Overview
- Accepting applications
- Open & closing dates: 07/25/2024 to 08/08/2024
- Salary: $41,132 – $59,823 per year
- Pay scale & grade: GS 4 – 5
- Location: 1 vacancy in the following location:
- Remote job: No
- Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy. Full Time Telework or Remote Work is not available for this position.
- Travel Required: 50% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position. As required to meet agency needs (i.e. site visits; water sampling, training etc.)
- Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
- Appointment type: Recent Graduates
- Work schedule: Full-time
- Service: Excepted
- Promotion potential: 10
- Job family (Series): 1316 Hydrologic Technician
- Supervisory status: No
- Security clearance: Not Required
- Drug test: No
- Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
- Trust determination process: CredentialingSuitability/Fitness
- Announcement number: BOR-LCB-24-PW-12490012-MW
- Control number: 801618000
Summary
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Hydrologic Technician. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Duty Location: Blythe, California
This job is open to
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL): Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.
- Recent graduates: Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
Clarification from the agency
Recent Graduate Eligibles
Duties
The primary duties of this developmental position are:
- Assists in gathering hydrologic data concerning the quantity, quality, availability, movement, and distribution of water.
- Makes discharge measurements utilizing various devices depending upon the depth and velocity of the stream, channel profiles, and vertical velocity profiles.
- Assists with the development of plans, analysis of data, and preparation of reports.
- Responsible for monthly visits to field sites for the purposes of calibrating, adjusting, and repairing remote telemetry units (RTUs), acoustic doppler velocity metering (ADVMs), and data collection platforms (DCPs).
- Performs a variety of computations and analysis of water resource data to prepare the data for interpretive use or inclusion in reports.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Certain exceptions to the two-year limitation will be made for veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during the two-year eligibility period.
You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).
You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications).
You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education).
You must maintain a valid State Driver’s License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver’s License at all times will result in removal from the position.
You will be required to obtain a successful pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. A physical exam may not be required if a comparable agency approved examination was performed within the last 12 months. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
Extensive Travel and Over-Time may be required to meet agency needs.
Selected Candidate will be required to Signed a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.
Who May Apply:
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
- Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)
- Pathways – Recent Graduates
Recent Graduate applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement, 08/08/2024.
Qualifications
To be eligible for consideration, you must first meet the Basic Requirement for this position.
OPM Qualifications: Hydrologic Technician
General work experience shows his/her ability to perform progressively more complex, responsible, or difficult duties; and that shows the ability to learn the specific work of this job.
GS-4: One year of full-time work experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-03 grade level in the Federal Service, gained through private or public experience. Specialized experience for GS-4 is: six months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience.
GS-4 Specialized Experience: Defined Specialized Experience is providing at least three of the following hydrologic services: collecting water quality samples; performing site visits for the purpose of calibrating instruments and downloading data; performing discharge measurements; assisting in performing differential leveling circuits; or compiling discharge measurement results.
OR Successful completion of two years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of course in engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.
GS-5: One year of full-time specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal Service, gained through private or public experience..
GS-5 Specialized Experience: Specialized experience for GS-5 is defined as experience providing four of the following hydrologic services: collecting water quality samples; performing site visits for the purpose of calibrating instruments and downloading data; performing acoustic doppler current profiler discharge measurements; performing acoustic doppler velocity meter discharge measurements; performing differential leveling circuits; compiling discharge measurement results and developing stage discharge rating curves; or creating published records.
OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with (a) major study in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that you meet the education and/or specialized experience requirement – this information must be clearly supported in your resume.
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. The applicant will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
A period of student trainee work experience is equal to 320 hours of work experience.
Academic Year: At the undergraduate level, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements. At the graduate level, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours.
Individuals serving in Recent Graduate appointments may be non-competitively converted to a permanent position with the Bureau of Reclamation upon successful completion of the program, but conversion is neither promised nor guaranteed. To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, these Recent Graduates must also:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or National;
- Have completed at least one year of continuous service;
- Have demonstrated successful job performance as documented by a rating of record (or summary rating) of at least Fully Successful or equivalent;
- Be recommended for conversion by their manager or supervisor;
- Meet the Office of Personnel Management’s qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted (which may include a positive education requirement); and
- Meet all agency and program specific requirements as specified in their individual Participant Agreement.
If converted to a permanent or term appointment, the anticipated target position is Hydrologic Technician, GS-1316; grade level will be determine at time of conversion, based on the qualifications of the selected candidate, however, that may change based on the need of the organization at that time. The full performance level of the target position will be dependent on the type of position and will be determined at the time of conversion. Recent Graduates converted to a term position in the competitive service may subsequently be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.
