Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant)

Full Job Description

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary dependent upon the agreed upon 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.

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify at the GG-05 level: Possess 9 months of field party experience.

Field party experience includes activities associated with making and recording geologic, hydrologic, or topographic field observations; collecting geologic, biological, or water samples for laboratory analysis; applying accepted data collection techniques and methods in the performance of field work in support of scientific investigations; and using a variety of surveying instruments and electronic or mechanical instrumentation in the making and recording of field measurements and observations designed to collect data for geologic physical science investigations.

Only time actually spent in the field can be credited when qualifying individuals under the field party experience option. OR Possess 3 years sub-professional experience.

Sub-professional experience is defined as technical work performed in support of field or laboratory investigations relating to the biological sciences, physical sciences, or closely related disciplines, which provided basic knowledge or skills in gathering, recording, and assembling scientific or engineering data; using scientific instruments to measure angles, degrees weights, strengths, intensities, etc.; setting up and operating test apparatus, and manipulating quantitative data.

Experience may include assisting professional employees in such duties as calibrating and operating measuring instruments, mixing solutions, making chemical analyses, setting up and operating test apparatus, and compiling and processing scientific data.

Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as experience when the work was performed in close association with physical or biological scientists or other technical personnel and provided a good working knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, and techniques.

OR Possess 3 years college study (equivalent 90 semester hours/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience Definitions of Experience: Field Survey Party - Experience with a field survey party includes activity associated with making and recording geologic, hydrologic, biologic, or topographic field observations; collecting geologic, biological, or water samples for laboratory analysis; applying accepted data collection techniques and methods in the performance of field work in support of scientific investigations; and using a variety of surveying instruments and electronic or mechanical instrumentation in the making and recording of field measurements and observations designed to collect data for physical/ biological science investigations.

Only time actually spent in the field can be credited when qualifying individuals under the field party experience option.

Sub-professional Experience - Sub-professional experience is defined as technical work performed in support of field or laboratory investigations relating to the biological sciences, physical sciences, or closely related disciplines which provided basic knowledge or skills in gathering, recording, and assembling scientific or engineering data; using scientific instruments to measure angles, degrees, weights, strengths, intensities, etc.; setting up and operating test apparatus, and manipulating quantitative data.

Experience may include assisting professional employees with such duties as calibrating and operating measuring instruments mixing solutions, making chemical analyses, setting up and operating test apparatus, and compiling and processing scientific data.

Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as experience when the work was performed in close association with physical or biological scientists or other technical personnel and provided a good working knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, and techniques.

Professional Experience - Professional work experience in the physical and biological sciences may be credited in lieu of or in conjunction with sub-professional experience as defined above.

Please note that if qualifying based on education; unofficial transcripts MUST be submitted as part of the application in order to receive consideration.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement. Major Duties:

As a Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant) within the Midcontinent Region, some of your specific duties will include: Collects surface-water, ground-water, and water-quality data from gaging stations, wells, and monitoring sites using established hydrologic methods.

Performs laboratory analyses of water samples to determine sediment, chemical, biological, and physical characteristics.

Operates, maintains, and services hydrologic measurement and recording instruments, ensuring proper setup and data accuracy.

Completes routine assignments independently with general instructions, consulting supervisors for new or unusual tasks.

Performs routine field tasks requiring attention to detail and awareness of unusual conditions affecting data accuracy. Operates a government vehicle as an incidental driver.

Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion such as: long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activity; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 23 kilograms (under 50 pounds) such as lifting and carrying stream gauging weights, data collection and monitoring devices, or sample trays.

Work Environment: The work is performed outdoors and involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, and rapidly running or icy streams rivers.

Special safety precautions are required in many cases, and the employee typically wears life jackets, special safety boots, waders, and reflective rain gear.