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

Physical Science Technician

Department of the Interior
National Park Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

These positions are located in Yosemite National Park, in the Resources Management and Science Division. Please visit find a park for additional park information.

These positions are Full-Time temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours (about 6 months) in a service year. Positions may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement may be eligible for rehire in subsequent service years provided the employee does not exceed 1039 hours of work in their service year. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Yosemite National Park is April - June, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May

This job announcement is open to receive applications from the first 100 applicants. The job announcement will remain open until either the quota of 100 applicants, or 03/02/2018 is reached. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration, even those that exceed the 100 applicant limit.

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. All travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected employee.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
02/26/2018 to 03/02/2018
Salary
$16 - $19.82 per hour
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Location
10 vacancies in the following location:
Yosemite National Park, CA
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel and camp in wilderness areas of the park for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - 1039 Hours
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Announcement number
PW-1548-YOSE-18-10148823-DE
Control number
492248900

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, CTAP, ICTAP

Duties

Help

Duties at the GS-05: Collects and organizes field data following instructions and standardized procedures. Performs routine and recurring testing of collected samples. Performs data entry and compiles reports or maps portraying data. Monitors conditions in assigned program areas. Provides logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists. Operates and maintains sampling, monitoring and laboratory equipment and instruments. Participates in the operation and maintenance of the park's comprehensive air quality monitoring network: monitoring of acid precipitation, gaseous pollutants; particulate pollutants and bio-effects; assessment of pollution levels; operation of acid precipitation monitoring sites, ozone monitoring sites, particulate samplers, dry deposition sampler, and other equipment; ensures data quality and compiles air quality and acid rain data specific to the park. Participates in the operation and maintenance of the park's water quality monitoring network: collection and processing of water samples at various locations in both the front country and backcountry; maintenance of stream gages and weather stations; assistance to researchers; compiles water quality data specific to the park. Processes GIS data (e.g., data collected via GPS and converted into GIS data layer) and prepare maps at different scales using multiple data layers; performs GIS analysis under direction of GIS Specialist.

Additional duties at the GS-06: Takes necessary precautions to prevent loss or contamination of air and water samples; provides recommendations for establishing and improving air and water quality monitoring networks, sampling methodology and analytical procedures; Assists researchers with the implementation of their projects, including environmental compliance and logistical support; Conducts initial assessments to evaluate potential environmental contamination levels; Assists with the park's integrated pest management program by conducting chemical evaluations, recommending corrective actions and completing pesticide use documents.

Additional duties at the GS-07: Uses scientific knowledge to determine best sites for data collection. Plans work of field crews, exercising judgment to collect the best data possible without compromising safety. Ensures data is collected according to established protocols, providing guidance and training as necessary. Summarizes and interprets data in reports for use by park managers and staff.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid State issued driver's license prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year, or more frequently if management determines such need exists. Lastly, you may be required to submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that discloses all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
  • You may be required to travel overnight away from home and camp in wilderness areas of the park.
  • Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old.
Duties at all grade levels:
The incumbent(s) will organize, coordinate, and implement the field work (i.e. data collection) component of the air resources, water resources, environmental contamination, integrated pest management programs and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs.

These positions require the incumbent to be physically capable of working in extreme weather conditions; working and camping at high elevations for extended periods; lifting and carrying heavy loads of up to 50 pounds; and backpacking for extended periods over rough terrain. The incumbent must have, and demonstrate in their resume, that s/he possesses wilderness travel and living skills.

