Physical Science Technician

The salary range listed is based on associated General Schedule Locality pay tables as determined by the Locality Pay Area Definitions. A non-taxable Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) will be added to the salary of associated locations. COLA is subject to change without notice. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. GS-7: $52,680 (Step 01) to $74,173 (Step 10) GS-8: $58,341 (Step 01) to $82,139 (Step 10)

Major duties

As a Physical Science Technician within the Volcano Science Center, this position is responsible for a wide variety of equipment used for geophysical monitoring, data acquisition, remote power systems, computer networking, and data communications. Some of the major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Collect and prepare field data for a variety of project types. Operate or assist in the operation of data collection stations. Prepare scientific data and summaries and assist in preparation of technical reports. Operate a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/06/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: FOR GS-07: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-07 level. Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level or higher in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples of GS-6 level work: 1) Applies a limited amount of experience in accomplishing the work. Receives oral instructions concerning work methods, available equipment, and procedures to be followed on new tasks. Uses some written guides. Work is checked in progress and upon completion for adequacy and accuracy. 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 oral 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. Supervisor is frequently gone or unavailable. 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- Successful completion of 1 year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours or the equivalent) in physical science or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience, provided it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. You must include transcripts. -OR- Possess a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1/2 year of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements. (Click HERE for details on how to combine graduate education and experience). FOR GS-08: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-08 level. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work in the fields of astronomy, physics, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, health physics, engineering, electronics, geology, oceanography, and metallurgy if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. 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- 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. You must include transcripts. -OR- Possess 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. (Click HERE for details on how to combine graduate education and experience). Volunteer Experience: 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

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you 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. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Requirements

Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed. You must maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.