Join the staff of the Bureau of Reclamation as a Physical Scientist (Water Quality). This position is located with the Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, Division of Planning, in Sacramento, California. For information on the Sacramento area, visit http://www.saccounty.net/Pages/default.aspx
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
Summary
Join the staff of the Bureau of Reclamation as a Physical Scientist (Water Quality). This position is located with the Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, Division of Planning, in Sacramento, California. For information on the Sacramento area, visit http://www.saccounty.net/Pages/default.aspx
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
At the full performance GS-12 level, the incumbent serves as the Region's water quality expert, representative, and advocate in water quality issues of interest and joint responsibility with other Federal, State, and local agencies, and private interests.
-Provides technical support to the Region in water quality policy development and implementation.
-Plans and develops new water quality programs and projects by studying and analyzing the water quality requirements of Federal, State, and local agencies and quasi-governmental organization, and the requirements and objectives of new legislation and regulations.
-Reviews proposals involving extremely complex and politically sensitive water quality responsibilities, problems and issues to determine the feasibility of solutions and projects.
-Develops broad guidelines for applying state-of-the-science to resolution of water quality issues within the Region.
-Conducts water quality studies for the Region, analyzing water quality impacts on Regional capital improvement projects and regulatory impacts on Regional operations.
-Represents the Region in meetings or correspondence with State and Federal agencies, Central Valley Project contractors, and other agencies and private entities with controversial water quality issues related to the Region's interests.
Applicants must meet all qualification, and as applicable, selective factor requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
Minimum Education Requirement: Applicants must meet the Basic Education Qualification Requirements listed below: A. 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 B. 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 of additional education.
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.
In addition to meeting Basic Education, applicants must have specialized experience or additional education as defined below:
GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service.
Definition of Specialized Experience: To meet specialized experience, your resume must describe experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities as follows:
GS-12: Professional experience performing water quality studies associated with water resource development and management; analyzing water quality issues, managing water quality projects; experience with water quality, water resources or water supply; participation in negotiations with multiple stakeholders (Federal and State Agencies, local Governments, Boards, etc.) in connection with sensitive water quality issues relevant to the Central Valley and the San Francisco Bay - Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta
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
This position has a mandatory education requirement; you must furnish a copy of your transcript of college work completed (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission may result in you being rated not qualified for the position.
Additional information
Relocation: Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized and are the responsibility of the selectee.
Telework: Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. This is not a virtual position.
Conditions of Employment -This position requires completion of a one-year probationary period. -Travel is required approximately 10% of the time. -Successful adjudication of personnel security investigation required. -Operation of a government vehicle is required; therefore, you must possess and maintain a valid State’s driver’s license. -All Federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by direct deposit. -Required to obtain and use a government-issued credit card for business travel. -This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by NFFE, Local 951.
Optional Form 306 (OF-306): Before final appointment and again before you begin work, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Federal hiring process visit: Federal Hiring Process FAQ
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit:http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
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.
Human Resources (HR) will review resumes and transcript(s) to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in the assessment questionnaire. The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes. Applicants determined best-qualified will be referred to the selecting official.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used for evaluating this position. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of your experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified and 3) Qualified. Veterans with preference will be placed at the top of their respective category.
Best Qualified candidates are those who meet minimum qualifications, are highly proficient in the major requirement(s) of the position, and proficient in most of the remaining aspects of the position.
Well Qualified candidates are those who meet minimum qualifications and are proficient in most aspects of the position.
Qualified candidates are those who meet minimum qualifications and possess only a few aspects of the position.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) through their resume and responses to the online questions. 1. Extensive knowledge of physical sciences sufficient to conduct complex water quality studies and investigations and to develop creative and balanced solutions to comprehensive ecosystem issues in California, Oregon, and Nevada.
2. Professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of hydrology and hydraulics and/or hydraulic engineering involved in river systems.
3. Knowledge of complex, multi-purpose water storage, diversion, and distribution facilities.
4. Thorough knowledge of regulatory criteria related to historic preservation and the environment.
5. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that copy vacancy announcement posting information verbatim into resume OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be removed from employment consideration.
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:
Transcript(s): All applicants must furnish a copy of their college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-For 0-point sole survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy); the family member’s DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and documentation to support the family member was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently 100 percent disabled or hospitalized on a continuing basis (and is not employed gainfully because of the disability or hospitalization).
-For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
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 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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 D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of any page. When you have finished with your application, click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button on the bottom of the REVIEW PAGE. Your application will not be received unless you click SUBMIT APPLICATION.
This vacancy is being announced through the Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html
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 your application not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from a USAJOBS profile (instructions are provided during the online application process.) In addition, applicants may e-mail their supporting documentation to mpjobs@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 916-978-5563, or mail or hand-deliver to USBR/ATTN: HR, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
Applicants needing assistance in applying online should contact the HR Office at 916-978-5476 or Federal Relay at http://www.federalrelay.us/. The Federal Relay website contains information for TDD/TTY users to receive free needed service. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the HR Office prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
2800 Cottage Way
Attn: MP-500
Sacramento, California 95825-1898
United States
Next steps
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 their 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:
Transcript(s): All applicants must furnish a copy of their college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-For 0-point sole survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy); the family member’s DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and documentation to support the family member was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently 100 percent disabled or hospitalized on a continuing basis (and is not employed gainfully because of the disability or hospitalization).
-For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
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 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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 D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of any page. When you have finished with your application, click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button on the bottom of the REVIEW PAGE. Your application will not be received unless you click SUBMIT APPLICATION.
This vacancy is being announced through the Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html
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 your application not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from a USAJOBS profile (instructions are provided during the online application process.) In addition, applicants may e-mail their supporting documentation to mpjobs@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 916-978-5563, or mail or hand-deliver to USBR/ATTN: HR, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
Applicants needing assistance in applying online should contact the HR Office at 916-978-5476 or Federal Relay at http://www.federalrelay.us/. The Federal Relay website contains information for TDD/TTY users to receive free needed service. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the HR Office prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
2800 Cottage Way
Attn: MP-500
Sacramento, California 95825-1898
United States
Next steps
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 their USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
