Research Geophysicist/Geologist

This is an interdisciplinary position that can be filled as a Research Geophysicist or a Research Geologist. BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR Research Geophysicist: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geophysicist, all grade levels. 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 that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.). **OR B. A combination of education and experience — at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.), 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) BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR Research Geologist: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geologist, all grade levels. 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 geology. In addition to the geology course work included in the degree, it must also have included or been supplemented by 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 B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in “A” above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in geology plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in “A” 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. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE). Research for GS-12: In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must have one year of appropriate professional experience in geology or geophysics that is equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience would include: 1) quantitative modeling of volcanic processes (especially incorporating original coding); 2) planning and executing field-based geological or geophysical data collection campaigns; and 3) assessing volcanic hazards on the basis of geophysical or geological data. Research for GS-13: In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must have one year of appropriate professional experience in geology or geophysics that is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience would include: serving as an independent researcher conceiving, formulating and conducting research investigating the factors influencing the origin, timing, magnitude, and impact of volcanic events, with special emphasis on potential hazards; working closely with Federal agencies, universities, non-governmental organizations, or private industry; authoring reports, publications, scientific journal articles, and/or other products of considerable importance to the research situation; attending scientific and interagency meetings to present research results and exchange information within the scientific community; reviewing manuscripts and proposals of other scientists; and working directly and responsibly with scientists of other federal and state agencies and universities on technical issues related to the research assignment. The complexity of this work typically requires extensive modification and adaptation of standard procedures, methods, and techniques, and the development of totally new methods and techniques to address novel or obscure problems for which guidelines or precedents were not substantially applicable. At this level, geologists and geophysicists have extensive knowledge of the principles of volcanology and highly developed ability in their application, and wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty and responsibility. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary Info: SALARY TABLE 2024-AK (opm.gov) SALARY TABLE 2024-HI (opm.gov) SALARY TABLE 2024-SF (opm.gov) SALARY TABLE 2024-POR (opm.gov) In addition to basic salary, the selectee will be entitled to the following cost-of-living allowance. Subject to annual OPM review: Alaska – 1.69%. Hawaii – 3.15%. NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.