PDF versionJob Summary
General Information Salary: $45,918 (Step 01) to $59,694 (Step 10); Note: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01.
Major Duties
As a Physical Scientist within the Colorado Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Collecting hydrologic, geographic and geomorphic data in a high elevation environment using a variety of methods and equipment.
- Computing, analyzing and interpreting continuous hydrologic records.
- Assisting higher level staff with geographic information (GIS) analysis and preparation of maps.
- Operating a government vehicle as an incidental driver.
Physical Demands:
Field work involves outdoor work where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain during all times of the year. The work requires considerable physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds and traveling distances of up to 15 miles on foot. On-snow travel in the backcountry requires skiing and snowshoeing.
Work Environment:
Field work involves exposure to extreme weather conditions with exposure to poisonous growth and insects involving a high risk with exposure to dangerous situations. Avalanche danger is an additional hazard during winter months which requires experience assessing avalanche danger based on terrain and weather conditions, recognizing avalanche-risk signs, and choosing safe travel routes to avoid avalanche terrain.
Qualifications
Eligibility RequirementsIn order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program you must meet the following requirements: You must be a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution such as an accredited technical or vocational school; a 2- or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum. Note: Certificate program is defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution equal to at least one academic year of full-time study that’s part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
Veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty; however, eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree or certificate was obtained.The date of release or discharge from active duty should be later than the date the degree or certificate was obtained. Qualification Requirements
For more information on basic qualifications, please click on the following: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/browse-usgs-qualifications.BASICEDUCATION REQUIREMENT:All applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Physical Scientist at 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.(CLICKHEREFOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
GS-07:In addition to the basic education requirement stated above, applicants must meet at least one of the following to qualify for the GS-07 level:A. One year of appropriate specialized experience that is equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
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 B. 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 C. Superior Academic Achievement based on undergraduate study.(CLICKHEREFOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT).
All applicants must meet qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$45,918.00 - $59,694.00