the position's Qualification Requirements of the associated occupational series as outlined in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, General Schedule Qualifications Standards. See the link below: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=0400-ndx

Education

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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
You must submit a copy of your transcripts to include course number, title, completion and grade. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g. special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college for that particular course to ensure you are properly evaluated. Please note that qualifications determinations are based solely on the information submitted for each particular vacancy announcement.

Important: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. Click on this link for more information.

Failure to provide all of the required documents/information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Contacts

• Address Natural Resources Conservation Service 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Barry Culbreath
• Phone: 816-926-1482
• Email: [email protected]