U.S. nationals: Hydrologist (Surface Water)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Oklahoma City, OK, USA 🇺🇸

Tulsa, OK, USA 🇺🇸

Austin, TX, USA 🇺🇸

Fort Worth, TX, USA 🇺🇸

Overview

  • Accepting applications
  • Open & closing dates: 07/10/2024 to 07/23/2024
  • Salary: $103,409 – $155,034 per year
  • Pay scale & grade: GS 13
  • Locations
  • Remote job: No
  • Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
  • Travel Required: 50% or less – Overnight travel of up to 8 nights per month may be required for this position.
  • Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—Relocation expenses are authorized.
  • Appointment type: Permanent
  • Work schedule: Full-time
  • Service: Competitive
  • Promotion potential: None
  • Job family (Series): 1315 Hydrology
  • Supervisory status: No
  • Security clearance: Not Required
  • Drug test: No
  • Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
  • Trust determination process: Credentialing
  • Announcement number: USGS-DEN-24-12463632-IMP-EG
  • Control number: 798325900

Summary

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

There is only one vacancy that may be filled at any of the following locations: Austin, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Lubbock, TX; San Angelo, TX; San Antonio, TX; The Woodlands, TX; or Tulsa, OK. The location will be determined when a selection is made.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open only to current USGS employees serving on perm competitive service appts; OR current USGS employees, regardless of current status, who are elig for consideration under a noncompetitive auth such as those specific to 30% disabled vets, Individuals with Disabilities, Pathways Interns & Recent Grads who are elig for noncomp conversion, etc.; OR current or former employees who are serving, or previously served, on temp or term appt in a land mgmt agency.

Duties

As a Hydrologist (Surface Water) within the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

  • Serving as subject matter expert for a broad geographic area with multiple watersheds.
  • Serving as an authoritative source of consultation for other scientists and program specialists.
  • Conducting planning, review, and evaluation of multi-basin, multi-aquifer investigations which includes statistical, mathematical, time series and other water quantity and quality modeling in adherence with all management-based water resource policies.
  • Developing and advising on new criteria, practices, and techniques for inventorying and analyzing water resources conditions; monitoring and maintaining water quality and restoring watershed areas.
  • Providing current information on policy, resource management, and technical requirements.
  • Operating a government vehicle as an incidental driver.

Physical Demands

The work is typically performed in an office setting with no special physical demands. However, work may also be performed in the field which involves periods of walking, bending, climbing, or driving motor vehicles to worksites. The work may also involve some overnight travel for training, meetings, and site visits.

Work Environment

The work is usually performed in an office setting. However, work time may also be spent periodically visiting field sites. Field site visits are typically performed in either an outdoor setting subject to weather changes, diverse terrain, and safety hazards associated with working around complex features and/or construction, or an industrial setting subject to noise, fumes, and moving machinery. Both settings may require the use of personal protective equipment. Safety precautions and protocols are observed at all times and the scientist complies with safety instructions and regulations and ensures individual and others’ safety by promptly reporting unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and accidents to the supervisor

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

  1. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.
  2. Selectee must provide a valid state driver’s license & safe driving record.
  3. Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.
  4. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

  • Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
  • You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license & a copy of your driving record.
  • Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
  • A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
  • If you are a Federal employee applying for a promotion (under merit promotion procedures) you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

For GS-13:

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Hydrologist, 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 physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics. **OR

B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in “A” above (30 semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in “A” above which must include at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics), 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 EXPERIENCEIn addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-13 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-12 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 such experience may include: 1) development of training and providing training to others in surface-water data collection techniques, field instrumentation and equipment, usage of the National Water Information System (NWIS) database and its associated software and subsystems, quality assurance, and publication; 2) providing written technical reviews of surface-water hydrology data and products and 3) understanding the surface-water hydrology needs of data section and studies sections and communicating those needs to management and other specialists. The work required substantial innovation along with occasional pre-approved departure from published techniques, methods, and practices, which lead to the development of more effective methods.

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

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.
  • Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .

