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What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary: GS-07 - $43,251 (Step 01) to $56,222 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01.
Major Duties
As a Physical Scientist within the Lower Mississippi Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Assists higher level scientists in installing, maintaining, and analyzing data from experimental sensor networks deployed to monitor geomorphic processes and weather. Assist with geologic field studies by collecting and organizing data used to evaluate geomorphic process models.
- Participates in field work collecting and describing soils, stream sediments, and rock samples for geologic mapping, resource assessments, and geochemical analysis, especially geochemical sampling in remote field areas under strenuous conditions that may involve off-trail hiking and camping.
- Collects hydrologic data using a variety of methods and equipment to carry out the analyses and test. Measures the discharge if streams having a variety of depth and flow conditions.
- Performs varied but relatively routine and limited chemical analyses and test on samples submitted by bureau personnel to determine chemical composition of substances, presence and identification of compounds of the submitted samples.
- Processes and quality checks geospatial and other data inputs for assessment models. Manage spatial databases and tests compatibility between data and models.
- Operates government vehicle as an incidental driver.
Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion and may require prolonged standing in the laboratory environment. Field assignments involve outdoor work there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain. The work requires physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds and crawling in restrictive spaces.
Work Environment: Work is primarily in a field, laboratory or office setting. Work area is adequately lighted.
Qualifications
For information on basic qualifications, which includes information on whether you may substitute education for specialized experience, please click on the following: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/physical-scientist-gs-1301.Inaddition to the basic education requirements, you must have 1-year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.
BASICEDUCATIONREQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Physical Scientist, 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 science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
**OR
B. A combination of education and experience--education equivalent to one of the majors shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science, engineering, or mathematics) that included at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science as described above, 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.
For GS-07:
In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-07 level:
**One year of successfully completed graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in physical science or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.
**OR Superior Academic Achievement based on undergraduate study.(CLICKHEREFOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT).
**OR one year of appropriate professional experience that is in or related to the duties of the position to be filled is qualifying if it is equivalent to at least the GS-5 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.
Examples of GS-5 level experience could include taking measurements and collecting information; learning to take proper samples; conducting routine calculating, plotting, and checking of numerical data; preparing graphs and data profiles; and accomplishing routine analyses. This work experience would have involved receiving clear, specific, and detailed instructions as to the methods, procedures, and guidelines to use.
**OR a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, and professional experience, as described above.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$43,251.00 - $56,222.00