This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Regions 1 & 2, Technical Support Division, Physical & Biological Sciences Branch, in Green Tree, PA.

Duties

At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: 1. Applies a variety of sophisticated processes and analytical methods to the preparation and analysis of field/remote sensing observations and/or laboratory samples. 2. Applies experimental theories and advanced methodologies to geologic and/or geochemical techniques to acquire data and samples. 3. Analyzes and interprets geological and geophysical data and independently carries out detailed investigations that often have significant impact on science priorities for the Bureau/Office and/or Department. 4. Prepares or contributes to complex, technically authoritative reports on geologic and related studies which typically require development or application of new methods of field, remote sensing and/or laboratory investigation and that convey complex geologic, geomorphic, geochemical, biological, and/or hydrologic information. 5. Communicates findings in a variety of formats and settings. Makes oral presentations in a full range of technical meetings, in some cases in support of enforcement activities as part of Federal oversight of regulatory programs. 6. Develops new and original science investigations related to geological sciences, including defining the hypotheses to be tested, methods to be used, and estimating the budget and schedule required to complete the investigation. 7. Provides technical and peer review of work of scientists and/or engineers across the assigned organizations, reviews and/or serves as signatory authority on project designs, technical documents, specifications, and contract correspondence; ensuring documents are accurate and scientific quality assurance processes were followed. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. Salary Range Information: Green Tree, PA GS-13: $106,914 (Step 1) - $138,992 (Step 10) per annum. First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position you must meet the (1) Basic Educational Requirements AND (2) Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying. (1) Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, applicants must meet the Education Requirements described below: A. Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. -OR- B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (2) Specialized Experience To qualify for the GS-13, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Directly applying the principles of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act or participating in work conducted under the authority of this Act. Assisting in the production of a variety of geologic interpretation products such as structure maps, hydrogeological maps, and/or cross-sections. Conducting geologic or hydrogeologic evaluations/studies which utilize well logs, hydrogeologic data, regional stratigraphic, structural data, and/or other geological/geophysical data. Preparing technical reports or documents to communicate findings or interpretations of geologic or hydrogeologic evaluations/studies. Providing presentations to management and/or technical audiences on the findings of geologic and hydrogeologic evaluations/studies. MUST MEET ALL Physical Requirements: Some work of the position takes place mostly in an office or laboratory setting. No special physical effort is required. During emergency response periods, training of personnel on new equipment, or field work, the scientist may be expected to hike distances of several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Fieldwork may require working in remote field sites with limited to no services. Field work may require the use of proper personal protective gear, working in dusty, hot, humid, and extreme cold environments, occasional off-road driving of 4-wheel drive vehicles, traveling to remote field sites in helicopters or small fixed wing planes, and/or boats. Lifting of equipment and objects weighing up to 50 pounds may be necessary. Work Environment: Some work takes place in office or laboratory settings with adequate heat, light, and ventilation. Office conditions do not require special safety precautions; field conditions may include extreme heat or cold, rain or snow, and hazardous conditions such as exposure to extreme temperature, noxious or toxic gasses, ice or flooding. Field work may involve encounters with dangerous fauna and flora, and other wilderness dangers. International field work may be conducted in culturally hostile areas. Geology positions with duties that involve subsurface investigation require geologists to work near drill rigs and heavy equipment. Geology positions with duties that involve construction support require geologists to work near heavy equipment and construction hazards. Some work is carried out in proximity to explosives. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Education: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide transcripts as proof of meeting the requirements.

Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the specific educational requirements as stated above. 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: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

Contacts

• Address Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 1849 C Street, NW Room 1551 Washington, DC 20240 US
• Name: HR Assistant
• Phone: 703-787-1446
• Email: [email protected]