What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? This is an interdisciplinary position that can be filled as a Supervisory Biologist or a Supervisory Hydrologist.

Duties

This position is based in the Studies Section of the Washington Water Science Center (WAWSC) of the U.S. Geological Survey. The incumbent serves as the supervisor, overseeing the Water Quality and Ecosystems section conducting hydrologic studies, and reports to the Associate Director for Hydrologic Studies. The WAWSC collects hydrologic data and explores applications of these data and results of research to problems of hydrology, water supply, water use and ecosystems. The purpose of this work is to describe and appraise the water resources of the nation and to determine and explain their relation to national interest. The WAWSC is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, the Nation's premier organization in the water resources field. As a Supervisory Interdisciplinary Hydrologist/Biologist within the Washington Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Participates in selected aspects of hydrologic research and interdisciplinary investigations addressing groundwater, surface water, and marine water quality and ecosystem health by examining spatial and temporal conditions of water chemistry, physical properties, and physical and chemical conditions of aquatic organisms throughout the regional aquatic ecosystems. Writes scientific reports documenting the results of analyses and interpretations of the interactions between the physical and chemical dynamics of hydrologic systems on aquatic ecosystem health, across multiple scales. Provides consultation and scientific advice to the Center Director, works in partnership with the Center's Surface Water, Water Quality Specialists, and Hydrologists, and provides assistance to other center scientists on studies and research in the field of water quality and ecosystems health. Ensures the scientific and technical direction and merit of interpretive projects carried out by the section are aligned with the USGS Strategic Science Plan, by ensuring the technical adequacy and satisfactory conduct of all hydrologic studies, research, and related work in the section. Attends public meetings, conferences, symposia, and maintains contacts in the scientific community to stay abreast of water resource issues in the State of Washington and scientific advancements in the area of water quality and ecosystem systems. Exercises first-line supervision of personnel in the section and performs the following supervisory duties: has authority for recommending promotions, awards, disciplinary actions, recruitment and selection of candidates, training, full authority for granting leave, career development, evaluating and reviewing performance of personnel in his/her area of responsibility, and effects disciplinary measures when required. Operates a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR BIOLOGIST 401: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Biologist, all grade levels. A. Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. *OR* B. Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position), 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) BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR HYDROLOGIST 1315: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Hydrologist, 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 or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent 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 or the equivalent in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics. **OR B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (30 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above which must include at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics), 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-13: In addition to the basic education requirements as stated above, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equal to the next lower grade level. Examples of this experience may include, but are not limited to: 1) planning and coordinating hydrobiology projects of considerable depth and/or breadth; 2) conducting interdisciplinary research on water quality investigations; 3) analyzing and interpreting by integrating biological and hydrological related project data together with novel and obscure problems; 4) developing new or significantly modified biological techniques, methods, or criteria related to water quality in estuaries, nearshore and surface water environments; 5) applying statistical analysis techniques and geochemical modeling to the analysis and interpretation of temporal changes and long-term trends in the water quality of streams, rivers and in the broad scope of hydrologic research. At this level, the Hydrologist/Biologist has extensive knowledge in applying interdisciplinary approaches, combined with experience in the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty and responsibility. 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 WASHINGTON WATER SCI CTR 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 600 Reston, VA 20192 US
• Name: Michelle Liu
• Phone: 916-278-9449
• Email: [email protected]