Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant)

Full Job Description

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? There are currently a few vacancies to be filled at the following locations: Anchorage, AK; Moffett Field, CA; and Hilo, HI.

The location will be determined when a selection is made.

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify at the GG-04 level: Possess 6 months of field experience, OR Possess 2 years of sub-professional work experience, OR 1 year of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 30 semester/45 quarter hours).

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.

Resume Length: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text.

Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression.

Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Major Duties:

Duration of Appointment: This is a temporary excepted service position not-to-exceed 1 year but may be extended without further competition. Employment may not exceed 1,039 hours in a service year.

All qualified applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered. Appointment to this position, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

As a Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) within the Volcano Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Conduct field work to interpret geologic observations.

Prepare equipment and supplies for field work. Collect environmental, rock, soil, water or vegetation samples. Install and operate data collection equipment and create site location maps.

Assist in preparation of sediment and rock samples for physical and chemical analysis including grinding, coring, cutting, and lapping of rock and softer geomaterials.

Operate a government motor vehicle or boat as an incidental driver. Physical Demands: Laboratory work requires prolonged periods of stand and manual dexterity to operate equipment.

Field work requires moderate to strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking, digging, lifting, and driving a vehicle.

Work is physically demanding and includes walking, bending, climbing, and lifting of equipment up to 100 pounds when in the field, sometimes during adverse weather conditions.

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

Laboratory work involves exposure to moderate risks or discomforts such as high levels of noise and vibration, dust, grease, exposed moving parts of machinery, or irritant fumes and chemicals.

Work requires protective clothing, gear, and observance of safety precautions. If selected, you will be required to complete a pre-employment physical.

Salary information: Moffett Field, CA: $21.81 hourly (Step 01) to $28.35 hourly (Step 10). Anchorage, AK: $19.73 hourly (Step 01) to $25.64 hourly (Step 10).

The selectee will be entitled to a cost of living allowance of 1.49% in addition to the basic salary. Hilo, HI: $18.21 hourly (Step 01) to $23.68 hourly (Step 10).

The selectee will be entitled to a cost of living allowance of 2.91% in addition to the basic salary. Cost of living allowance (COLA) is subject to annual OPM review.

NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.