Research Positions: The full performance level for a Research position is GS-15; however, promotion eligibility is dependent upon the scientific contributions of the incumbent as evaluated by a peer panel. Salary: $115,793 (GS-13, Step 01) to $150,535 (GS-13, Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01. This is not a remote position. Telework may be approved in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and supervisor approval.

Duties

The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) conducts basic and applied research on earthquakes, especially as related to quantifying seismic hazard and mitigating the effects of earthquakes in the United States and elsewhere. The ESC seeks a Research Geophysicist in the Seattle, Washington field office to conduct research focused on earthquake ground motions and seismic hazard in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. As a Research Geophysicist within the Earthquake Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: To be eligible for the Geophysicist GS-1313 series, applicants at all grade levels must satisfy the basic education requirement as outlined in A or B below. 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 that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.). **OR B. A combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.), 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 Requirement listed above, applicants must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience could include: leading research on simulating, modeling or observing earthquake ground motions; earthquake source, path, or site effects; earthquake simulations; constraining seismic wave velocities or geologic features that may influence earthquake shaking (e.g., sedimentary basins, shallow soft soils); authoring reports, publications, scientific journal articles, and/or other products; attending scientific meetings to present research results and exchange information within the scientific community. The complexity of this work typically requires modification and adaptation of standard procedures, methods, and techniques, and the development of new methods and techniques to address novel or obscure problems for which guidelines or precedents were not substantially applicable. At this level, Geophysicists have extensive knowledge of the principles of seismology, geodesy, geology, physics, and/or chemistry, a highly developed ability in their application, and wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty. Applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates these qualifications through reports, publications, scientific journal articles, and/or other relevant activities. 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 EARTHQUAKE SCIENCE CENTER 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 600 Reston, VA 20192 US
• Name: Sebastian Risbeck
• Phone: 916-278-9398
• Email: [email protected]