Local recruitment: Hydrologist (U.S. nationals)

U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Reno, NV, USA 🇺🇸

Overview

  • Accepting applications
  • Open & closing dates: 09/24/2024 to 10/07/2024This job will close when we have received 30 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
  • Salary: $103,666 – $134,769 per year
  • Pay scale & grade: GS 13
  • Location: 1 vacancy in the following location:
  • Remote job: No
  • Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
  • Travel Required: Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position.
  • Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
  • Appointment type: Permanent
  • Work schedule: Full-time
  • Service: Competitive
  • Promotion potential: None
  • Job family (Series)
  • Supervisory status: No
  • Security clearance: Other
  • Drug test: No
  • Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
  • Trust determination process
  • Financial disclosure: No
  • Bargaining unit status: No
  • Announcement number: NV-DEU-24-12556595-JP
  • Control number: 810981900

Summary

Explore a new career with the BLM – where our people are our most precious resource.

This position is located in Reno, Nevada. Information about the area can be found at: Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce

We expect to fill one vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

This position is offering a 20% incentive if eligible. (see additional information).

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens – No previous Federal Service is required. CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.

Duties

  • Serves as a senior Hydrologist with responsibility for leading or participating on hydrologic studies of considerable scope and complexity or serving as a project leader or member of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Plans, directs, performs and/or coordinates comprehensive hydrologic studies or significant components of extensive studies, that describe and interpret hydrologic conditions. Modifies established hydrologic techniques or procedures.
  • Collects, interprets, analyzes, and evaluates hydrologic data for large scale systems and makes long range, and at times controversial proposals based on analysis.
  • Complexity of assignments may require alteration to standard practices, equipment, and know techniques or development of new methods and techniques to address problems for which guides or precedents are not substantially applicable.
  • Works on highly complex water issues whose solutions require a proven understanding of hydrology and one or more related disciplines such as hydraulics, geology, ecology, geochemistry, and the complexities of ground or surface water flow.
  • Conducts planning, review, and evaluation of multi­basin, multi-aquifer investigations which includes predictive water quantity and quality numerical modeling and adherence to all management-based water resource policies.
  • Serves as subject matter expert for a broad geographic area with multiple watersheds.
  • Provides current information on policy, resource management, State or local water regulations, and technical requirements.
  • Provides technical data, expert advice, or recommendations to senior leadership, may serve as an expert witness in hearing, or respond to Congressional inquiries.
  • Prepares investigative proposals/develops work plans that include experimental/theoretical analysis, changing regulatory/mission needs, evaluation of available data and development of new procedures/methods of investigation to meet requirements.
  • Independently conducts interpretive studies or contributes to large scale hydrologic projects.
  • Serves as principal contact with cooperating agencies/stakeholders in the identification, design, planning and conduct of water resource investigations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
  • You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
  • Direct Deposit Required.
  • Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
  • Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
  • May require a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements – please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

Basic Education Requirement (BER) – Applicant must meet one of the BER requirements in order to meet the qualifications of the position:

For Hydrologist (1315 series): Degree in physical or natural science; or engineering that included 30 semester hours in courses such as hydrology, physical science, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography or the management or conservation of water resources AND 6 semester hours in calculus (both differential and integral) AND 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels. I will provide a copy of my college transcript; OR have a combination of education and experience that includes the coursework shown above plus appropriate experience such as field or laboratory work requiring application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to make observations, take samples, operate instruments, assemble, analyze, and interpret data and report findings orally and in writing.

In addition to meeting the BER for this position, applicants must also prove to meet the minimum specialized experience qualification requirements.

For the GS-13: Meet the basic requirement AND have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the federal service. Specialized experience is further defined as experience as a technical advisor in hydrologic or watershed management work; planned and developed projects and predicted the effects of proposed treatments and land use decisions on ground water; conducted hydrologic studies and analyzed environmental impacts of water disposal actions; and insured compliance with laws and regulations concerning air and water quality and flood plain management.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: Work is typically performed in an office setting with no special physical demands, however, work may also be performed in the field which involves long periods of walking, bending, climbing, or driving motor vehicles to worksites. The work may also include some overnight travel for training, meeting, 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, on an industrial setting subject to noise, fumes, and moving machinery. Both setting may require the use of personal protective equipment. Safety precautions and protocols are observed at all times and the comply with safety instructions and regulations to ensure individual and others safety.

Education

This position falls under the OPM qualification standard for the 1315 job series and has Individual Occupational Requirements. See qualification section for description of the Basic Education Requirement (BER).

This position has a positive education requirement (see above qualification section for education requirements). You MUST submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: This position is offering a Relocation/Recruitment Incentive, 20% of the annual salary. To be eligible for a Relocation Incentive, you must be a current Federal Employee and the selectee must be employed with the Federal Government and the selectees current duty location is more than 50 miles from the duty location of this position. To be eligible for a Recruitment Incentive, selectee must not be employed by the Federal Government.

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP

Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service

Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.

The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.

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.

Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran’s preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview.

Your answers to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

  • Decision Making
  • Hydrology
  • Project Management
  • Technical Competence

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the following additional assessment: Subject Matter Expert Resume Panel Review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year). USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk

Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter.

Transcripts: You MUST submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Veterans: If you are claiming veterans’ preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, ‘Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,’ (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable) OR written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

If you are claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit documentation that supports your claim as shown on the back of the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. SF-15.

If you are claiming Sole Survivorship Veterans’ Preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference.

Additional information on veterans’ preference can be found in the www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/special-hiring-authorities/.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: Submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility – this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.

Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the ‘Documents’ step during the application process. Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.

Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

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


THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by 10/07/2024. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the HR Office using the contact information listed within the announcement. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the Internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you have access to a public library, State Job Service Office, etc., you should use these resources to apply online. You must follow the steps described below to complete the application process:

YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBS. Your profile must contain a current resume for submission. See Required Documents section for what to include in your resume.

INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.

The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is an available tool when you login to your USAJOBS account.

  1. Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered.
  2. You must submit a resume and also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  • The eligibility portion of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You may choose more than one eligibility. You must provide proof of your eligibility and will only be considered for the questions that you answer “yes”.
  • Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section.
  • To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12556595

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (Welcome | Login.gov), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.

FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 10/07/2024. NOTE: Technical problems may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

 Jessica ParkhurstPhone781-808-6384Emailjparkhurst@blm.govAddressBLM Nevada State Office
BLM Nevada State Office
NV-953
1340 Financial Blvd.
Reno, NV 89502
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement email from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your online questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application and/or referral to the hiring official via your USAJobs account after the evaluation process is complete. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required.

More than one position may be filled from this announcement, at the discretion of Federal hiring officials. Department of the Interior may share the list of eligible candidates with other Federal agencies/departments, authorized to appoint new employees under the same hiring procedures if the position is in the same: job series, grade level, promotion potential, and in the same geographic locations (including the same metro/commuting area) provided herein. You will have the opportunity to “opt-in” to appear on a shared list. “Opt-in” does not guarantee your application will be shared, but you will be contacted in the event your application is shared.

Fair & Transparent

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


POSITION TYPE

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EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

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