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Duties

Summary

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position.

This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months/years with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Salary for GS-09: $58,909 (Step 01) to $76,583 (Step 10);
Salary for GS-11: $71,274 (Step 01) to $92,655 (Step 10);

NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
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Responsibilities
As a Oceanographer within the Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Provide expertise and lead field activities for collection of hydrodynamic, bathymetric, and sedimentologic field data. Lead or participate in the design, planning, and organization of multifaceted data collection. Prepare instrumentation for deployment, deploy and retrieve instruments, and download data. Operate small boats (<25 feet) to conduct field operations.
- Analyze hydrodynamic and sediment transport data. Organize and process field data with existing code and modify or develop new processing code as needed. Evaluate data quality and identify conditions which may produce anomalies in the data. Write code to quantitatively compare data to theoretical relationships. Interpret data, integrate the implications of different data types, and evaluate the impact of results.
- Disseminate results, both independently and as a team member. Author or coauthor data releases and peer-reviewed publications. Prepare data, illustrations, and maps for publication in reports, journal articles, and for public and scientific presentations. Present project results at meetings and conferences. Serve as a source of information for scientists. Publish field data and model results.
- Test, evaluate, and establish protocols for operation and data processing of new oceanographic instrumentation. Lead or participate in developing new instrumentation and deployment platforms as required to accomplish research objectives.
- Operates a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment: Fieldwork may require moderate to strenuous activities such as hiking, swimming, carrying up to 50 pounds, driving vehicles with trailers, and operating small vessels. Endurance and agility are required to perform field studies. Fieldwork at sea is subject to extreme weather conditions, high noise levels and a moving platform and may include work in the water.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel an average of 2 to 3 night per month for this position.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

11
Job family (Series)

1360 Oceanography
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Requirements

Conditions of Employment
Key Requirements:
1. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
2. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
3. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.
4. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
5. Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
6. Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position.
- Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
- A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
- Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Oceanographer, all grade levels.

A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree with major study of at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in oceanography or related discipline such as physics, meteorology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, geology, or biology, plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of oceanography, physics, geophysics, chemistry, mathematics, meteorology, computer science, and engineering sciences.

B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in oceanography or a related discipline as specified in "A" above, plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

NOTE: Applicants who qualify on the basis of major study in biology or geology must have had at least 6 semester hours in the major directly concerned with marine science or 6 semester hours in oceanography; applicants who qualify on the basis of other physical sciences or engineering must have had differential and integral calculus and at last 6 semester hours in physics.

GS-09:

In addition to the basic requirement stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-09 level:

Posses 2-years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) leading to a Master's degree in oceanography or other directly related field of study or Master's or equivalent graduate degree in oceanography or other related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.

**OR Posses 1-year of appropriate professional experience in oceanography that is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience may include: 1) reviewing technical records to codify information on ocean stations; 2) plotting significant results of ocean surveys on charts; 3) preparing ocean station technical descriptions; 4) calculating temperature, salinity, oxygen and depth from Nansen bottle observations; 5) analyzing bathythermograph observations, graphing hourly recordings taken at fixed positions which depict change in the thermal structure of the water and internal waves; 6) analyzing ocean circulation data from drift bottle studies; 7) preparing computer programs for processing oceanographic data. For examples 1-7, the work involved receiving fairly close supervision and following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in locating and selecting the most appropriate guides and references to apply; and independently completing recurring assignments, but referring deviations, problems and unfamiliar situations to a designated person for decision or help.

**OR Possess a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, that is beyond the first year of progressive graduate study and professional experience, as described above.

GS-11:

In addition to the basic requirement stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level:

Posses 3-years of progressively higher level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. degree in oceanography or other directly related field of study or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in oceanography or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skill and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.

**OR Possess 1-year of appropriate professional experience in oceanography that is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience may include: 1) planning, conducting and analyzing parachute drogue and surface float and depth observations to determine the nature of the tidal and non tidal currents in calculating the mass transport of ocean circulation within a limited ocean area; 2) planning and conducting continuing drift bottle studies of limited areas of the ocean to obtain information on the surface characteristics of circulating water masses; 3) planning, developing and preparing seismic sea wave travel-time charts and data used in implementing the seismic sea wave warning system, requiring computation of directional courses and time increments based on ocean depth studies; 4) preparing tentative wave and ice forecasts for limited areas based upon analysis of synoptic charts; 5) preparing continuous temperature and dept profiles, searching for unusual anomalies, and make preliminary conclusions. For examples 1-5, the work involved selecting and making minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handling unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. At this level, oceanographers have the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work.

**OR Possess a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study and professional experience, as described above.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
- 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 completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .
Additional information
Other Information:
- Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
- Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
- USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.
- The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
- 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 www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
- THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Agency Benefits:
- USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
- For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies.
- Working for the U.S. Geological Survey offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; health, life, dental, vision, and long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
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How You Will Be Evaluated

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

--Vacancy Related Questions: As part of the online application process, you will need to respond to a series of questions designed to assess your possession of the following knowledge skills, abilities and/or competencies: Civil Engineering, Clerical, Attention to Detail, Administration and Management, Chemistry, Configuration Management,Oceanography and Physical Sciences

--Basis of Rating: Category rating will be used in the ranking and selection process for this position. The quality categories are Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. You will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. If you are eligible, your on-line responses to the application questions will determine your placement in the appropriate quality category described above. Your responses must be substantiated by your resume. If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible. Veterans' preference rules for category rating will be applied.

--NOTE: If it is determined that you have rated yourself higher than is supported in your description of experience and/or education as described in your resume/application, or that your resume or application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be lowered.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10908121

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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test required

No

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

Credentialing
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Required Documents
Required documents may be: (1) faxed to the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy announcement; or (2) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (3) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments; or (4) hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office listed in the vacancy announcement.

Transcripts

--If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) or list of course work, which includes semester hours earned and grade received, by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Please ensure that all documentation is legible.

Veterans' Preference Eligibles

--If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.

--If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference and that your character of military service is honorable.

--If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders. Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement. If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans' preference.

Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) & Inter-agency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Eligibles

--If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, the Servicing Human Resources Office must receive proof by the closing date of this announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330 Subpart F for CTAP and 5 CFR 330 Subpart G for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. This includes:
- copy of the agency notice;
- your most recent Performance Rating; and
- your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
If you are a CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you will be considered well qualified if you earn a minimum score of 85 (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference points). For more information on CTAP/ICTAP please click here.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.
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Benefits

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our 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.
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How to Apply

--Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.

--Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1)Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2)If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3)As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4)Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5)Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6)Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.

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Agency contact information

Domenik Gonzalez-Santos

Phone

703 648-7416

Email

dgonzalez-santos@usgs.gov

Address

Reston Human Resources Office
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US

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Next steps

--If you are rated as one of the most highly qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to "My Account" within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.

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Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
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Legal and regulatory guidance

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/578903800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Oceanographer

Department of the Interior

USGS - Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center

Overview

Open & closing dates

Service

Pay scale & grade

Salary

Appointment type

Work schedule

Location

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Telework eligible

Duties

Summary

Responsibilities

Travel Required

Supervisory status

Promotion Potential

Job family (Series)