PHYSICAL SCIENTIST.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and manage geophysical and geological databases, data archives containing geologic, geochemical, mine feature, and mine waste datasets to support mineral and energy resource assessments.
• Serve as technical expert on database development, data management, and geological information systems, providing guidance to scientists, engineers, and project teams.
• Prepare, author, or co-author technical reports, scientific publications, and other documentation summarizing analyses and research findings.
• Present technical findings, research results, and project updates through oral presentations, posters, and briefings to professional organizations, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Construct, validate, and maintain complex spatial databases and multi-layer GIS datasets to support scientific research and program objectives.
• Analyze complex geospatial or geochemical problems and recommend technical solutions that improve data quality, system performance, and analytical capabilities.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews to validate the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of datasets prior to production use.
• Operate a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion and may require prolonged standing in the laboratory environment. Field assignments involve outdoor work where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain. The work may require physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crawling in restrictive spaces, and defending oneself against physical attack.

Work Environment

Work performed in the laboratory may involve use of equipment which can result in exposure to dust, toxic chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and noise. Special safety precautions are required including use of laboratory coats, safety glasses, dust masks, gloves, etc. Work in the field involves exposure to extreme outdoor weather conditions with exposure to poisonous growth and insects involving a high risk with exposure to dangerous situations.

Requirements

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed. You must maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment.
• You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• 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.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 08/19/2026 will be considered.

Basic Requirement

For GS-1301, Physical Scientist:

• Degree: 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 science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
• Combination of education and experience: A combination of education and experience—education equivalent to one of the majors shown above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science, engineering, or mathematics) that included at least 24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical science and/or related engineering science as described 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 above.

Minimum Qualification for GS-12 Level

In addition to the basic education requirement, applicants must meet the following:

• 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-11 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:
  • Designing and conducting multidisciplinary scientific studies using GIS and remote sensing technologies.
  • Developing, integrating, and managing complex geospatial databases and spatial datasets.
  • Evaluating spatial data quality and implementing quality assurance and quality control processes.

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

Proof of Education: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

Graduate Education: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

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. For further information, visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional Information

It is anticipated that up to 4 positions will be filled; however, additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions.

This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. 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 for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application.

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.