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Hydrologist

Department of the Interior
Geological Survey
New England Water Science Center
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Salary will be dependent on grade and duty location of the position.
Locality pay tables can be found here.
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

This is not a remote position. This position requires the employee to physically report to work at the office designated by the vacancy announcement. Periodic telework may be approved.

Location options include:
East Hartford, CT
Augusta, ME
Northborough, MA
Pembroke, NH

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/25/2024 to 04/05/2024
Salary
$49,025 to - $106,549 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Locations
few vacancies in the following locations:
East Hartford, CT
Northborough, MA
Augusta, ME
Pembroke, NH
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—This position requires the employee to physically report to work at the office designated by the vacancy announcement. Periodic telework may be approved.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Recent graduates - and Future Gradautes who expect to complete your degree requirements no later than July 1, 2024.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
12
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
USGS-PATH-24-12345586-RG-SR
Control number
783277300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified U.S. Citizens that meet the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Recent Graduates Program as described below. Future Recent Graduates must be currently enrolled in a qualifying degree program as described above AND expect to complete your degree requirements no later than July 1, 2024 . If you do not complete your degree requirements by July 1,2024 you will be ineligible for consideration under this program.

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Duties

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As a Hydrologist within the New England Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

  • Plan, organize, and execute complex scientific studies that describe and interpret hydrologic conditions to define, analyze, forecast, or describe both natural and human-induced hydrologic changes.
  • Access, create, analyze, and interpret large and diverse multi-dimensional physical, hydrologic, and environmental datasets.
  • Prepare technical reports that document the objectives, scope, approach, results, and conclusions of interpretative studies.
  • Develop computer reports and graphics to display scientific information and related statistics in innovative formats.
  • Apply established hydraulic modeling and numerical analysis methods to answer specific hydraulic and hydrologic questions.
  • Operate a government motor vehicle as an incidental driver.


Physical Demands: Field work requires physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, or recurring and considerable walking, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, and climbing such as in regular and periodic construction activities and field inspections. Work may also include frequent lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 50 pounds. Field assignments may also involve operating small watercraft, driving motor vehicles to work sites, some of which may be remote, and include overnight stays in remote locations.

Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks, discomforts, and unpleasantness such as: high noise levels, infectious materials, or toxic or irritating chemicals; travel in safety approved small aircraft and water craft; high winds and low or high temperatures; infestation of dangerous reptiles or poisonous plants, snakes, or insects; adverse weather conditions; noxious fumes; flammable liquids; or radiation. The work involves performing tasks in close proximity to rotating heavy mechanical and electrical machinery and may involve working within confined spaces for extensive periods of time. Special safety precautions such as protective clothing and gear are necessary. Safety precautions and protocols are 5 observed at all times and the scientist complies with safety instructions and regulations and ensures individual and others' safety by promptly reporting unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and accidents to the supervisor.

The USGS New England Water Science Center is committed to inclusive hiring practices that build a healthy workplace where diversity is our strength, and each staff member has the support they need to succeed.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Key Requirements:

  1. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
  2. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  3. The duration of the Recent Graduates appointment is a trial 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.

Special Requirements

  • Travel for official business: You 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.
  • Driver's License/Driving Record: You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license & a copy of your driving record.
  • Pre-Employment Medical: Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
  • Motorboat Operator Certification: You must be able to take and pass the USGS Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) within six (6) months of employment.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Qualifications

Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution such as an accredited technical or vocational school; a 2- or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum. Note: Certificate program is defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institution equal to at least one academic year of full-time study that's part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
Veterans: Veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty; however, eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree or certificate was obtained. The date of release or discharge from active duty should be later than the date the degree or certificate was obtained.

Future Graduates: You must be currently enrolled in a qualifying degree program as described above AND expect to complete the degree requirements no later than July 1, 2024. Note: If you do not complete your degree requirements by July 1, 2024, you will be ineligible for consideration under this program.


Qualification Requirements

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: At all grade levels, applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for a Hydrologist.

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 in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics.
**OR
B.
A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (30 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above which must include at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics), 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).


GS-07:
In order to qualify for GS-07 level, all applicants must meet the basic education requirement stated above. In addition, applicants must meet one of the following:

Specialized experience: one year of appropriate specialized experience that is in or related to the duties of this position is qualifying if it is equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.
Examples of GS-5 level experience could include taking measurements and collecting information; learning to take proper samples; conducting routine calculating, plotting, and checking of numerical data; preparing graphs and data profiles; and accomplishing routine analyses.
**OR
Superior Academic Achievement: based on undergraduate study. (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT).
**OR
Graduate Education: one year of successfully completed graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in hydrology or other directly related field of study.
**OR
Combination: A combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, and specialized experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE)


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

Specialized Experience: one year of appropriate professional experience in hydrology that is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service.
Examples of such experience include performing a variety of observations, computations, compilations and analyses in assisting higher level Hydrologists in carrying out hydrologic assignments. This work experience would have involved following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in applying basic principles and procedures and would have required a good general working knowledge of the principles and the theories of hydrology.
**OR
Graduate Degree: Master's or equivalent graduate degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study.
**OR
Graduate Education: Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master's degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study.
**OR
Combination: A combination of successfully completed progressive graduate level education, as described above, that is beyond the first year of graduate study and professional experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE)


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

Specialized Experience: One year of appropriate professional experience in hydrology that is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service.
Examples of such experience include independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine hydrologic work. This work would have required the individual to select and make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. At this level, Hydrologists have a sound working knowledge of the principles of hydrology and the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work.
**OR
Graduate Degree: a Ph.D. degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study.
**OR
Graduate Education: Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study.
**OR
Combination: 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. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE).

All specialized experience qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. All educational qualification and eligibility requirements must be completed by the degree requirements date found above.

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

  • This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program that affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs.
  • The Recent Graduate Program lasts for 1 year. Participants who successfully complete the Recent Graduate Program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent appointment or a term (1-4 years in duration) appointment without further competition.
  • Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
  • Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.
  • 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 Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.
  • THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Agency Benefits:

How you will be evaluated

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

Basis of Rating:
All applicants who meet the basic eligibility and qualification requirements will be referred to the selecting official in veterans' preference order.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12345586

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