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Join the staff of the Bureau of Reclamation as a Geologist.
This position is located with the Bureau of Reclamation's Division of Design and Construction, Geology Branch in Sacramento, CA. For more information on the Sacramento area, visit: http://www.saccounty.net.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
02/25/2020 to 03/10/2020
$47,137 - $90,688 per year
GS 07 - 11
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
50% or less - Up to 50% travel required.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
11
No
No
BR-MP-2020-037
560881900
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
Current Federal Employees serving under career or career-conditional appointments; Former Federal Employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current and Former Overseas Employees; VRA, VEOA and 30% Disabled Veterans; Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A); Military Spouse; Peace Corps; AmeriCorps; Vista; Current or Former time-limited employees eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA); and CTAP and ICTAP eligibles.
Position may be filled at the GS-07, GS-09 or GS-11 level. At the full performance GS-11 level, the incumbent serves as a Senior Geologist. At the GS-07 and GS-09 levels the duties of this position are developmental in nature and lead to the full performance level of GS-11. The incumbent may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level of the position upon meeting all regulatory requirements; certification by the supervisor of successful performance; completion of all training requirements; and the availability of work at the next higher grade level. Note: Promotion is not automatic.
- Plans and supervises subsurface and surface geologic and groundwater explorations required to supplement surface studies
- Performs and/or assists in the evaluation of seismotectonic hazards for planned or existing Bureau of Reclamation structures.
- Works with design and construction engineers and operation and maintenance staff to evaluate and resolve geologic problems affecting the operation of existing and/or proposed Reclamation structures.
- Performs and interprets geologic investigations/studies data from these investigations to provide geologic design data for construction of dams, tunnels, canals, pipelines, powerplants, or other Reclamation facilities.
- Develops groundwater data on geologic factors governing the occurrence, ground storage capacity, replenishment areas, movement, quality and usability of groundwater.
- Determines the need for and method of accomplishing subsurface exploration to determine groundwater occurrence, sources of recharge, drainage aspects, quality of water, hydrologic characteristics, et cetera of particular study areas and carries out or closely supervises the technical work connected with such exploration.
- Provides engineering and groundwater, geologic and geohydrologic data, geologic cross sections, photographs, and geologic maps, and presents findings and recommendations in formal written report or memorandum form. Prepares letters and memoranda as required.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective factors, by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-in-Grade: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b).
Minimum Education Requirement:
Applicants must meet the Basic Education Qualification Requirements listed below:
A. 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. A combination of education and experience with course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Please see the description of qualifications required for the Geology discipline at the Office of Personnel Management's website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/geology-series-1350/
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
Superior Academic Achievement: Applicants can qualify for GS-07 on the basis of Superior Academic Achievement in one of three ways: (1) high grade point average, (2) class standing, or (3) membership in a national scholastic honor society. (1) GPA: GPA 2.95 or above for all courses for the entire curriculum or for courses completed during the final 2 years. As an alternative, the GPA may be 3.45 or higher for courses in the major field of study either all major courses or major courses during the final 2 years. (2) Class Standing: Applicants must rank in the top third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision. (3) Honor Society Membership: Membership in one of more than 65 nationally recognized scholastic honor societies may qualify.
In addition to meeting Basic Education, applicants must have specialized experience or additional education as defined below:
GS-07: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service; or, (2)completion of one-year graduate level education directly related to the work of the position (i.e. geology); or, (3)Superior Academic Achievement, defined below.
GS-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service OR two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent master's or graduate degree directly related to the work of the position (i.e. geology).
GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service; or, three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the work of the position (i.e. geology).
Definition of Specialized Experience: To meet specialized experience, your resume must describe experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities as follows:
GS-07: Experience assisting geologists in geological studies, planning or performing field investigations to obtain geological data needed for the design, construction, or monitoring site conditions of civil engineering structures. Experience interpreting geological field data and assisting in the preparation of exploration logs, geologic maps, and cross sections and statements of findings. These examples are not all inclusive.