Education
This is a Pathways Recent Graduate Recruitment. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education and eligibility to apply to a Pathway Recent Graduate announcement. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in being rated not-qualified for the position.
Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.
You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University’s Registrar’s office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.
Additional information
This is a career development opportunity in the excepted service under the Bureau of Reclamation Pathways Program. The program is designed to provide recent graduates with opportunities to work and get paid while exploring Federal careers.
If the position is filled at the lower-grade level, subsequent promotion to the next higher-grade level per the target full performance is permissible without further competition. Promotion is not guaranteed or promised but dependent upon administrative approval and the agency’s continuing need for an actual assignment and performance at the higher-level duties.
For more information about the Pathways Program please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=Program-Fact-Sheets
You may be required to serve an initial probationary period.
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. Full-Time Telework or Remote work is not available.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
This position is designated as a LOW RISK position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated SF85 Background Investigation (T1 or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
Pre-employment Physical: If selected, you are required to obtain and successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination conducted by an Occupational Medical Facility or a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of the position. Periodic physical examinations are required and successfully passed for continued employment.
Regular and recurring travel to operate a government vehicle, a valid state issue drivers license is required. Operation of a motorboat is required in securing hydrographic data. Over-Time work is required.
Working Conditions: Regular Field work is required independently and include frequent strenuous physical exertion (i.e. walking over rough, rocky, and uneven terrain; around swift water, climbing up steep river embankments gage ladders and cable way platforms, lifting and carrying heavy and sensitive equipment and supplies and wading streams. Occasionally, the incumbent is faced with the general public and potentially dangerous wildlife in which care must be taken to avoid confrontation. The work regularly involves high risk associated with independently collecting hydrologic data in rapidly changing uncontrollable conditions including high traffic marine environments, operation of motorboats, climbing A-frames or steep irregular wet stream banks, working in adverse weather or flood conditions. Work often requires the use of special protective clothing. Exposure to Extreme weather conditions.
Relocation expenses will not be paid by the Government. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
This is a bargaining unit position represented by a Union.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
After the vacancy announcement closes, a Human Resources Office representative will review your application/resume to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and minimum qualification requirements of the job. Your eligibility and qualification status will be based on an assessment questionnaire conducted using qualification standards, your responses to job-related questions, information provided in your resume, and required supporting documents (see the Required Documents section). Applicant’s answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education and/or training relevant to this position.
Veterans’ preference applies to the selection for positions in the Pathways Program. The examination and selection of applicants will be made in accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR 302.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be removed from employment consideration.
Eligible, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official in an unranked order by preference status: (1) Preference eligible having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more (CPS and CP); (2) Other preference eligible; (XP); (3) Applicants eligible for 5-point veterans’ preference (TP); and (4) Applicants not eligible for veteran’s preference (NV).
The application questionnaire can be previewed here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12490012
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies with the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. You may choose to opt in of having your information shared with other agencies when applying for this position. If an agency requests a copy of a certificate you are on, you will be notified.
Required Documents
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume, an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Resume: You must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience should at least include start and end dates (month and year) and number of hours worked per week. For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
Transcript(s): You must provide a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university, specific courses, and the number of semester/quarter hours currently enrolled. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. If selected, applicants will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
Proof of Pathways Eligibility: You must show proof of your eligibility as a Recent Graduate, which can be provided in the form of a letter from your accredited U.S. educational institution that verifies degree conferment and date of degree conferment. If your transcripts provide the degree conferment date, no additional proof of Pathways eligibility is required.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, if applicable; Applicants entitled to veterans’ preference must provide a copy of his/her DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and should indicate on his/her application materials the type of veterans’ preference they are claiming. Veterans’ preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
— For 5-point veterans’ preference, submit a copy of the applicant’s DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), or an official statement of service from his/her command if he/she is currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves his/her military service was performed under honorable conditions.
— For 10-point veterans’ preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214 (Member 4 Copy preferred, including character of service), and the required documentation requested by this form.
–For information on veteran’s eligibility visit: https://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
SF-50, Notification of Personnel action if the applicant is currently employed with the Bureau of Reclamation.
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
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
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 08/08/2024. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials – applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Agency contact information
Maria WalliorPhone702-293-8403Emailmwallior@usbr.govAddressLower Colorado Basin
Bureau of Reclamation
PO Box 61470
Boulder City, NV 89006
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume and Assessment Questionnaire. Eligible applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
