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Physical Scientist (Paleontology)

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The COVID-19 vaccination requirement for federal employees pursuant to Executive Order 14043 does not currently apply. Click here for more information.

This position is assigned to the BLM Utah State Office, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Information about the surrounding area may be found by selecting the link location. At management's discretion this position may be physically located in any BLM State, District, or Field office within the State of Utah. Negotiable after selection.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
08/05/2022 to 08/22/2022
Salary
$79,363 to - $122,683 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Location
Location Negotiable After Selection, United States
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - At times, travel for field work, meetings and/or training may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Travel and relocation expenses will be paid consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302, and Departmental policy. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. See "Other" section for additional information on 2017 Tax Cuts as related to PCS.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
UTDE-22-11597040-BE
Control number
669793900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens - No previous Federal Service is required. CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.

Duties

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  • Advises leadership and other program staff regarding the management of paleontological resources.
  • Works with line officers and BLM program specialists to consider how a variety of projects may impact paleontological resources.
  • Proposes policy-based solutions for complex resource management issues in order to preserve and protect paleontological resources.
  • Reviews applications and issues permits for paleontological survey and excavation.
  • Manages program related data for: paleontology permit records and associated reports, Potential Fossil Yield Classification, paleontology localities, and federal museum collections.
  • Collaborates with State and other Federal agencies with similar missions on management and protection of paleontological resources.
  • Provides input on budget allocation spreads and other budget or workforce planning requests.
  • Develops State-specific policies and directives as needed to support administration priorities, provides clarification to field staff, and ensures compliance with legal requirements (including the Paleontological Resources Protection Act).
  • Provides technical input for land use plans and other National Environmental Policy Act projects.
  • Provides training and coaching for Field Office Paleontology Coordinators, other specialist, and line officers.
  • Participates in community events to provide outreach and education about paleontological resources.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
  • You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
  • Direct Deposit Required.
  • Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
  • Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
  • May require a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

In addition to the positive education requirement, to qualify at the GS-12 level you must meet the following:

Specialized Experience: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: reviewing or entering paleontological survey and excavation permit information and reports into a database; conducting paleontological resource surveys, identifying fossils in the field, fossil collection and laboratory preparation, analysis and museum curation; providing technical direction, coordination, and support in complying with paleontological laws, regulations, and policies; analyzing data and preparing maps and recommendations for decision-makers; and communicating technical and non-technical information to a diverse audience.

In addition to the positive education requirement, to qualify at the GS-13 level you must meet the following:

Specialized Experience: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: being a lead or member of an interdisciplinary team conducting professional, scientific, or technical research of paleontological resources; reviewing and entering paleontological survey and excavation permit information and reports into a database; identifying data gaps and leading paleontological resource surveys, identifying fossils in the field, fossil collection and laboratory preparation, analysis and museum curation; providing technical direction, coordination, and support in complying with paleontological laws, regulations, and policies; developing program specific policies, standards, techniques and plans; and communicating technical and non-technical information to a diverse audience, including information that informs land management decisions.

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 meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: This position involves sedentary office work, intense meetings where the stress level may be high, potential law enforcement investigations and prosecutions during which long hours may be required, and occasional field work that demands physical skills, strength, and agility. The field work aspect can include walking long distances over uneven ground, carrying heavy loads, performing delicate or strenuous tasks, and operation of field vehicle and equipment.

Work Environment: The work environment involves the majority of the incumbent's time in an office environment, with trips to the field as needed. As a regional position, the incumbent may be expected to travel frequently within the covered states (Colorado, Nevada, Oregon/Washington, Utah) which could require air travel and/or lengthy drives. Fieldwork may involve rugged settings and extreme weather.

Education

This position has a positive requirement which requires:
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
Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience, or additional education.

Additional information

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP

Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service

Tax Law Impact for PCS: Moving expenses reimbursement is a taxable benefit. However, the Federal Travel Regulation 18-05 issued by General Services Administration has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance and Relocation Income Tax Allowance to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals.

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. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

BLM may use certain incentives, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract high quality applicants.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document, you do not have in electronic form; view the following link for information regarding an Alternative Application

How you will be evaluated

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

After the vacancy closes, a review of your application package will be made to ensure you meet all qualification requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview.

Your answers to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

  • Clerical
  • Creative Thinking
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Teaching Others
  • Technical Competence


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the following additional assessment: Subject Matter Expert Resume Panel Review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.

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