GS-09: Experience performing geological surface and subsurface field investigations needed for design, construction or monitoring site conditions of civil engineering structures; experience interpreting and evaluating field data and preparing drawings, maps, sections depicting engineering or geohydrologic field conditions. These examples are not all inclusive.
GS-11: Experience planning and performing geological field investigations in support of the design and construction of engineering structures or in the operation and maintenance of dams, canals, and appurtenant works; experience in geologic evaluation of dam foundations and embankments; experience in hydrogeologic studies and investigations such as dewatering, safe yield studies, ground water models. These examples are not all inclusive.
Experience that would not normally be part of an applicant's position may be creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence (e.g., a memorandum from the manager or human resources director, SF-52, or similar documentation).
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.
This position has a mandatory education requirement; you must furnish a copy of your transcript of college work completed (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission may result in you being rated not qualified for the position.
Relocation: Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized and are the responsibility of the selectee.
Telework: Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. This is not a virtual position.
Conditions of Employment/Other Information:
-This position requires completion of a one-year probationary period, unless you have previously met this requirement.
-Successful adjudication of personnel security investigation required.
-Travel is required approximately up to 50% of the time.
-Operation of a Government vehicle required; therefore, you must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
-Satisfactory completion of a medical examination is required before assignment to the position.
-Work is indoors and outside, subject to prevailing weather and terrain. Employee works in the vicinity of energized and high voltage sources and moving equipment.
-Frequent lifting, carrying, and handling of items weighing up to 50 pounds is required.
-Required to obtain and use a government-issued credit card for business travel.
-This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by NFFE, Local 951
Optional Form 306 (OF-306): Before final appointment and again before you begin work, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Federal hiring process visit: Federal Hiring Process FAQ
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit:http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Human Resources (HR) will review resumes and transcript(s) to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in the assessment questionnaire. The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes. Applicants determined best-qualified will be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) through their resume and responses to the online questions.
1. Professional knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of geology, geohydrology, site investigations, and geotechnical engineering considerations to accomplish exploration projects and resolve geological problems related to the design and construction of engineering structures, dam foundations and embankments, and ground and surface water considerations.
2. Knowledge of geotechnical exploration methods and techniques, including; geologic mapping, drilling methods; geophysical methods; geohydrologic investigations; or instrumentation for monitoring facility performance.
3. Skill in written and oral communication to coordinate project data and prepare technical reports, memoranda, and letters.
4. Ability and skill in using various computer programs in performance of analysis of data, and preparation of reports.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that copy vacancy announcement posting information verbatim into resume OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be rated ineligible or score may be lowered.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Transcript(s): All applicants must furnish a copy of their college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: Status applicants (transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, promotion, etc.) must submit a copy of their SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which you are claiming eligibility. Failure to submit an SF-50 verifying status may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
For candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) you must submit the appropriate DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) documenting your eligibility.
For information on veteran's eligibility visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
Special Non-Competitive Appointing Authorities: For more information on special non-competitive appointing authorities visit: http://www.opm.gov/wtw/html/except.htm
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: For more information on LMWFA, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/land-management/
CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
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.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of any page. When you have finished with your application, click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button on the bottom of the REVIEW PAGE. Your application will not be received unless you click SUBMIT APPLICATION.
This vacancy is being announced through the Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from a USAJOBS profile (instructions are provided during the online application process.) In addition, applicants may e-mail their supporting documentation to mpjobs@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 916-978-5563, or mail or hand-deliver to USBR/ATTN: HR, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
Applicants needing assistance in applying online should contact the HR Office at 916-978-5476 or Federal Relay at http://www.federalrelay.us/. The Federal Relay website contains information for TDD/TTY users to receive free needed service. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the HR Office prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/560881900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency. Reclamation is best known for Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River, and Folsom Dam on the American River. Today we are the largest wholesaler of water in the country and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. Visit: http://www.usbr.gov/
View our video titled "Traditions, Talent, and Teamwork" at: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/Video/
