Geologist

Summary This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Incumbent serves as senior geologist on projects and studies in support of civil works, including both dam and levee projects, military construction, and HTRW projects, providing geologic expertise in support of design, construction, and operation activities Duties Plans, directs and/or performs complex and highly technical geotechnical field investigations. Applies geologic principles, methods, and techniques for geotechnical portions of studies, construction, operation, design, and resolution of a wide range of problems for military construction, civil works, and HTRW projects Plans, directs and/or performs complex hydrogeologic field investigations including subsurface investigation, pumping tests, and slug tests to determine hydrogeologic stratigraphy and aquifer properties. Analyzes field data to determine extent of contamination in groundwater and soils. Reviews groundwater and contaminant transport modeling reports. Plans, directs, and/or performs field investigations to obtain data to structurally characterize soil and/or rock in foundations for structures, excavations, and slope stability analysis. Interprets, analyses, and documents geologic, hydrogeologic, and geophysical information as it applies to specific study and design problems for civil work, military construction, and HTRW projects. During site visits, consults with the Resident Engineer in solving complex geologic problems such as the proper development of a quarry from the standpoint of obtaining the best rock materials with the least amount of burden and waste. Participates in periodic general inspections of existing district dams and makes unscheduled inspections as required in order to evaluate geology related problems. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. One year trial/probationary period may be required. This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement up to 40% for official duties/training. This position requires the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Drivers License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles. This position requires a current Professional Geologist License. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and 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. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Geologist: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: Course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.(Note:Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.) In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: To qualify at GS-12, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade/level (GS-11). Specialized experience is defined as: (1) Experience applying geologic principles, methods, and techniques for geotechnical portions of studies, construction, operation, design, and/or resolution of a wide range of problems for military construction, civil works, and HTRW projects. (2) Experience directing and/or performing complex geologic and/or hydrogeologic field investigations which includes subsurface investigation, pumping tests, and slug tests. (3) Experience interpreting or analyzing, and/or documenting geologic, hydrogeologic, and geophysical information as it applies to specific study and design problems for civil work, military construction, and HTRW projects. Education 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional information 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. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a Career Field 18- Engineers & Scientists position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Situational telework may be available according to agency policy. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.htm for more information. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Enhanced Annual leave and credit for Non-Federal Service may be authorized. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/#url=Fact-Sheets Advanced In-Hire Rate may be authorized. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/superior-qualifications-and-special-needs-pay-setting-authority/ Relocation/Recruitment/Retention Incentive may be authorized. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/recruitment-relocation-retention-incentives/ Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) may be authorized. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/student-loan-repayment/ Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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.