PHYSICAL SCIENTIST
What you'd do
This position serves as a Physical Scientist, GS-1301-12 working in Lakewood, CO for the Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center. This is a term appointment not-to-exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 10 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. Salary: GS-12: $99,800 (Step 01) to $129,742 (Step 10). First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
Major duties
As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Develop, maintain, and manage geophysical and geological databases, data archives containing geologic, geochemical, mine feature, and mine waste datasets to support mineral and energy resource assessments. Serve as technical expert on database development, data management, and geological information systems, providing guidance to scientists, engineers, and project teams. Prepare, author, or co-author technical reports, scientific publications, and other documentation summarizing analyses and research findings. Present technical findings, research results, and project updates through oral presentations, posters, and briefings to professional organizations, stakeholders, and leadership. Construct, validate, and maintain complex spatial databases and multi-layer GIS datasets to support scientific research and program objectives. Analyze complex geospatial or geochemical problems and recommend technical solutions that improve data quality, system performance, and analytical capabilities. Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews to validate the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of datasets prior to productions use. Operate a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires some physical exertion and may require prolonged standing in the laboratory environment. Field assignments involve outdoor work where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain. The work may require physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crawling in restrictive spaces, and defending oneself against physical attack. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work performed in the laboratory may involve use of equipment which can result in exposure to dust, toxic chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and noise. Special safety precautions are required including use of laboratory coats, safety glasses, dust masks, gloves, etc. Work in the field involves exposure to extreme outdoor weather conditions with exposure to poisonous growth and insects involving a high risk with exposure to dangerous situations.
What you need to qualify
Only experience and education obtained by 08/19/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. QUALIFICATIONS FOR GS-1301, PHYSICAL SCIENTIST: 1. Degree: 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 science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR 2. Combination of education and experience: A combination of education and experience--education equivalent to one of the majors shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science, engineering, or mathematics) that included at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science as described above, 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. In addition to meeting the educational requirements above, your resume must clearly reflect ALL of the experience listed below. You must be clear and concise in describing your experience - HR will not make assumptions. In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-12 level: One year of appropriate professional experience that is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled is qualifying if it is equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of such experience may include: (1) Designing and conducting multidisciplinary scientific studies using GIS and remote sending technologies; (2) Developing, integrating, and managing complex geospatial databases and spatial datasets. (3) Evaluating spatial data quality and implement quality assurance and quality control processes. 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
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.