Qualifications

SELECTIVE FACTOR: This position performs data collection often in wilderness areas of the park, and Wilderness Travel and Living Skills are required. Candidates who do not meet this requirement by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position.
- AND -
To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: collecting air, water and/or soil samples; preparing samples for processing; monitoring procedures which must conform to timely and established protocols; entering scientific data common to the laboratory environment into a database, or perform similar work in support of laboratory record keeping and document control; writing portions of scientific or technical papers and reports that document research projects; and, operate and maintain equipment such as digital camera, GPS, water quality sensors, particulate sampler, and haze recorder. You must include months/years and hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major study (or at least 24 semester hours in any combination) in astronomy, physics, chemistry, hydrology, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography or other appropriate field of physical science. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester/45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in an accredited college or university. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, you may only count education in excess of the first 60 semester units as qualifying. Convert the total amount of qualified semester units and convert it to a percentage of the total educational requirement. Then take the number of months of full time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.

To qualify for this position at the GS-6 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: planning logistics for field sampling and handling of air, water, and/or soil samples; preparing analytical samples; conducting analytical test and measurement procedures to determine the physical and chemical properties of gases, liquids, and/or soils; understand air flow patterns and atmospheric processes which affect the distribution of various air pollutants; maintaining accurate records of analysis to support validity of findings for reports and summaries; maintaining laboratory records of sample logs, instrument calibrations, acquisition of standards, laboratory safety requirements, chemical inventories, and other appropriate laboratory functions; and, summarizing data and writing reports that present clear and concise explanations of the scientific experimental results. . You must include hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 1 full year of graduate education with a major study in physics, chemistry, hydrology, geophysics, geology or other appropriate field of physical science. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school you attended has determined to represent one year of study. If this information cannot be obtained from your school, we will consider 18 semester/26 quarter hours to be equal to one year of full-time study. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the total qualifying graduate education and convert it to a percentage of the total educational requirement. Then take the number of months of full time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.

To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-6 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: planning logistics for field sampling and handling of air, water, and/or soil samples; preparing analytical samples; conducting analytical test and measurement procedures to determine the physical and chemical properties of gases, liquids, and/or soils; understand air flow patterns and atmospheric processes which affect the distribution of various air pollutants; maintaining accurate records of analysis to support validity of findings for reports and summaries; maintaining laboratory records of sample logs, instrument calibrations, acquisition of standards, laboratory safety requirements, chemical inventories, and other appropriate laboratory functions; and, summarizing data and writing reports that present clear and concise explanations of the scientific experimental results. You must include months/years and hours per week worked.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least 1 full year of graduate education with a major study in physics, chemistry, hydrology, geophysics, geology or other appropriate field of physical science. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school you attended has determined to represent one year of study. If this information cannot be obtained from your school, we will consider 18 semester/26 quarter hours to be equal to one year of full-time study. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first take the total qualifying graduate education and convert it to a percentage of the total educational requirement. Then take the number of months of full time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include a copy of your transcripts at the time of application.

Volunteer Experience: 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.

You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies", "intermittent", or if you list "seasons" instead of months.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for the possibility of extensions or rehire in subsequent service years.

Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items ( e.g., packs and equipment) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.

Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office, laboratory, and in the field. Fieldwork includes exposure to extreme weather or terrain conditions, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.

How you will be evaluated

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

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions may affect your rating.

Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into one of two categories:

  • Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Applies Technology to Tasks
  • Attention to Detail
  • Earth Science
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Technical Competence

National Park Service

Area Information: Yosemite National Park, California, known worldwide for its spectacular natural beauty is the backdrop for this position. Sitting astride the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the park covers 1,182 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno. Shopping, medical, postal and laundry services are available in the park. Elevation at the Valley floor is approximately 4,000 feet and 2,200 feet in El Portal. The park is open year-round with the majority of activities occurring during the busy season March through October.

Seasonal Housing: Available housing units may include tent cabins, mobile homes, apartments, or traditional houses and housing/rooms will likely be shared with other employees, interns, volunteers, etc. Units may be rustic, located in wilderness areas, with few if any modern conveniences. Pets (other than service pets) and overnight guests are not allowed; units are to house assigned employees only.

Agency contact information

Cyndi Mattiuzzi
Phone
(209) 379-1806
Email
Cyndi_Mattiuzzi@nps.gov
Address
Yosemite National Park
5037 Stroming Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at National Park Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm

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.