What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? The government wide direct hire authority for Physical Scientist, GS-1301, is being used to fill this position. Salary: $85,508 (Step 01) to $111,157 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01. There is one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional positions as they become available.

Duties

As a Physical Scientist within the Geology, Minerals, Energy & Geophysics Science Center some of your specific duties will include: Conducts interdisciplinary research in geological framework studies, mineral, geothermal and water resource evaluation, environmental issues, and geologic hazards. Assisting scientists in field phases of sampling and data collection projects. Exercising judgement in the implementation of appropriate laboratory and analytical protocols based on experience and specific knowledge of study sites and characteristics of sampled specimens. Planning and execution of multiyear paleoenvironmental studies, including protocols involved in sampling, processing, and analysis of proxy data. Writes laboratory and filed reports describing the analytical methods and procedures used, the results, and the scientific significance of the findings. Assists higher level scientists in preparation of scientific papers by contributing interpretation and summarizations of data, as well as supporting graphs, calculations, and/or completed scientific analysis. Operates a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Demands: Good physical condition and vision, manual dexterity, and the ability to work long hours standing in a laboratory and sitting at a computer monitor/keyboard/mouse is required. Field assignments involve outdoor work where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain, where footing is treacherous such as on slippery riverbanks, lake shores, and steep or rocky conditions. Field work often includes long hours on lakes working from an anchored floating platform with no protection from weather (sun, wind, rain, extreme temperatures). There may be exposure to poisonous plants and animals. Incumbent may be required to lift heavy objects weighing 23 kilograms (over 50 pounds) or more. Proper safety equipment must be worn as appropriate for the working conditions such as safety goggles, life jackets, etc. Work Environment: Work is primarily conducted within laboratory and office settings. Special safety precautions are required in the laboratory including use of laboratory coats, safety glasses, gloves, etc. Field work requires use of personal flotation devices.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Physical Scientist, all grade levels. A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. **OR B. A combination of education and experience--education equivalent to one of the majors shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science, engineering, or mathematics) that included at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science as described above, plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE) For GS-11: In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level: **Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. degree in physical science or other directly related field of study or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in physical science or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled. **OR one year of appropriate professional experience that is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled is qualifying if it is equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of such experience may include independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine physical science work. This work would have required the individual to select and make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. At this level, physical scientists have the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work. **OR a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described, above that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study and professional experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE) You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

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, knowledge, and skills 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 completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .

Contacts

• Address GEOL, MIN, ENERG AND GEOPH SCI CTR 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 600 Reston, VA 20192 US
• Name: Paj Shua Cha
• Phone: 650-439-2455
• Email: [email protected]