PDF versionJob Summary
General InformationIn order to be eligible to receive consideration for this position, youmustbe able to: (1) report to the duty station location listed in this vacancy announcement, if selected; and (2) be available to work the schedule identified. GS-05:$17.85 (Step 01) to $23.21 (Step 10); GS-06:$19.90 (Step 01) to $25.87(Step 10); GS-07:$22.12 (Step 01) to $28.75 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01.
Major Duties
The USGS Oregon Water Science Center is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student working towards a degree in hydrology or a closely related discipline to gain practical experience in data collection and analysis.
As a Student Trainee (Hydrology) you will serve in a trainee capacity, performing routine and recurring development assignments to acquire knowledge and understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the area of hydrology.
Duties include:
- Collecting hydrologic data using a variety of methods and equipment.
- Collecting, computing, and compiling hydrologic data.
- Operating, maintaining, and servicing hydrologic recording and measuring instruments.
- Entering, retrieving, and manipulating hydrologic data maintained in various databases.
- Analyzing water samples.
- Operating a government vehicle as an incidental driver.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The work requires some physical exertion such as: long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activity; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 23 kilograms (under 50 pounds) such as lifting and carrying stream gauging weights, data collection and monitoring devices, or sample trays
The work regularly involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with visiting field sites with limited access, under adverse weather or flooding conditions, or exposure to irritant or toxic chemicals. Work may require the use of special clothing or gear such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, respirators, or life jackets.
Qualifications
Qualification Requirements
This internship is geared toward students majoring inone of the following areas of study: hydrology,engineering, physical science, or biology.For GS-05:
A. One year of appropriate specialized experience that is equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service. For all grade levels, specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples of GS-04 level work assignments include: 1) Performing minor repairs at gaging stations, to water level recorders and other equipment used in hydrologic investigations; 2) Assisting in making measurements of stream flow or making simple current meter measurements on small streams; 3) Recording routine measurements of water levels at specified observations wells; 4) Collecting water quality samples and assisting in making laboratory determinations of water quality parameters by predetermined methods; 5) Maintaining and assisting in readying current meters and sampling equipment for field work; OR
B. Successful completion of a full four year course of study (120 semester hours/180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of science (i.e., geology, chemistry, physics, geophysics, biology, ecology, mathematics, soils, forestry, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical science, atmospheric science) engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics; OR
C. Combination of successfully completed undergraduate education and specialized experience to meet the qualification requirements, please clickHERE.
For GS-06:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Examples of GS-05 level work assignments: 1) Computing mean daily gage heights from water stage record charts, editing record tapes, and making corrections based on field observation notes; 2) Preparing maps showing well elevations and depth to water, hydrographs, profiles, and well locations. For examples 1-2, the work assignments involved some technical problems not previously encountered; problems involving concepts and methods for which guides and precedents existed, were resolved independently. General oral instructions relative to the time to be allotted to certain functions, expected time of completion of assignments, possible technical problems which may be encountered, and approaches that may be used in resolving these problems were provided. Other examples of GS-05 level work assignments include: 1) Installing, adjusting, inspecting, and servicing crest-stage indicators, well-recorders, and other instruments for the collection of ground and surface water data; and checking gage settings to ensure continuing accuracy of the records obtained from instruments; 2) Making technical studies of hydrologic data collected in the field, and preparing material for publication, such as, drafts, maps and other illustrative material; applying datum corrections to gage height records allowing for periods of ice effect, temperature variations, and precipitation; and plotting hydrographs and analyzing differences in hydrographs with earlier records, and making necessary changes. For examples 1-2, routine assignments that involved familiar conditions, concepts, and methods were made in terms of the objectives to be achieved without explicit instruction as to work methods. Assignments involving new, more difficult, or unfamiliar areas of work were given with more specific guidance. Explicit instructions were provided for solving technical problems involving unfamiliar conditions, methods, or concepts; OR
B. Successful completion of 1/2 year of appropriate graduate level education (9 semester hours, 13.5 quarter hours or the equivalent) in hydrology or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position; OR
C. Combination of appropriate specialized experience and appropriate graduate level education to meet the qualification requirements, please clickHERE.
For GS-07:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Examples of GS-06 level assignments include: 1) Installing, adjusting, inspecting, and servicing crest-stage indicators, well-recorders, and other instruments for the collection of ground and surface water data; and checking gage settings to ensure continuing accuracy of the records obtained from instruments; 2) Measuring stream discharge utilizing various devices; observing and noting conditions that may have a bearing on stage-discharge relationships; making and compiling observations of the fluctuations of ground water levels in designated wells; and collecting water samples for chemical analysis. For examples 1-2, routine assignments that involved familiar conditions, concepts, and methods, were made in terms of the objectives to be achieved without explicit instruction as to work methods. Assignments involving new, more difficult, or unfamiliar areas of work were given with more specific guidance. Explicit instructions were provided for solving technical problems involving unfamiliar conditions, methods, or concepts; OR
B. Successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in hydrology or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position; OR
C. Combination of appropriate specialized experience and appropriate graduate level education beyond the first 1/2 year of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements, please clickHERE.
All applicants must meet qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$17.85 - $28.75