This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/477414300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the United States Department of Agricultures chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientist's research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture.
The incumbent will be a Research Physical Scientist/Research Hydrologist assigned to the USDA-ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland. The incumbents research is directed toward the application of land surface models using satellite and aerial imagery for estimating evapotranspiration and soil moisture to compare model output with ground truth data, and where necessary refine algorithms to reliably estimate evapotranspiration and soil moisture from row crops, with particular focus on vine and orchard plant and inter-row systems.
Additional information on the employment of non-citizens can be found at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/EmployForeignNationals/index.htm
**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR AUGUST 31, 2018.
Learn more about this agency09/01/2017 to 11/06/2017
$66,510 - $86,460 per year
GS 11
1 vacancy in the following location:
Occasional travel - Intermittent travel for field experiments and meetings with research and industry partners.
Yes—Relocation expenses may or may not be authorized.
Temporary
Full-Time
11
No
RA-17-039LA
477414300
The incumbent will work collaboratively with agronomists, viticulturists and growers in developing methodologies for integrating model output into their crop management systems. The objectives of the incumbent's research are to develop and further refine techniques and technologies to: 1) develop and refine land surface models coupling the energy and water balance such as the Two Source Energy Balance model that utilizes remotely sensed data for estimating evapotranspiration and plant stress over vineyards, orchards and other row crops containing strongly clumped vegetation, 2) evaluate these methods using field surface energy observations and water fluxes, soil moisture, canopy condition, and seasonal crop yield and water balance, and 3) develop methods for incorporating model output in applications such as routine large area evapotranspiration monitoring, irrigation scheduling, and assessment of surface and root zone soil moisture, particularly of orchards and vineyards. Model and methodology development will integrate thermal-based remote sensing of land-surface fluxes with detailed plant canopy models of radiative and turbulent energy exchange as well as root zone water availability across the soil-plant-atmosphere system.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements and non-citizens who meet certain eligibility requirements.
• Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you may be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report inquiry.
This position requires a PhD in physical science or hydrology or other directly related education. Research assignment requires professional knowledge of and the ability to integrate information from hydrology, meteorology, climatology, remote sensing, soil physics, plant physiology, statistics, computer modeling and biophysical retrievals/canopy radiative transfer models.
Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Research Physical Scientist, 1301, Basic Requirements:
Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OPM Link to 1301 Series Requirements
Research Hydrologist, 1315, Basic Requirements:
Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OPM Link to 1315 Series Requirements
This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation.
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS 'E-VERIFY' system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment.
• This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".
If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.
APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST
__ Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications
The following information is required of all applicants:
__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position
__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
__ Indicate country of citizenship __Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Only if claiming veterans preference. Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)
__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) plus the supporting documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference). Visit http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain the form.
As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:
__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation
__ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.
__ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.
If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter.
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:
Mail:
Dr. William Kustas
USDA/ARS/HRSL
10300 Baltimore Ave
Bldg 007 BARC-West
Beltsville MD 20705-2350
E-mail:
Bill.Kustas@ARS.USDA.GOV
Fax:
(301) 504-8931
If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.
Applications will be received and reviewed for consideration until a selection has been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/477414300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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