Hydrologic Technician

This is a standing register to fill positions at various locations within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Applications will be forwarded to selecting officials as vacancies are identified.

• Makes stream discharge measurements at all stages, often under challenging conditions.
• Applies seasoned judgment to compensate for field conditions and subtle problems.
• Determines the most effective method, technique, and protocol for collecting representative data.
• Collects hydrologic data using various methods and equipment.
• Performs and reviews statistical and/or technical analyses of hydrologic data collected in the field.
• Prepares material for publication, including maps, tables, and other illustrative material.
• Collects, processes, and prepares samples for lab analysis using the most appropriate technique and protocol.
• Operates a government-owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Must be 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 and safe driving record.
• Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.

• Must operate a government-owned or leased vehicle in the performance of official duties.
• Must have a valid state license and safe driving record.
• Must pass a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense due to the physical demands of the job.
• Must apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment.
• Must undergo a background investigation and obtain a favorable adjudication.

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-4 level:

• Six months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-3 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position.
• Experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation for which the applicant is applying.

Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Examples of GS-3 level work assignments include:

• Performing minor repairs at gaging stations, to water level recorders, and other equipment used in hydrologic investigations.
• Assisting in making measurements of stream flow or making simple current meter measurements on small streams.
• Recording routine measurements of water levels at specified observation wells.
• Collecting water quality samples and assisting in making laboratory determinations of water quality parameters by predetermined methods.
• Maintaining and assisting in readying current meters and sampling equipment for field work.

Applicants may substitute successful completion of two full years of study that included at least 12 semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized and/or general experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-4 level.

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-5 level:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position.

Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Examples of GS-4 level work assignments include:

• Making adjustments and minor repairs to water level recorders, or other equipment used in water investigations.
• Following well-defined methods and designated formulas; computing, extracting, compiling, and presenting geological or hydrologic data in prescribed tabular or graphic form.
• Computing mean daily gage heights from water stage record charts, editing record tapes, and making corrections based on field observation notes.

Applicants may substitute successful completion of a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction, or industrial technology.

A combination of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for GS-5.

Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-6 level:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position.

Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position.

Examples of GS-5 level work assignments include:

• Computing mean daily gage heights from water stage record charts, editing record tapes, and making corrections based on field observation notes.
• Preparing maps showing well elevations and depth to water, hydrographs, profiles, and well locations.

Applicants may substitute successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate-level education in hydrology or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience.

A combination of appropriate specialized experience and appropriate graduate-level education that is beyond the first 1/2 year of progressive graduate study may be used to meet the qualification requirements.