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Geologist

Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Science and Technology, Conservation Engineering
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in a designated State, Area, or Field Office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), with multi-state responsibility.

Incumbent is responsible for providing the full range of geological services to the assigned geographic area.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
02/07/2023 to 02/13/2023
Salary
$46,696 to - $89,835 per year

Salary range is an approximation.

Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Locations
3 vacancies in the following locations:
2 vacancies in MO location(s)
Brookfield, MO
2 vacancies in MO location(s)
Kirksville, MO
2 vacancies in MO location(s)
Milan, MO
2 vacancies in MO location(s)
Trenton, MO
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - Position requires travel ranging from 10 to 25 percent.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
23-DE-11782205-CL
Control number
704779700

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Duties

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  • Prepares geologic analysis services for land use categories as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Applies geologic evaluation for a variety of practices related to the specific systems applied.
  • Plans and modifies investigations independently based on knowledge of geologic field.
  • Conducts sedimentation studies to determine sediment storage requirements and sediment surveys on existing reservoirs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected you will be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position.
  • Actively supports the Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights Programs, and assures the delivery of agency programs and services are carried out in accordance with policy and procedures.
  • Performs duties in a supportive manner of a safe and healthy work environment. The incumbent exercises caution and maintains all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
  • Requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark.
  • Work is typically performed in both field and office settings.
  • During field visits, the work requires the incumbent to walk over uneven fields and difficult terrain, recurring bending, crouching or stooping, and carrying of light items less than 35 pounds.
  • Construction site visits may pose hazards associated with heavy equipment and exposure to agricultural wastes and pesticides.
  • Field visits may involve exposure to construction equipment and environments where safety precautions must be observed, such as wearing boots, gloves, hard hat, etc.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement (02/13/2023).

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Degree: Bachelor's (or higher) degree in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography;
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (NOTE: Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking geological samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.)

In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirements in order to be considered:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level(s) in which you are applying:

GS-07
Specialized Experience: One or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

  • Assisting in preparing geologic analysis services for land use categories;
  • Assisting in application of geologic evaluation for practices related to systems applied; and
  • Assisting in plans and modifying investigations based on knowledge of geologic field;
OR
Education: One full year of graduate-level education in an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in a field of study that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as geology;
OR
Combination of Experience and Graduate Education:
To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the specialized experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the graduate education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent;
OR
Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study that demonstrates the competencies required by the position AND must meet one of the criteria below:
  1. A grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study;
  2. A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in the applicant's major field of study, or those courses in the applicant's major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study;
  3. Rank in the upper one-third of the applicant's class in the college, university, or major subdivision; or
  4. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

GS-09
Specialized Experience: One or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:
  • Identifying technical methods to use based on analysis and assessment of a situation;
  • Providing assistance with sedimentation studies to determine sediment storage requirements and sediment surveys on existing reservoirs; and
  • Assisting in preparing written reports, including interpretations of surface and subsurface conditions and conclusions concerning the suitability of earth materials and groundwater conditions for land use projects;
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, with major course of study in a field directly related to the work of this position, such as geology;
OR
Combination of Experience and Graduate Education:
To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the specialized experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the graduate education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate-level education in excess of one year (i.e., 18 semester hours) may be used when combining experience and graduate education for this grade.

GS-11
Specialized Experience: One or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:
  • Preparing geologic analysis services for land use categories;
  • Applying geologic evaluation for practices related to systems applied;
  • Planning and modifying investigations based on knowledge of geologic field; and
  • Conducting sedimentation studies to determine sediment storage requirements and sediment surveys on existing reservoirs;
OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as geology;
OR
Combination of Experience and Graduate Education:
To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the specialized experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the graduate education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate-level education in excess of two years (i.e., 36 semester hours) may be used when combining experience and graduate education for this grade.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The OPM Qualification Standards for this position can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series

Education

You must submit a copy of your college transcripts or a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify all education requirements (i.e., substitution of education and/or basic education requirement). If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g. special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college for that particular course to ensure you are properly evaluated. Please note that qualifications determinations are based solely on the information submitted for each particular vacancy announcement. You must document all requirements on every vacancy; we cannot use previous determinations as a basis for rating. All required information must be received by the closing date of this announcement, and non-submission of all required documents/documentation will result in non-consideration. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. This information must be received by the closing date of this announcement. Non-submission of these documents will result in non-consideration. 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.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the 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. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

This position may be eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the position and other flexible work arrangements. Current USDA policy includes telework for an 8 hour work day, 4 days per week; other flexibilities are possible dependent upon availability and/or the position and its associated duties. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the USDA with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ctap
Active Duty Service Members-- You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the certification is signed. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. Although veteran preference points are not assigned under category rating procedures, veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e. Best Qualified).
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.

How you will be evaluated

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

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:
Accountability, Customer Service, Flexibility, and Technical Credibility

Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

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