PDF versionJob Summary
General Information Salary: GS-07: $45,660 (Step 01) to $59,359 (Step 10); GS-09: $55,851 (Step 01) to $72,602 (Step 10) NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01. There is one vacancy that may be filled at the GS-07 or 09 level; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.
Major Duties
As a Physical Scientist within the California Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Utilizes large-format scanners and scanning software to acquire map data in raster format, and various GIS, image processing, and CAD software to perform raster-to-vector conversion.
- Assists in the analysis, testing, and evaluation of computer hardware and software systems. Designs and writes small spatial data management programs to manipulate earth science data attribute information.
- Using GIS technology, creates straightforward digital maps that contain scientific data.
- Plans and carries out a wide range of surface-water data collection assignments. Conducts limited water-quality studies and investigations.
- Accesses, acquires, produces, archives, and disseminates derived geospatial data and metadata.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Field assignments involve outdoor work where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough terrain and lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds.
- Work in the field involves exposure to extreme outdoor weather conditions with exposure to poisonous growth and insects involving a high risk with exposure to dangerous situations.
- Field work may be conducted on watercraft. Incumbent may be required to operate a small motorized watercraft to field sites. May be required to pass the Department of Interior’s Motorboat Operators Certification course.
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.
OR You must be currently enrolled in a qualifying degree program as described above AND expect to complete your degree requirements no later than December 2019. If you do not complete your degree requirements by December 2019, you will be ineligible for consideration under this program.
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 Scientistat 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. ORB. 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 in or related to the duties of the position andis equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience includes 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.;ORB. Successful completion of one year of 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).D. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, and professional experience, as described above.(CLICKHEREFOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE).
GS-09:In addition to the basic education requirement stated above, applicants must meet at least one of the following to qualify for the GS-09 level:A. One year of appropriate specialized experience that is in or related to the duties of the position andis equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience includesperforming a variety of observations, computations, compilations and analyses in assisting higher-level scientists in carrying out physical science assignments. This work experience would have involved following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in applying basic principles and procedures; and independently completing recurring assignments, but referring deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations to a designated person for decision or help;ORB. Successful completion of two years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master's degree in physical science or other directly related field of study or master's or equivalent graduate degree 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; ORC. Combination of successfully completed progressive graduate level education, as described above, that is beyond the first year of graduate study and professional experience, as described above.(CLICKHEREFOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE).All applicants must meet qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$45,660.00 - $72,602.00