This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. Salary: $88,562 (Step 01) to $115,127 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

Duties

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves as a national catalyst to organize and distribute biological, hydrological, geological, and geographical information and address the specific needs of the Department of the Interior and its land and resource managers. The USGS is the Nation's largest water, earth, biological science and civilian mapping agency, working in cooperation with more than 2,000 organizations across the country with numerous international communities to provide reliable, impartial, scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers and partners. Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) is a key component within the Core Science System Mission Area. SAS emphasizes an analysis and synthesis approach to providing scientific information on Earth systems, including a focus on the science data lifecycle. We strive to accelerate research and decision making through data science, information delivery, advanced scientific computing, and biogeographic science. SAS is comprised of Business and Technical Services, Advanced Research Computing (ARC), Biogeographic Science, Science Data Management (SDM), and the USGS Library. The USGS Library, authorized by Congress in 1879, is recognized as one of the world's largest Earth and natural science libraries providing services, collections, and expertise essential to the USGS mission. Our librarians facilitate research by ensuring seamless access to the literature of the earth and natural sciences - anytime, anywhere. SAS Science Data Management provides Bureau-wide leadership to optimize and share USGS science data, share effective management practices, and support various data workflows and repository functions. Our data scientists and information managers partner with discipline scientists to ensure USGS science is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable for future generations. Advanced Research Computing (ARC) provides training, consulting, and access to high performance computing resources. Working side-by-side with researchers, our computer scientists and research facilitators help to expand the scope and scale of scientific discovery and expedite the delivery of science products to stakeholders. SAS Biogeographic Science focuses on understanding and characterizing terrestrial, aquatic, and marine species, and ecosystems through development, maintenance, and integration of a suite of synthesized data systems used to conduct biodiversity assessments at regional to national scales. Our biologists, ecologists, and geographers conduct applied research on species, their habitats, threats, and protections to inform management of species, lands, and waters. Business and Technical Services supports the information technology, finance, and administrative needs for the organization. SAS has a strong culture of inclusivity and collaboration and are excited for the right person to join our team. This position is also within the U.S. Geological Survey's Core Science Systems Mission Area which has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and strives to be a workplace that sees, recognizes, and values the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and contributions of all employees in order to promote the physical and psychological safety of all. As a Computer Scientist within the Core Science Analytics & Synthesis, some of your specific duties will include:

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet the following to satisfy the basic education requirement for Computer Scientist, all grade levels. Bachelor's or higher degree in computer science OR a bachelor's or higher degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. QUALIFICATIONS for GS-12: In addition to the Basic Education Requirement as described above, applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-12 level: 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-11 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. Specialized experience includes: Performing statistical analysis on camera trapping data, including processing, analyzing, and interpreting large, complex datasets to address biological or ecological research questions. Designing, implementing, and maintaining relational or non-relational databases optimized for storing, managing, and querying camera trapping data, with a focus on scalability, security, and data accessibility for research applications. Deploying and managing servers and services in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) to support data processing pipelines, web applications, or computational research workflows for biological sciences. Developing and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to analyze biological data, including pattern recognition in images, species identification, habitat modeling, and predictive analytics to support scientific research and decision-making. Teaching or mentoring scientists in the use of AI/ML techniques, tools, and best practices, including the development of instructional materials, workshops, or seminars tailored to interdisciplinary research audiences. Applicants should detail their relevant experience in these areas, providing specific examples of projects, tools, techniques, and outcomes that demonstrate their qualifications and ability to meet the needs of this position. 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/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs

Contacts

• Address SCI DATA INTG AND VIS 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 600 Reston, VA 20192 US
• Name: Diana Panchal
• Phone: 703-648-7464
• Email: [email protected]