PDF versionJob Summary
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary:GS-9: $59,534 (STEP 1) - $77,396 (STEP 10)GS-11: $72,030 (STEP 1) - $93,638 (STEP 10)GS-12: $86,335 (STEP 1) - $112,240 (STEP 10)NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01.Open to current or former Federal employees: RES-2020-0176
Major Duties
As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST within the EASTERN ENERGY RESOURCES SCIENCE CENTER, some of your specific duties will include:
- Performs analyses and tests that include physical and chemical measurements, sample preparation, laboratory procedures, and instrument calibration and analyses.
- Utilizes specialized techniques to obtain quantitative results from a variety of laboratory instruments including infrared, Raman, and fluorescence spectrometers and optical, electron, and atomic force microscopy instruments used to characterize the organic and inorganic constituents in energy fuels.
- Applies professional knowledge of and laboratory experience in analytical techniques applied to energy fuel organic and inorganic geochemistry to the preparation, collection, analysis, and interpretation of geological samples; and uses analytical instruments and specific techniques used in organic and inorganic chemistry including Raman and infrared and fluorescence microscopy, optical and electron microscopy, and associated hardware and software systems.
- Participates in field studies for the collection of coal and petroleum-associated rocks in outcrop, mines, and from drill rigs.
- Interprets and evaluates geochemical results in the context of their implications for research questions pertaining to energy fuels.
- Produces work that results in professional USGS contributions, such as presentations at scientific meetings and manuscripts within peer-reviewed scientific journals, as a first author, which advance knowledge of energy materials investigated by the USGS Geochemistry of Energy Fuels Project and its successors.
- Incumbent provides critical reviews of interpretive reports written by colleagues within and outside the USGS and for national and international peer-reviewed journals.
- Operates a motor 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 where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain. The work may require physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs, crawling in restrictive spaces and defending oneself against physical attack.
WORK ENVIRONMENT - Work is performed primarily in a field, laboratory or office setting and area is adequately lighted.Work performed in the laboratory may involve use of equipment which can result in exposure to dust, toxic chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and noise. Special safety precautions are required including use of laboratory coats, safety glasses, dust masks, gloves, etc. 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.
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. In
For GS-11:Independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine physical science work. This work would have required the individual to select and make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. At this level, physical scientists have the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work.
For GS-12: Planning and executing complex physical science studies, which usually involved intensive investigations into recognized phenomena. This work typically involved conventional methods and techniques though it required going beyond clear precedents, and required adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance. At this level, physical scientists have the ability to independently perform scientific work of considerable difficulty. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$59,534.00 - $112,240.00