Physical Science Technician

Full Job Description

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. This position is located in Buffalo, WY.

Information about this location can be found here Buffalo, WY Pay may be adjusted due to 2026 general adjustments.

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume.

No assumptions will be made about your experience. For GS-03: You must possess six (6) months of general experience.

General experience is work that demonstrates: The applicant's ability to perform the work of the position to be filled, OR experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

-OR- 1 year above high school with course(s) related to the occupation, if required -OR- You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate undergraduate education.

For GS-04: You must possess six (6) months of general experience AND six (6) months of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-03 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience navigating with maps and GPS units to remote field locations.

Ability to effectively communicate oral and written instructions to the public. Ability to clearly document inspection findings to brief the supervisor.

General experience is work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position to be filled OR experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

-OR- 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation, if required.

-OR- You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate undergraduate education.

For GS-05: You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience plotting coordinates in GIS.

Generating maps and navigating with GPS units to remote field locations. Ability to effectively communicate oral and written instructions to oil and gas operators.

Ability to clearly document inspection findings in written form. And database entry to brief the supervisor.

-OR- 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required -OR- You may meet qualifications requirement for this position with an equivalent combination of specialized experience and appropriate undergraduate education.

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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: The work is a mixture of sedentary work in the office and field work that involves some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; possibly recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or requiring lifting of moderately heavy items.

Work Environment: The work involves a mixture of work in the office which is well lit, heated, and air conditioned and where normal safety precautions are adequate, and work in the field under conditions of inclement weather or other discomforts where normal safety precautions must be observed.

Major Duties:

• Assist the Natural Resource Specialists (NRS's) and Realty Specialists in addressing backlog of final abandonment and relinquishment inspections and general environmental surface inspections.
• Prepare maps of well locations and rights-of-way using the Public Land Survey System and global positioning coordinates to navigate to remote sites.
• Document field findings through written documentation and digital photography.
• Document field findings in databases.
• Coordination with oil and gas operators and right-of-way holders for corrective actions identified as a result of the inspections