Position is being advertised concurrently under BR-PN-VA-TS-17-241 for current federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. Applicants interested in applying under both announcement numbers, must submit application packages for each.
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Geologist. You will be working on projects that are complex and involves in-depth understanding and adaptation of basic and advanced geology principles, state-of-the-art geology, engineering geology, subsurface exploration, and hydrologic exploration. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Telework Statements:Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Promotion to the Full Performance Level: The career ladder promotion potential of this position is the GS-11 level. However, this position may be filled at a lower grade. If so, when and if it is determined that a subsequent promotion is warranted, it may be made without further competition. Promotion up to and including the GS-11 level is neither guaranteed nor automatic.
Payment of travel and relocation expenses will be the responsibility of the selectee.
At the present time, we have 2 vacancies; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional, equivalent positions at this duty location.
Summary
Position is being advertised concurrently under BR-PN-VA-TS-17-241 for current federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. Applicants interested in applying under both announcement numbers, must submit application packages for each.
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as a Geologist. You will be working on projects that are complex and involves in-depth understanding and adaptation of basic and advanced geology principles, state-of-the-art geology, engineering geology, subsurface exploration, and hydrologic exploration. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Telework Statements:Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.
Promotion to the Full Performance Level: The career ladder promotion potential of this position is the GS-11 level. However, this position may be filled at a lower grade. If so, when and if it is determined that a subsequent promotion is warranted, it may be made without further competition. Promotion up to and including the GS-11 level is neither guaranteed nor automatic.
50% or less - Frequent travel (up to 75%) may be required to perform site visits and scheduled meetings with various groups and required training, as needed.
- Plans, executes and documents geologic investigation projects to provide data to engineers on soil logging, rock logging, intact sampling, in-situ testing, surface mapping, etc.
- Works with a team to develop plans and install instrumentation to monitor surface and subsurface conditions associated with Reclamation dams and facilities.
- Collects geologic data during construction by providing foundation mapping of excavated slopes, ground surfaces and placed embankment materials as part of a team.
- Prepares and/or assists in the preparation of geologic reports, construction geology reports and presentations.
- Represents Reclamation as a formal and/or informal Technical Representative, who will be required to provide technical recommendations internally and may be required to act as a Reclamation Technical Expert at stakeholders and public meetings.
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation. (See How to Apply).
You must meet specialized experience requirements. (See Qualifications).
You must provide transcript(s) to verify the education requirements.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements and any selective factors, by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
Basic Education Requirements: Geology Degree: A. A bachelor's or higher degree in geology from an accredited college/university, plus 20 additional semester hrs. in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. OR
B. Combination of education and experience with course work as described above, section A, and plus appropriate experience or additional education (see below for acceptable experience). The combination of education and experience is sufficient to demonstrate that I have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of a professional geologist AND is comparable to completion of a full 4-year course of study.
If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications. An official transcript bears the University Seal and a signature certifying its authenticity and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.
Specialized Experience Requirements: In addition to the basic education requirements, in order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that the applicant meets the specialized experience requirement - this information must be included in the resume.
To qualify at the GS-07 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GS-05 in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level is defined as: performing observations, measurements, computations and conducting scientific field work on geologic or scientific projects.
Substitution of Education for Work Experience: This provision applies to undergraduate record only. It is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade point average, or (3) honor society membership. The applicant must supply documentation (i.e. transcripts, certificates) to verify. 1. Class Standing: Applicant must be in the upper third of their graduating class in the college or university. 2. Grade point average: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcript. 3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (listed in the Association of College Honor Societies).
To qualify at the GS-09 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level is defined as: performing work as a geologist related to geologic surface mapping, trenching mapping, soil and rock logging, writing technical reports or performing work in the (geotechnical) engineering geology, environmental geology, or mining and petroleum exploration industry.
To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level is defined as: performing work as an engineering geologist conducting tasks with limited supervision such as soil and rock logging, geologic surface mapping, trenching mapping, foundation mapping during construction, writing geologic reports, presenting geologic talks, and performing geologic project management tasks to initiate, organize, coordinate field staff, conduct field work and document data.
