Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Hydrologist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all Americans! We offer great benefits and work flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career.

This position is located in the Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Groundwater, Watershed, and Ecosystem Restoration Division, in Ada, OK.

For more information on this office, visit their website: Office of Research and Development

Overview

Help
Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/27/2018 to 01/11/2019
Salary
$73,375 to - $113,428 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Ada, OK
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
RTP-ORD-DE-2019-0008
Control number
520376900

Duties

Help

You will:

- As the Branch focal point for subsurface hydrology, develop and utilize mathematical models to simulate fluid movement and contaminant transport of the subsurface;

- Analyze problems associated with subsurface hydrologic research, and lead the development of work plans;

- Evaluate data and results generated from research projects, and prepare reports of technical findings;

- Serve as a project officer for extramural research activities conducted under cooperative, or interagency agreements.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
  • You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).
  • Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
  • You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.

This position is designated as Low Risk and requires a background investigation.  Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.

You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: 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 coursework must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement.  However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA.  More information on verification of education can be found here:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as utilizing modelling applications in subsurface and/or watershed research; and conducting technical analyses.

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as utilizing modelling applications in subsurface and/or watershed research; developing research plans; and publishing technical analysis documents.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of subsurface and watershed ecosystems; 2) Skill in numerical analysis and application of graphical methods; 3) Ability to develop research plans and goals; 4) Skill in collaborating with a team of professionals; 5) Skill in data analysis; 6) Ability to disseminate research results and findings; 7) Skill in extramural management.

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

See Qualifications section.

Additional information

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee?  If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA.  Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

If you have part-time work experience, read this:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.  

Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.

If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.  Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section.  If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment.  Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position.  You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category.

We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire.  If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.  We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements.  If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.

NOTE:  We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).  However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.


To preview questions please click here.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.