Research Geophysicist

Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

This is not a remote position. Telework may be approved in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and supervisor approval.

Research Positions: The full performance level for a Research position is GS-15; however, promotion eligibility is dependent upon the scientific contributions of the incumbent as evaluated by a peer panel.

Salary: $120,246 (GS-13, Step 01) to $167,336(GS-13, Step 10);
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

This job is open to

Duties

The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) conducts basic and applied on earthquakes, especially as related to quantifying seismic hazard and mitigating the effects of earthquakes in the United States and elsewhere. The ESC seeks a research geophysicist in either the Moffett Field or Pasadena, CA offices to conduct research focused on induced seismicity.

As a Research Geophysicist within the Earthquake Science Center, some of your specific duties may include:

Conceiving, planning and conducting seismological research to better understand induced earthquake sequences. Research may involve using multiple and varied data streams and require development of new earthquake catalogs and other basic seismological products using traditional and/or machine learning based methods. Conceiving, planning, and conducting numerical modeling-based research to better understand induced earthquake sequences. Research may involve using preexisting geomechanical, hydromechanical, and rate-and-state friction codes or could require development of novel methods. Planning, permitting, deploying, operating, and analyzing data from field deployments to characterize areas of induced seismicity. Mentoring and advising postdoctoral researchers conducting research on related topics in induced seismicity, numerical modeling, and earthquake seismology. Actively engaging with and communicating scientific results to external partners and end-users on topics related to induced seismicity and earthquake hazard. Physical Demand and Work Environment: Work of the position takes place mostly in an office but may also include a field setting. Work in an office setting includes adequate heat, light, and ventilation. Office conditions do not require safety precautions, and no special physical effort is required. During emergency response periods or field work, the scientist may be expected to walk over uneven terrain while carrying equipment, use proper personal protective gear, work in variable weather conditions, and/or drove a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

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. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information. Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record. Special Requirements: Travel for official business: You 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. Driver's License/Driving Record: 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 : To be eligible for the Geophysicist GS-1313 series, applicants at all grade levels must satisfy the basic education requirement as outlined in A or B below.

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 that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.). **OR

B. A combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.), 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. (CLICK FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

For GS-13:

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement listed above, applicants must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.

Examples of such experience could include: Leading research on simulating, modeling or observing earthquake ground motions; earthquake source, path, or site effects; earthquake simulations; constraining seismic wave velocities or geologic features that may influence earthquake shaking (e.g., sedimentary basins, shallow soft soils). Authoring reports, publications, scientific journal articles, and/or other products. Attending scientific meetings to present research results and exchange information within the scientific community. The complexity of this work typically requires modification and adaptation of standard procedures, methods, and techniques, and the development of new methods and techniques to address novel or obscure problems for which guidelines or precedents were not substantially applicable. At this level, Geophysicists have extensive knowledge of the principles of seismology, geodesy, geology, physics, and/or chemistry, a highly developed ability in their application, and wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty.

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.

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