Physical Science Technician

at  US Geological Survey

FOR GS-08: APPLICANTS MUST MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TO QUALIFY FOR THE GS-08 LEVEL: POSSESS ONE YEAR OF APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN CHEMISTRY THAT IS EQUIVALENT TO AT LEAST THE GS -07, EXAMPLES OF GS -7 LEVEL EXPERIENCE COULD INCLUDE PERFORMING AND CONDUCTING LIMITED CHEMICAL ANALYSIS, TESTS AND PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS AND PERFORMING CALCULATIONS SUCH AS DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OR THE AMOUNT OF A SUBSTANCE OF A TOTAL SAMPLE BASED ON ANALYSIS OF A KNOWN PORTION OF THE SAMPLE. EXAMPLES INCLUDE MEASURING PH AND CONDUCTIVITY.

Examples of GS-7 level work: 1) Applies experience in accomplishing the work. Develops new procedures and techniques for more conventional use by others, such as utilization of complex equipment. Applies physical science methodologies and techniques; 2) Receives general instructions as to timeframes, anticipated technical problems, and possible sources of additional guidance. Written guides are available but do contain gaps and deviations where the technician is expected to decide possible alternatives. Work is rarely checked in progress but is checked for adequacy and accuracy at end of assignment or phase. Applies skill and knowledge in gathering significant data. Analyzes, evaluates consolidates and reports findings. Uses a large number of delicate and exacting steps and/or elaborate instruments; 3) Possesses long-term experience and/or additional education/training which results in being well versed in technical work. Often called upon to act as a “troubleshooter” in the solution of technical problems. Makes some decisions without guidance. Methods are fairly well established; makes procedural readjustments; selects auxiliary equipment and methods due to sample size, limitations of equipment, etc.
*OR applicants may substitute successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master’s degree or possession of a master’s degree in the physical sciences or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position.
*OR applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1 1/2 years of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements.
For GS-09: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-09 level: Possess one year of appropriate professional experience in chemistry that is equivalent to at least the GS -08 level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience may include performing relatively routine and limited chemical analyses and tests. This work experience would have involved following established methods and standard operating 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 chemistry, such as would be applied to analyzing nutrients in environmental samples.
Examples of GS-08 level assignments may include: Performing field identification of rock types, structural and stratigraphic measurement, analyzing, evaluating, and consolidating reports; and developing new procedures and techniques for use by others. Work at this level is performed independently within the general instructions relating to scope, objectives, time limitations, priorities, etc. provided at the outset of the assignment/project. Significant discretion was exercised in selecting from among a large variety of feasible alternatives. Approval was obtained prior to implementing significant deviations from established guides.
*OR Applicants may substitute successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master’s degree or possession of a master’s degree in the physical sciences or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position.
*OR Applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1 1/2 years of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements.
For GS-11: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level: Possess one year of appropriate professional experience in chemistry that is equivalent to at least the GS -09 level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience include independent responsibility for performing established, standardized chemical tests and analyses on a broad range of samples in a laboratory setting. Implements new testing and analytical methods. Develops and suggests minor adaptations & fills in the gaps found in newly developed guidelines that govern the new testing methods. At this level, Chemists have a sound working knowledge of the principles of chemistry and the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work, such as troubleshooting analytical instrumentation for environmental analyses.
Examples of GS-09 level assignments may include: Responsibility for planning and carrying out assignments given in terms of long-range projects. This level of work would have required the individual to make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. The work required planning, coordination, and integration of various phases of projects and/or application of initiative and resourcefulness to independently analyze and evaluate data and results. Approval was obtained prior to implementing significant deviations from established guidelines.
*OR Applicants may substitute successful completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree in the physical sciences or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position.
*OR Applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 2 years of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements.
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 .

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
• -Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.
• -Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1)Click the blue “Apply Online” button. 2)If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3)As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4)Check the “Certification” box and click the “Apply for this position now!” button located at the bottom of the screen. 5)Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6)Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.

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.
Help

As a Physical Science Technician within the LASD NWQL, some of your specific duties will include:

• Prepare and analyze environmental water samples for the analysis of concentrations of nutrients, including procedures for colorimetry, digestion, and physical properties. Prepares and maintains reagents, solutions, and standards required for the analyses performed.
• Process data from analytical instruments for importation into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Performs calculations and(or) uses spreadsheet software for data review and reduction using computer workstations. Prepares data packets for final delivery.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all analytical methods used. Revises SOPs as needed and as directed by unit supervisors.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment in an analytical unit in a fee-for-service laboratory to meet sample holding times and data-quality criteria.
• Develop and maintain technical skills by training with senior staff on a variety of analytical laboratory techniques, including ?, quality assurance, and troubleshooting. Applies basic knowledge of laboratory skills including instrumental analysis, maintenance of basic equipment such as balances, DI systems, and pipettes.
• Conform to all safety regulations and procedures and regularly completes required laboratory safety training.

Physical Demands: The work involves prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting of equipment up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment regular and recurring exposure to hazardous chemicals-Special safety precautions, equipment and training are required. The employee uses safety equipment such as radiation exposure badges, lab coats, safety glasses, fume hoods, and chemically resistant gloves. Periodic physical examinations such as respirator fit tests, and or complete physicals will be required and provided by the government in order to monitor and or protect employee’s health.