Hydrologic Technician.

About the Role

You will serve as a senior technician responsible for maintaining over 112 electronic data collection systems for stream-gaging stations, powerhouses, and navigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform a full range of diagnostic analyses on complex IT/OT networks, including Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems, to isolate and correct hardware and software failures without guidance.
• Modify equipment software for unique site conditions, ensuring data integrity for hydroelectric generation and SCADA systems.
• Conduct quality control inspections of contractor work.
• Analyze equipment performance to recommend system enhancements.
• Manage inventory.
• Perform scheduled maintenance on remote stream and lake gauging equipment.
• Conduct field investigations to monitor data streams from a network of automated gauges to ensure accurate transmission into a central database like the Water Control Data System (WCDS) and make recommendations based on findings.
• Analyze hydrologic data for use in reports.
• Perform routine calibration on electronic equipment, including multimeters and diagnostic tools, to test and ensure the proper functioning of hydrologic instruments.
• Operate computer platforms and software to review instrument-generated data to identify deviations and errors.
• Perform diagnostic tests on telemetry systems (e.g., serial, ethernet, IP) and PLC systems to identify and resolve common data flow issues.
• Plan and coordinate field work, including preparation of equipment and supplies for site visits.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Business Travel (TDY) up to 40%.
• Obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Obtain and maintain Cyber Security Level IAT-1 and CompTIA AT+ certifications prior to assignment/placement to GS-11 grade level.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Specialized Experience for GS-07

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service which includes assisting in the basic operation and/or maintenance on hydrologic gauging equipment.
• Performing at least two of the following duties:
  • Conducting basic field data collection from hydrologic gauging equipment.
  • Entering hydrologic field data into an electronic database.
  • Reviewing hydrologic data for completeness.

OR

• Education: One full year of graduate-level education in a related field which includes Geology, Hydrology, or Water Resources Science. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

OR

• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

Specialized Experience for GS-08

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes:
  • Performing routine maintenance and repairs on hydrologic gauging equipment.
  • Compiling hydrologic field data for use in reports.
  • Verifying hydrologic data for completeness.

OR

• Education: One and a half years (i.e., 27 semester hours) of graduate-level education in a related field which includes Geology, Hydrology, or Water Resources Science. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

OR

• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

Specialized Experience for GS-09

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service which includes:
  • Performing scheduled maintenance on remote stream and lake gauging equipment.
  • Conducting field investigations to monitor data streams from a network of automated gauges to ensure accurate transmission into a central database like the Water Control Data System (WCDS) and/or making recommendations on findings.
  • Analyzing hydrologic data for use in reports.

Specialized Experience for GS-10

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which includes:
  • Performing routine calibration on electronic equipment which includes multimeters and diagnostic tools to test and ensure the proper functioning of hydrologic instruments.
  • Conducting field investigations to collect and measure hydrologic data from various types of gauging stations and/or making recommendations.
  • Operating computer platforms and software to review instrument-generated data to identify deviations and/or errors.

Specialized Experience for GS-11

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 grade level in the Federal service which includes:
  • Performing maintenance and repairs to a network of remote hydrologic gauging stations.
  • Performing diagnostic tests on telemetry systems (e.g., serial, ethernet, IP) and Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems to identify and resolve common data flow issues.
  • Planning to coordinate field work, including preparation of equipment and supplies for site visits.

Additional Information

• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives might be paid.
• Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the 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.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1-year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from the Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• This is a Career Field 18 position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.

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. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.