PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Services (ARS), National Sedimentation Laboratory Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit in Oxford, Mississippi. The incumbent performs a variety of tests that are not completely standardized, using various standard references, guides, and precedents to obtain needed information, and select and adapt methods and procedures.
Major Duties
- Collects water samples from the field using specialty equipment and defined procedures (e.g. automated samples).
- Prepares water samples for analysis using defined methods.
- Selects the best method for presenting the data and prepares drafts, drawings, charts, figures and reports illustrating and summarizing results for use by the research scientist in preparation of manuscripts, reports, etc.
- Examines data to identify the cause of deviations e.g., equipment malfunctions, sampling technique, or observation errors; and recognizes and reports errors, inconsistencies, and other deficiencies in the technical data.
- Sets up, adjusts, and operates laboratory/field equipment (e.g. flumes, weirs, automated sampling devices, solar power supplies), records instrumental readings, uses simple mathematical procedures to convert instrument readings.
- Conducts, assembles, and installs new equipment (e.g. automated water samples, stage measurement devices, weather stations) and modifies and repairs experimental or other equipment used in the conduct of research assignments.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must have one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-05 grade level for consideration for the GS-06 grade level). Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: At the GS-05:
Qualifying experience for GS-05 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting with collecting hydrologic field measurements (i.e. stage, level, discharge); utilizing weirs, flumes, or velocity sensors to collect hydrology data; and operating hydrology or water quality sampling equipment such as automated samplers. OR Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with (a) major study in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction, or industrial technology or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses related to engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics. OR A combination of education and experience. At the GS-06:
Qualifying experience for GS-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience in freshwater systems assisting with collecting hydrologic field measurements (i.e. stage, level, discharge); utilizing weirs, flumes, or velocity sensors to collect hydrology data; operating hydrology or water quality sampling equipment such as automated samplers; and assisting with analyzing samples using specialized software. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources. OR An appropriate combination of graduate education and experience. For example 6 months of specialized experience combined with 9 credit hours of relevant graduate level coursework. At the GS-07:
Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience in freshwater systems collecting hydrologic field measurements (i.e. stage, level, discharge); utilizing weirs, flumes, or velocity sensors to collect hydrology data; operating hydrology or water quality sampling equipment such as automated samplers; and assisting with analyzing samples using specialized software. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education or a Master's degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science, or Natural Resources. OR A combination of graduate education and experience as described above. For example 6 months of specialized experience combined with 9 credit hours of relevant graduate level coursework. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Pay Range
$34,916.00 - $56,222.00