Physical Scientist

At the full performance level GS-09 the major duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

1. The incumbent serves as a technical advisor in the physical sciences for one or more parks. The physical scientist is responsible for program development and implementation including field activities related to geology soils hydrology hydrogeology air quality acoustics paleontology caves and/or karst formations.
2. As directed develops and prepares segments of the resources management plan dealing with the physical concert with the supervisor or a higher graded specialist prepares specific actions plans needed to manage and protect the physical components of natural resources. Unusual or difficult problems are discussed with the supervisor before carrying out assignments.
3. Develops and maintains liaisons and effective working relations with related groups and individuals agencies and the public. Attends management and professional conferences and other events for the purpose of exchanging information and advancing advocacy for park stewardship.
4. Carries out statistically valid data collection protocols for the monitoring of physical resources and the results of protection mitigation and restoration projects. Performs data collection using technology such as field electronic data collectors. Performs data entry. Conducts analysis of standard data. Makes recommendations to higher graded staff.
5. Incorporates appropriate GIS technology into job to provide comprehensive and scientifically sound answers to inquiries from managers and others. Uses automatic methods of data collection analysis or illustration. Inputs data into digital form and uses computer applications for data analysis manipulation and presentation.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born aftermust be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more visit be able to possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment if required.
• Any individual who is currently holding or has held within the previous 52 weeks a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent in the Federal service); with few exceptions as outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal civilian employees applying for reinstatement who have had a break in service of less than one year as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointments. Time-in-grade does not apply to new excepted service appointments. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to addition this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• Ability to obtain/maintain MOCC and DOI aviation aircrew member certifications within 6 months of Entrance on Duty.
• Ability to operate small water craft less than 26 feet in length. Operation includes transport of personnel (including visitors) tools and materials/supplies to job/work performing this duty the incumbent may be required to have a current Department of Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course (DOI-MOCC) certificate.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 10/16/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300 Subpart F.

For current Federal employees if hours worked per week are not included on your resume you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience.

For periods of time that reflect military service the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees your resume must state either full-time (or 40 hours a week) or part-time with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:
To qualify for this position you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Basic Educational Requirement AND/OR Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.

Basic Educational Requirements:
Please Note: This position requires specific educational coursework to qualify. You MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) in order to verify that the educational requirements have been met. This information must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide this information may result in you receiving an INELIGIBLE rating.

-OR-

B. Combination of education and experience: Education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science plus appropriate experience or additional education.

-AND-

In addition to meeting the Basic Educational Qualification requirements applicants must have either A. Specialized Experience or B. Education (directly related) or C. Combination of Education and Experience to qualify for the grade to which you are applying.

A. Specialized Experience:

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

• Performing assigned hydrology tasks; AND
• Processing field data utilizing database management and recording techniques; AND
• Performing program management to include administration of budgets contracts and personnel; AND
• Utilizing principles and techniques associated with measuring physical resources together with modifying or adapting standard techniques processes and procedures to access select and apply precedents and devise strategies to achieve program goals.

You must include hours per week worked
MUST MEET ALL.

-OR-

B. Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters degree or masters or equivalent graduate degree.

-OR-

C. Combination of education and experience as listed above. To combine education and experience first take . 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 hours per week and transcripts.