Geologist

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position?

Salary GS-9: $69,905 (Step 01) to $90,882 (Step 10)
Salary GS-11: $84,579 (Step 01) to $109,959 (Step 10)

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

This is being advertised concurrently with the following announcements:
Open to current or former Federal employees: USGS-RES-26-12927894-ST-SA

Qualifications:

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: 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

For GS-09

In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-09 level: One year of appropriate professional experience that is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled is qualifying if it is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience may include:

• assisting in marine 2D seismic-reflection surveys aboard coastal and ocean-going research vessels
• processing and analyzing 2D seismic-reflection data using conventional seismic processing methods and techniques
• integrating 2D seismic-reflection data with other geophysical and geologic datasets (e.g., bathymetry, acoustic backscatter, physical samples) using standard GIS methods
• applying geologic and geophysical principles and 2D seismic-reflection techniques
• preparing data products, figures, or supporting technical reports documenting survey findings.

For GS-11

In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-11 level: One year of appropriate professional experience that is in or directly related to the duties of the position to be filled is qualifying if it is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience may include

• processing and interpreting marine 2D seismic-reflection data to support geologic investigations of the seafloor and subseafloor
• applying conventional seismic processing and interpretation techniques using specialized geophysical software
• integrating seismic data with bathymetric, geologic, and oceanographic datasets
• independently managing phases of research projects including data processing workflows, project schedule, and deliverables
• preparing technical reports, maps, or scientific products communicating geologic interpretation to technical and non-technical audiences.

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

Responsibilities:

As a Geologist within the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

• Make geological observations, computations, measurements, and contribute to interpretation
• Use a variety of methods to prepare and analyze geological and geophysical data and laboratory samples.
• Utilize geological and geophysical processing and interpretation software to adequately evaluate geologic-related projects.
• Prepare or lead technically authoritative reports and deliver presentations to professional audiences
• Develop project plans with schedules and budgets; manage risks and coordinate resources

Physical Demands: During emergency response periods, training of personnel on new equipment, or field work, the scientist may be expected to hike distances of several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Field work may require working in remote field sites with limited to no services. 5 Field work may require the use of proper personal protective gear, working in dusty, hot, humid, and extreme cold environments, occasional off-road driving of 4-wheel drive vehicles, traveling to remote field sites in helicopters or small fixed wing planes, and/or boats. Lifting of equipment and objects weighing up to 50 pounds may be necessary

Work Environment: Field work may involve encounters with dangerous fauna and flora, and other wilderness dangers. International field work may be conducted in culturally hostile areas. Geology position with duties that involve subsurface investigation require geologists to work near drill rigs and heavy equipment. Geology positions with duties that involve construction support require geologists to work near heavy equipment and construction hazards. Some work is carried out in proximity to explosives.

Salary : $69,905 - $84,579