Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant)

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Salary: $19.84 hourly (Step 01) to $25.79 hourly (Step 10) 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:

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 Central Plains Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Collects, prepares, and documents field data-including stratigraphic measurements, sample collection, geological and vegetation observations-and presents findings using maps, charts, and graphs Installs, calibrates, operates, and maintains data-collection stations and telemetry systems, including creating site maps and assembling simple circuits or electronic subsystems.

Monitors site conditions, evaluates observed issues, and makes preliminary determinations for review by project leads or scientists.

Prepares sediment and rock samples for laboratory analysis through crushing, grinding, sieving, weighing, and performing chemical extraction, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses Conducts chemical and physical measurements using laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, and mass spectrometers, ensuring equipment is used, maintained, and adjusted properly.

Operates a government motor vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Demands: Laboratory work requires prolonged periods of standing 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 and/or carrying samples up to 100 pounds when in the field, sometimes during adverse weather conditions.

Work Environment: Field work involves moderate risks and discomforts, exposure to conditions such as 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.