Physical Science Technician
What you'd do
You will serve as a Physical Science Technician with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of ten (10) years, or more based on any changes to regulations governing the number of years term appointments may last, without further competition at management's discretion.
Major duties
These positions are located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado. At the full performance level (GS-07) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Conduct field phases of geologic data collection projects. 2. Calibrate, install, and maintain field instrument sites for monitoring magnetotellurics, seismicity, gravity, multi-spectral or hyperspectral remote sensing, and similar parameters. 3. Prepare rock samples for geochemical (e.g., trace metal or isotope) or physical (e.g., thin section or mineral separation) analyses. 4. Process and plot data using standard or specially developed computer software, including GIS software. 5. Assist scientists during the office phase of scientific projects including permitting, data management, and preparation of data for publication and release. Pre-employment Medical Examination This position involves field work where the duties of the position may involve arduous conditions and those involving on-site emergency response. Therefore you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination to ensure you can perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, with or without accommodation. Work Environment Most work takes place in an office or laboratory settings with adequate heat, light, and ventilation Office conditions do not require special safety precautions. Field conditions may include extreme heat or cold, rain or snow, and hazardous conditions such as exposure to extreme temperature, noxious or toxic gasses, ice or flooding. Field work may occasionally also involve encounters with snakes, bears, and other wilderness dangers International field work may be conducted in culturally hostile areas. Physical Demands Some work of the position takes place mostly in an office or laboratory setting. No special physical effort is required. During emergency response periods, training of personnel on new equipment, or field work, the scientist may be expected to hike distances of several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Field work may require the use of proper personal protective gear, working in dusty, hot, humid, and extreme cold environments, occasional off-road driving of 4-wheel drive vehicles, traveling to remote field sites in helicopters or small fixed wing planes, and/or boats, lifting of equipment and objects weighing up to 20 kilograms may be necessary. Driver's License You will be required to maintain a valid State issued Driver's License as a condition of employment. Travel You will be required to travel for training, meetings or site visits (which will include field work). Telework You may be allowed to telework but only on a situational basis at management discretion. Salary Range Information (Per Annum): *First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. GS-07: $56,262 - $73,142
What you need to qualify
Requirements Continued... Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 08/18/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To receive credit for experience, 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. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Specialized Experience: GS-07 To qualify for the GS-07, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: 1. Experience collecting data AND drafting reports for physical sciences research or natural resource-based studies. 2. Experience collecting and analyzing geologic monitoring data such as GIS or remote sensing data, seismic, magnetotellurics, electromagnetic, or geochemical data. 3. Experience setting up and/or managing remote geologic monitoring equipment such as magnetotelluric sensors, seismic sensors, gravity stations, or related equipment. Must meet 2 of the 3 specialized experience statements. -OR- Education: To qualify based on education you must have one (1) full year (18 semester hours) of graduate-level education in a related field of study. -OR- Combination of Education and Experience: You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate graduate education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the difficulty and complexity to do the work of this position. 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.
Before you apply
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