Education
This position has a mandatory education requirement. Applicants must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in being rated not-qualified for the position.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
This vacancy announcement allows substituting education for experience. Applicants must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission may result in being rated not-qualified for the position.
If claiming eligibility based on Superior Academic Achievement (only possible at grade 07), applicants must submit a copy of college transcripts or equivalent documents to support education. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. For information on Superior Academic Achievement, visit: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp#e4f
Additional information
Applicants initially appointed to a career-conditional position must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Current permanent federal employees who are selected from this announcement may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: http://www.sss.gov
The Bureau of Reclamation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for positions is made solely on the basis of merit, fitness and qualifications without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors.
Related non-federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630).
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.
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.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this announcement. If an applicant meets the basic qualification requirements, his/her on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of his/her experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100 and veterans with preference will be placed at the top of the respective category. The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)” through his/her resume and responses to the online questions.
1. Knowledge in most theories, principals, and practices of engineering geology. (To describe and characterize soil and rock and properties of rock and soil foundations and construction materials.)
2. Ability to communicate sampling and geologic information to team members, stakeholders, and the general public. (To communicate geologic information to design engineers and project managers reporting on work progress, data, and optimize investigation methods to match field conditions).
3. Skill in technical writing. (To organize specialized geologic data into a comprehensive report with summary, conclusions, and recommendations.)
4. Ability to initiate, plan, execute, and document a geologic investigation programs. (This includes coordination to initiate and facilitate permitting, develop the investigation plan, develop instructions for the field team, oversee report completion, budget tracking.)
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. Applicants will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Applicant’s answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education, and/or training relevant to this position. Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. If a determination is made that an applicant has rated themselves higher than is apparent in his/her description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that his/her resume/application is incomplete, the applicant may be rated ineligible or his/her score may be lowered. To preview questions please click here.
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.
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.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: Applicants who are entitled to veterans’ preference must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from his/her command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves the applicants military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the applicant has a compensable service connected disability, submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the required documentation requested by this form, in addition to the DD-214.
CTAP/ICTAP: CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp
Transcripts: Applicants MUST furnish a copy of college transcripts, if applicable. If selected, the applicant will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
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.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation’s Hiring System—HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: https://www.usbr.gov/hr/
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position. Options for submitting supporting documentation include:
-- Auto Requested Fax or uploading from the applicants USAJOBS profile – instructions provided during the online application process
-- E-mail to tcarlton@usbr.gov
-- Fax directly to the HR Office at (208) 378-5023
-- Mail to the Bureau of Reclamation, ATTN: PN-1425, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise, Idaho 83706-1234 – or –
-- Hand deliver to the Bureau of Reclamation, Human Resources – Room 109, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise, Idaho.
Include the applicant name and vacancy number on supporting documents.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If an applicant needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the HR office at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
1150 N. Curtis Road, Suite 100
Attn: PN-1443
Boise, Idaho 83706-1234
United States
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: Applicants who are entitled to veterans’ preference must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from his/her command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves the applicants military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the applicant has a compensable service connected disability, submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the required documentation requested by this form, in addition to the DD-214.
CTAP/ICTAP: CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp
Transcripts: Applicants MUST furnish a copy of college transcripts, if applicable. If selected, the applicant will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
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.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation’s Hiring System—HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: https://www.usbr.gov/hr/
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position. Options for submitting supporting documentation include:
-- Auto Requested Fax or uploading from the applicants USAJOBS profile – instructions provided during the online application process
-- E-mail to tcarlton@usbr.gov
-- Fax directly to the HR Office at (208) 378-5023
-- Mail to the Bureau of Reclamation, ATTN: PN-1425, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise, Idaho 83706-1234 – or –
-- Hand deliver to the Bureau of Reclamation, Human Resources – Room 109, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise, Idaho.
Include the applicant name and vacancy number on supporting documents.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If an applicant needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the HR office at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
1150 N. Curtis Road, Suite 100
Attn: PN-1443
Boise, Idaho 83706-1234
United States
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
