**The closing date of this announcement has been extended to Monday, March 20, 2017.**
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Physical Science Technician, GS-1311-07 positions intended to assist permanent staff with complex physical science technical support field work.
These are TEMPORARY seasonal positions/appointments not to exceed 6 months (1,039 hours) work in a service year. Approximate dates of employment will vary between park sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation statistics. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding. Appointments under this announcement are eligible for rehire and/or extension (when initial appointment is less than 1039 hours) if workload and funding allow. These positions have no promotion potential; if you want to be considered for a higher grade, you must apply for the higher grade.
NOTE: Multiple positions will be filled at multiple locations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the "Duty Station Locations" list below for specific information about each position, work season, government housing availability, and rate of pay, by clicking on the following links:
More positions may be filled than indicated in this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the date of issuance of the certificate. APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL CONSIDERATION. Please click "Print Preview" to see the full announcement.
Summary
**The closing date of this announcement has been extended to Monday, March 20, 2017.**
The Pacific West Region is recruiting for summer seasonal Physical Science Technician, GS-1311-07 positions intended to assist permanent staff with complex physical science technical support field work.
These are TEMPORARY seasonal positions/appointments not to exceed 6 months (1,039 hours) work in a service year. Approximate dates of employment will vary between park sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation statistics. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding. Appointments under this announcement are eligible for rehire and/or extension (when initial appointment is less than 1039 hours) if workload and funding allow. These positions have no promotion potential; if you want to be considered for a higher grade, you must apply for the higher grade.
NOTE: Multiple positions will be filled at multiple locations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the "Duty Station Locations" list below for specific information about each position, work season, government housing availability, and rate of pay, by clicking on the following links:
More positions may be filled than indicated in this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the date of issuance of the certificate. APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL CONSIDERATION. Please click "Print Preview" to see the full announcement.
Occasional travel - 1-5 nights of travel may be required to meet work demands. Travel may involve multi-night backpacking trips in rugged mountainous terrain.
As a Physical Science Technician, you assist in field work monitoring of lakes, streams and glaciers at two national parks in Washington. Specific tasks are collecting data on glacier melt, stream temperature, and lake conditions which require strenuous backpack trips deep into wilderness areas at high elevations. Office tasks include digitizing and editing data in the park's geographic information system, data processing, and processing paperwork in the office
Please click on the "Duty Station Location" links above for more information about specific duties at each park location.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Please click on the "Duty Station Location" links for specific requirements.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: If you have not had one, completion of a background investigation with favorable adjudication is required prior to entry on duty.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or provide proof that they are exempt from Selective Service Law.
INCIDENTAL DRIVING: You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle.
WORK SCHEDULE: You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
TRAVEL: You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 5 nights per month. You must obtain a government credit card for travel purposes. Travel may involve multi-night backpacking trips in rugged mountainous terrain.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in an office, laboratory, and in the field. Field work includes exposure to extreme weather and terrain conditions, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must possess the minimum qualifications by the closing date (Monday, March 20, 2017of the announcement:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: 1) collect environmental monitoring data (e.g., water quality and quantity, weather statistics, air quality, etc.); 2) set up remote environmental monitoring equipment (e.g., weather stations, acoustic monitors, water quality sondes, etc.); and 3) draft reports for physical science research or natural resource-based studies.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year (18 semester hours) of graduate level coursework in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, or metallurgy. I have provided copies of transcripts to show my eligibility. PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards a graduate degree and divide by 18 semester hours (or equivalent). Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Travel and work safely in rugged mountainous terrain. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications,
applicants must also possess the following selective factor to be considered
for this position. These positions require regular and recurring work and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry on steep slopes, snow, and ice at high elevation for extended periods of time. To safely conduct field work, you must be able to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, often in inclement weather, and be able to camp for several days at a time. Traversing and working on glaciers can be especially treacherous with hidden crevasses, snow bridges and cornices presenting safety challenges. Duties involve working in and around aquatic environments with stream gradients greater than 45 degrees and large non-wadeable rivers.
You MUST be able to demonstrate skill and experience working and traveling in the rugged mountainous backcountry areas AND that you possess at least one of the following: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training or certification, preferably at the level of Wilderness First Responder (WFR), through a credible course provider (NOLS Wilderness Medicine, Remote Medical, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Institute, National Park Service, etc.) OR Helicopter Crew Member Training either from a credible course provider (Interagency Helicopter Operations, National Park Service, US Forest Service) or from an accumulation of personal or job experience working in or around helicopters. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.
NOTE: Credit will be given for all qualifying experience regardless of whether compensation was received and whether the experience was gained as a part-time or full-time occupation. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience, your resume must indicate clearly: 1. The nature of your duties and responsibilities in each position; and 2. Complete dates of employment period (e.g. MM/YY to MM/YY, MM/YYYY to Present, etc.); and 3. The number of hours per week spent in such employment for each position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
Special Instructions For Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.