Additional information

Other Information:

  • Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
  • The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
  • The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.
  • THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Salary:

Austin, TX:
GS-13 – $106,215 (Step 01) to $138,083 (Step 10);

Ft Worth, TX:
GS-13 – $112,341 (Step 01) to $146,047 (Step 10);

Lubbock, TX:
GS-13 – $103,409 (Step 01) to $134,435 (Step 10);

Oklahoma City, OK:
GS-13 – $103,409 (Step 01) to $134,435 (Step 10);

San Angelo, TX:
GS-13 – $103,409 (Step 01) to $134,435 (Step 10);

San Antonio, TX:
GS-13 – $104,887 (Step 01) to $136,357 (Step 10);

The Woodlands, TX:
GS-13 – $119,254 (Step 01) to $155,034 (Step 10);

Tulsa, OK:
GS-13 – $103,409 (Step 01) to $134,435 (Step 10);

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

Agency Benefits:

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

–Vacancy Related Questions: As part of the online application process, you will need to respond to a series of questions designed to assess your possession of the following knowledge skills, abilities and/or competencies:

  • Scientific Knowledge
  • Surface-water Scientific Knowledge
  • Information Management
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Scientific Instrumentation
  • Technical Reports

–Basis of Rating: You will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. If you are eligible, you will receive a numerical rating based on your on-line responses to the application questions. These responses must be substantiated by your resume. If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible.

—Additional Assessment Required: If you meet the eligibility and basic qualification requirements for this position a subject-matter-expert will perform a structured review of your resume to evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competences as they directly relate to the duties of this position.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and awards during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.

–NOTE: If it is determined that you have rated yourself higher than is supported in your description of experience and/or education as described in your resume/application, or that your resume or application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be lowered.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12463632

Required Documents

Required documents may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments.

Resume

—Resumes are required. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or other written form, then you must describe your job-related qualifications, including: beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience; hours worked per week; month and year of employment for each job title listed; annual salary; and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here.

Supporting documents

–Upload any supporting documents identified in the Key Requirements section or included below as it applies to your eligibility. Supporting documents may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments.

Transcripts

–This position requires specific educational course work to qualify. You are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.), which includes semester hours earned and grade received, by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Please ensure that all documentation is legible.

Due Weight for Performance

–Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. Due weight for performance applies to federal and non-federal work. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Current Federal USGS Employees

—If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal US Geological Survey (USGS) employee, you must submit a copy of a recent SF-50 “Notification of Personnel Action” documenting proof of competitive status within USGS, tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level and step by the closing date of this announcement, or you will not receive consideration.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Eligibles

–If you are claiming CTAP eligibility, the Servicing Human Resources Office must receive proof by the closing date of this announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330 Subpart F or you will not receive priority consideration. This includes:

  • copy of the agency notice;
  • your most recent Performance Rating; and
  • your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.

If you are a CTAP eligible, you will be considered well qualified if you earn a minimum score of 85 (prior to the assignment of veteran’s preference points). For more information on CTAP please click here.

Eligibility for Special Appointing Authorities

If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under a special appointing authority, you must submit proof that supports your claim by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit proof, you will not receive consideration under the special appointing authority. Below is a list of the most common authorities and the documentation requirements. If you’re eligible for an authority not listed, you are responsible for submitting documentation that’s appropriate for that specific authority.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CONTINUED BELOW IN THE HOW TO APPLY SECTION

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED)

–30% or More Disabled Veteran – Submit a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy; and an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, etc. Additional information can be found in the VetGuide.

–Individuals with Disabilities – Submit documentation issued by a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Additional information can be found here.

–Military Spouse – Submit verification of active duty member of the armed forces (i.e. a copy of your spouse’s orders verifying currently on active duty and verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); OR verification of the member’s 100% disability (official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later)); OR verification of the member’s death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). Additional information can be found here.

–Appointment of Certain Former Overseas Employees – Submit a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that confirms your eligibility and a performance appraisal from that period. Additional information can be found here.

–Peace Corps & VISTA – Former Peace Corps volunteers or VISTA members must submit their Certification of Volunteer Service. Present and former Peace Corps personnel must submit a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that confirms their eligibility. Additional information can be found here.

–Certain National Guard Technicians – Submit proof that confirms that you were involuntarily separated (other than by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency); you served at least 3 years as a technician; and are within 1 year of your separation date from service as a Guard Technician. Additional information can be found here.

–Public Land Corps (PLC) – Submit the signed Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring Status (PLC) issued by the PLC Coordinator for the organization where the creditable service was completed. Additional information can be found here.

HOW TO APPLY

–Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.

–Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1) Click the blue “Apply Online” button. 2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4) Check the “Certification” box and click the “Apply for this position now!” button located at the bottom of the screen. 5) Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6) Submit required documents. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.

Agency contact information

 Elissa GregoryEmailekgregory@usgs.govAddressOKLAHOMA-TEXAS WATER SC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

–If you are rated as one of the most highly qualified candidates, you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to “My Account” within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

ORGANIZATION TYPE

Government

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

Not Specified

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