PDF versionJob Summary
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary: $76,721 (Step 01) to $99,741 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01. There is one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.
Major Duties
Planetary geologic maps have been funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and published by the USGS since 1961. The USGS Planetary Geologic Mapping Group at the Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, AZ is critically involved in the scientific and technical aspects of geologic mapping process in support of NASA programs. This position is for a Research Physical Scientist to fill the Tanaka-Greeley Fellowship within the USGS Planetary Geologic Mapping Group in Flagstaff, AZ.
The position will primarily support the coordination, review, and production of NASA-funded planetary geologic mapping projects by both USGS and non-USGS geologists and space scientists and work closely with USGS scientists, cartographers, and data specialists to develop, establish, and implement best practices and standards. The position will also work both individually and as a team to create original geologic maps of high priority regions of the Moon and Mars in support of USGS and NASA goals.
As a Research Physical Scientist within the Astrogeology Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Develop techniques and procedures to create high-precision planetary geologic maps
- Assist with the technical and scientific review of planetary geologic maps
- Assist with and lead the preparation of scientific and technical articles derived from planetary geologic mapping-based investigations
- Develop and promulgate new planetary cartographic standards in order to maximize the consistent use and representation of planetary geologic maps and map-supportive data
- Assist authors and USGS in the preparation of geologic map components for eventual publication
- Generate GIS databases of specified data, building thematic data layers
- Manage geospatial databases and data files
- Train and direct other personnel in the geologic mapping process, use of mapping standards, GIS technologies, feature and map databases, and/or the use of GIS analysis tools
Qualifications
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement: 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 equivalent in physical science or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. **OR B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science, engineering or mathematics) that included at least 24 semester hours or equivalent in physical science 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. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to the Basic Education Requirement listed above, applicants must meet A, B or C for GS-12 level research positions: A. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in an appropriate field of study that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work, OR B. At least 1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level, that is in or related to the duties described above. Applicants must have a background in diverse planetary datasets, process geology (including for non-terrestrial surfaces), geologic mapping processes, Geographic Information System (GIS) software, and the compilation, review, and publication of peer-reviewed scientific products. Such work must have shown creative and outstanding research that has led or can lead to major advances in a specific area of research. The work must have been creative in the sense that it developed a basic principle, product, concept, method, approach, or technique, or provided a body of basic information that opened the way for a major advance in the discipline or field of science. This work may have been achieved by providing a method of solving problems, opening areas of researcher providing the means of exploring the application of science in a major field. OR C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education beyond the second year of study in an appropriate field of studyand appropriate specialized experience, as described above. *You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$76,721.00 - $99,741.00