Career Transition Assistance Plan and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP/ICTAP): If you are an eligible CTAP/ICTAP applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must meet the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; be physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and possess the competencies needed for the position at a level which clearly exceeds the minimum qualification requirements for the position and be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
You will earn annual vacation leave if your appointment is for greater than 90 days. You will earn sick leave. You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits
Effective January 2015, temporary, seasonal, and intermittent employees on appointments expected to last at least 90 days, and expected to work a schedule of 130 hours or more a calendar month, will be eligible to enroll in a Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) health plan upon notification from their employing office. Temporary, seasonal, and intermittent employees for whom the expectation of hours of employment changes to meet the above requirement would become eligible to enroll in an FEHB health plan upon notification from their employing office. Eligible employees who elect to participate will receive the same government contribution as permanent employees and will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles; the employee share is deducted from bi-weekly earnings.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric score you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills and abilities required of this position. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application, you will be assigned a rating to commensurate your described experience. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you.
The Job Specific questions relate to the following knowledges, skills abilities and/or competencies (KSAC's) required to do the work of this position:
Research and monitoring experience in the fields of geology, hydrology and climatology
Install and manage remote environmental monitoring equipment
Utilize computer programs and databases to collect, maintain, and retrieve scientific data
Communicate in a clear and concise manner
Conduct labor-intensive work and collect field date in remote areas
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
Best Qualified - Demonstrates better overall or key knowledge, skills, or abilities for a specific position.
Well Qualified - Possesses the knowledge, skills and abilities which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, but does not necessarily meet the definition of the best qualified.
Qualified - Meets the minimum qualifications standards, including any selective placement factors, for a specific position.
Veteran's preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more (CPS, CP) are placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list. XP and TP preference eligibles are placed above non-preference eligibles within their assigned category.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
You will earn annual vacation leave if your appointment is for greater than 90 days. You will earn sick leave. You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits
Effective January 2015, temporary, seasonal, and intermittent employees on appointments expected to last at least 90 days, and expected to work a schedule of 130 hours or more a calendar month, will be eligible to enroll in a Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) health plan upon notification from their employing office. Temporary, seasonal, and intermittent employees for whom the expectation of hours of employment changes to meet the above requirement would become eligible to enroll in an FEHB health plan upon notification from their employing office. Eligible employees who elect to participate will receive the same government contribution as permanent employees and will be responsible for the employee share of the premium while on the official agency roles; the employee share is deducted from bi-weekly earnings.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
1. OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Your responses to the Questionnaire
2. RESUME: Your resume or application form. Note: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information. If you need assistance, you may find additional information at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/What_To_Include
3. VETERANS' PREFERENCE:You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. Veterans' preference is given in accordance with applicable laws and regulation, as follows:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from: National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, 6) dated within 120 days of your separation; and 7) terminal leave date prior to separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter (dated 1991 or later) establishing proof of disability, you may request it from the Veterans Administration at: VA - eBenefits or call 1-800-827-1000.
4. CTAP/ICTAP ELIGIBLES: 1. A COPY of your agency notice, 2. A COPY of your most recent performance rating, and 3. A COPY of your most recent SF-50 noting: current position, grade level, and duty location.
5. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: if qualifying based on education
6. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTATION: (i.e. Documentation that you meet any Selective Placement Factor(s); Schedule A letter if applicable, documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST): Monday, March 20, 2017
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to: 1) Register for a new USAJobs account; or 2) Login to your existing USAJobs account. Then, you will be asked to answer a few questions, and upload or choose existing required documents, as we have listed in our vacancy announcement. You may return to continue your saved application at any time before the closing date and time. Log-in to your USAJOBS.gov account and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title, and then select "Apply Online" to continue.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, questionnaire, and supporting documents to (478) 757-3144. You must print a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX to document your responses to the questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire and use the Application Cover Page. You must also cite Vacancy Identification Number: 1918794.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses to the questionnaire and appropriate documentation is submitted, prior to the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for the position you wish to verify. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Please note, your uploaded documents may take up to several hours to clear the virus scan process.
NW SHRO
Do Not Mail
Application Materials, WA 00000
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Your responses to the Questionnaire
2. RESUME: Your resume or application form. Note: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information. If you need assistance, you may find additional information at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/What_To_Include
3. VETERANS' PREFERENCE:You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. Veterans' preference is given in accordance with applicable laws and regulation, as follows:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from: National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, 6) dated within 120 days of your separation; and 7) terminal leave date prior to separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter (dated 1991 or later) establishing proof of disability, you may request it from the Veterans Administration at: VA - eBenefits or call 1-800-827-1000.
4. CTAP/ICTAP ELIGIBLES: 1. A COPY of your agency notice, 2. A COPY of your most recent performance rating, and 3. A COPY of your most recent SF-50 noting: current position, grade level, and duty location.
5. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: if qualifying based on education
6. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTATION: (i.e. Documentation that you meet any Selective Placement Factor(s); Schedule A letter if applicable, documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST): Monday, March 20, 2017
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to: 1) Register for a new USAJobs account; or 2) Login to your existing USAJobs account. Then, you will be asked to answer a few questions, and upload or choose existing required documents, as we have listed in our vacancy announcement. You may return to continue your saved application at any time before the closing date and time. Log-in to your USAJOBS.gov account and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title, and then select "Apply Online" to continue.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, questionnaire, and supporting documents to (478) 757-3144. You must print a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX to document your responses to the questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire and use the Application Cover Page. You must also cite Vacancy Identification Number: 1918794.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses to the questionnaire and appropriate documentation is submitted, prior to the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for the position you wish to verify. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Please note, your uploaded documents may take up to several hours to clear the virus scan process.
NW SHRO
Do Not Mail
Application Materials, WA 00000
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
