Summary
The employee supports the USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station in Parsons, WV. Selectee will serve as a technical assistant performing hydrology tasks in scientific studies of surface water, meteorology, sediment and debris production, and water quality for water resource and land management planning and design.
For more information about this position, contact Benjamin Rau at Benjamin.Rau@usda.gov
This job is open to
Duties
- Duties listed are at the full performance level of the position.
- Perform hydrologic technician work in support of professionals engaged in scientific studies of surface water, meteorology, sediment and debris production, and water quality for water resource and land management planning and design.
- Install and maintain the district hydrologic instrumentation; repair, calibrate, and service gages and recorders; perform all maintenance necessary to insure optimal operation of all equipment.
- Prepare precipitation, sedimentation, and reservoir operation reports for transmittals to higher authority and other agencies
- Prepare correspondence relating to the request for or transmittal of hydrologic data, or any other matters relating to the district?s instrumentation programs.
- Compile and analyze hydrologic data for use in studies or reports, and furnish data to district elements and outside agencies.
- Contact and confer with Federal, State, and local agencies to exchange data and coordinate stream gaging and rainfall data collection.
- Make sketches of locations, dimensions, layouts, and modifications; coordinate with design personnel and applicable agencies.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- The work involves moderate risks and discomforts, such as dust, smoke, irritant chemicals, cold weather, and high noise levels. Employee required to use protective clothing and gear, such as steel-toed boots, hard hats, ear plugs, and respirator.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
Qualifications
To qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
For the GS-1316-5: Applicants must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 in the Federal service.
To qualify, your resume must reflect 52 weeks performing two out of three of the following tasks: Compiling and tabulating technical data which serves as a base for more complex technical studies made by hydrologists, other physical science specialists or higher-level technicians; Assembling data from streamflow records and sediment sample records and loading on computer; Tabulating and plotting data on prepared maps showing location of observation stations.
OR
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree, with a major that includes at least 24 semester hours in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics, or industrial technology. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university;
OR
A combination of education and experience that together meets the qualifications requirements for this position. The education must have been completed in an accredited college or university.
For the GS-1316-6: Applicants must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 in the Federal service.
To qualify, your resume must reflect 52 weeks performing three out of the five of the following tasks: Preparing water data for statistical analysis; Computing mean daily parameters from water monitoring equipment records and charts, and making corrections based on field observation notes; Preparing maps, hydrographs, profiles, and well locations; Installing, adjusting, inspecting, and servicing water quality sampling equipment, well-recorders, and other instruments for the collection of ground and surface water data; and checking gage settings to ensure continuing accuracy of the records obtained from instruments.
OR
one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position and in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics, or industrial engineering. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university;
OR
combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
GS-1316-07: Applicantsmust have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-06) in the federal service.
To qualify, your resume must reflect 52 weeks performing three (3) out of five (5) of the following: Modify hydrologic data collection stations or install new stations to augment or improve existing instrumentation. Prepare streamflow, and groundwater level reports. Modify and/or repair parts on a variety of hydrologic gauges, instruments and other equipment. Repair, calibrate, and service water quality sampling equipment and recorders. Install and maintain the unit’s hydrologic instrumentation. Hydrologic instrumentation may include measurement devices related to stream flow, stream water quality, groundwater, soil moisture, precipitation and meteorology climate.
OR
One full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as: engineering, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, hydrology, ecology, geology, or geomorphology). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
OR
A combination of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
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.
Work Experience: Your resume must clearly document the following for each block of work experience; the beginning day, month and year the work assignment started and ended; the hours worked per week; position title, and series and grade if applicable; and description of duties performed. This information must be provided for each permanent, temporary, or seasonal appointment/work assignment or volunteer work and should be clearly documented as a separate block of time. Incomplete, inaccurate, or conflicting work history may not be credited for qualifications purposes. This can result in an applicant not being considered for the position.
Education
See above for education substitutions for specialized experience.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran’s Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied or guaranteed.
This is a not a bargaining unit designated position.
Government Housing may be available for rent on a short term basis while selectee is seeking permanent housing.
This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional information is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-and-leave-flexibilities-for-recruitment-and-retention/
We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
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. Learn more about federal 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated in accordance with the category rating procedure as defined in the USDA Demonstration Project Plan. Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position will be placed in the Eligible category. You will be further evaluated against criteria for placement in the Quality category. This evaluation is based on the level of your experience, education, and/or training as determined by your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. Individuals with veterans’ preference are listed ahead of applicants who do not have veterans’ preference within each category.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11802031
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the responsibilities section including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) supervisor’s phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.
If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
If claiming veteran’s preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran’s preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran’s preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans’ Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans’ preference visit FEDSHIREVETS.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
How to Apply
Please view Tips for Applicants – a guide to the Forest Service application process.
Read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. (MST), Monday – Friday. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be returned to Human Resources no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order for it to be entered into the system prior to the closing date.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, in USAJOBS click “Apply” and follow the instructions to attach your resume and required documents, complete the assessment questionnaire, and submit your application.
NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency’s staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency’s staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
Agency contact information
HRM Contact Center
Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
Email: HRM_Contact_Center@usda.gov
Address
USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center
DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.
You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
