New job Hydrologist in Iowa

Hydrologist

Company : US Department of the Interior
Salary : $34,674 - $72,487 a year
Location : Iowa

Full Description

Duties

Summary

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

This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Salary GS-07: $37,674 (Step 01) to GS-11: $72,487 (Step 10);
NOTE: Additional locality pay determined at time of selection. First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired atthe Step 01.

Responsibilities

As a HYDROLOGIST within the CENTRAL MIDWEST WATER SCIENCE CENTER, some of your specific duties will include:

  • All three grade levels perform a wide range of tasks similar in nature to those described in the following listing of functional area duties and responsibilities. At the two lower levels the employee will be assigned work designed to further develop and refine their technical knowledge and skills. Assignments will typically combine productive work with ongoing training and instruction. Supervision received at the two lower grade levels will be closer with oversight and review being provided on a regular basis.
  • Working as the lead project chief or assisting the lead project chief to apply established modeling and numerical analysis methods to answer specific hydraulic and hydrologic questions.
  • Managing, collecting, analyzing, and visualizing hydrologic geospatial and climate data to assist with data retrieval, QA/QC, and routine analysis.
  • Developing test and document codes for statistical analyses and predictions of water resources data to support projects investigating water quantity, quality, and use.
  • Preparing reports of findings, tables, and graphical materials summarizing results of hydrologic investigations for use in technical reports and presentations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requires moderate periods of standing and sitting while in the office. While in the field, considerable walking, lifting, bending, climbing, and stream wading is necessary to collect data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office conditions are normal; field conditions may include extreme heat or cold, rain or snow, and hazardous conditions such as ice or flooding.

Travel Required

50% or less - Average travel for this position is 10 nights per month.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

12

  • Job family (Series)

    1315 Hydrology

    Similar jobs

    • Hydrologists
  • Requirements

    Requirements

    Conditions of Employment

    Key Requirements:

    • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
    • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
    • Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period.
    • Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
    • Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.
    • 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.
    • Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
    • 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.
    • 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.

    Qualifications

    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.

    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.

    For GS-07:

    In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-07 level:

    Possess 1 year of successfully completed graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in hydrology or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

    **OR Possess Superior Academic Achievement based on undergraduate study. (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT).

    **OR Possess one year of appropriate professional experience that is in or related to the duties of this position is qualifying if it is equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service, and if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

    Examples of GS-5 level experience could include taking measurements and collecting information; learning to take proper samples; conducting routine calculating, plotting, and checking of numerical data; preparing graphs and data profiles; and accomplishing routine analyses. This work experience would have involved receiving clear, specific, and detailed instructions as to the methods, procedures, and guidelines to use.

    **OR Possess a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, and professional experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE)

    For GS-09:

    In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-09 level:

    Possess 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master's degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study or master's or equivalent graduate degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

    **OR Possess one year of appropriate professional experience in hydrology that is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service.

    Examples of such experience include performing a variety of observations, computations, compilations and analyses in assisting higher level Hydrologists in carrying out hydrologic assignments. This work experience would have involved following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in applying basic principles and procedures, and would have required a good general working knowledge of the principles and the theories of hydrology.

    **OR Possess a combination of successfully completed progressive graduate level education, as described above, that is beyond the first year of graduate study and professional experience, as described above.

    For GS-11:

    In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level:

    Possess 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in hydrology or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

    **OR Possess one year of appropriate professional experience in hydrology that is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service.

    Examples of such experience include independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine hydrologic work. This work would have required the individual to select and make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. At this level, Hydrologists have a sound working knowledge of the principles of hydrology and the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work.

    **OR Possess a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described, above that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study and professional experience, as described above.

    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.
    • Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.
    • Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
    • USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.
    • 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.
    • DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
    • THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
    Agency Benefits:
    • USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. 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.
    • For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies.
    • Working for the U.S. Geological Survey offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; health, life, dental, vision, and long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

    How You Will Be Evaluated

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

    • -Basis of Rating: Category rating will be used in the ranking and selection process for this position. The quality categories are Best Qualified and Qualified. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessment required for this position. Your responses must be substantiated by your resume. If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible. Veterans' preference rules for category rating will be applied. You will be assessed and scored on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
    • Collect Scientific Data
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Technical Reports
    • Written Communication
    • Information Management
    • Modeling Knowledge
    • Compute/Analyze Data
    • Disseminate Data
    • Laboratory Techniques
    • Hydrology
    • Technology Application
    • Scientific Knowledge
    • Interpersonal Skills
    • Project Management

    Additional Assessment Required for GS-07 and GS-09 Grade Levels: If you meet the eligibility and basic qualification requirements for this position and score above the cut-score based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, 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.

    Additional Assessment Required for GS-11 Grade Level: If you meet the eligibility and basic qualification requirements for this position and score above the cut-score based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be invited to participate in a structured interview with subject-matter-experts to evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competences as they directly relate to the duties of this position.

    • -NOTE: If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible also, 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/11032363

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance

    Not Required

    Drug test required

    No

    Position sensitivity and risk

    Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

    Trust determination process

    Credentialing

  • Required Documents

    Required Documents

    Required 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.) or list of course work, 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.

    Veterans' Preference Eligibles
    • -If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.

    • -If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference and that your character of military service is honorable.

    • -If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., 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, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders. Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement. If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans' preference.

    Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.

    Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) & Inter-agency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Eligibles
    • -If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP 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 for CTAP and 5 CFR 330 Subpart G for ICTAP 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 or ICTAP 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/ICTAP 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.

  • 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.


Help

This job is open to

  • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

    Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

  • Family of overseas employees

    Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is, or was, working overseas.

  • Individuals with disabilities

  • Military spouses

  • National Guard & Reserves

    Current members, those who want to join, or transitioning military members.

  • Special authorities

    Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

  • The public

    U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

  • Veterans

  • Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified U.S. citizens as well as individuals eligible for noncompetitive hiring authorities such as those that apply to veterans, individuals with disabilities, military spouses, etc.


Apply Now