Physical Science Technician (Seasonal)

Your tasks

The primary purpose of the Physical Science Technician is to perform technical field and laboratory work in support of physical science monitoring, research, and resource management programs, including the collection, processing, analysis, and management of scientific data and samples. Likely Entry on Duty: April 2027 Open to the first 50 applicants.

Requirements

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include (1) planning logistics for physical science field sampling and monitoring activities; (2) collecting, preparing, or analyzing air, water, soil, climate, or other physical science samples or data using established methods; (3) conducting technical tests or measurements to determine physical or chemical properties or environmental conditions; (4) operating, calibrating, or maintaining scientific sampling and monitoring equipment; (5) maintaining scientific records and performing quality control of data; and (6) organizing, summarizing, or evaluating scientific data for reports or project documentation. -OR- B. Successful completion of a half-year of graduate education (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university with a major study in an appropriate field of physical science such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, hydrology, oceanography or other appropriate field of physical science. -OR- C. Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include (1) planning and coordinating physical science field sampling or monitoring activities; (2) determining appropriate sampling locations, methods, or equipment based on project requirements and field conditions; (3) collecting and evaluating air, water, soil, climate, or other physical science data; (4) installing, configuring, troubleshooting, or maintaining scientific monitoring equipment; (5) reviewing scientific data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established protocols; (6) analyzing and summarizing scientific data to identify conditions, patterns, or trends; and (7) preparing technical reports, findings, or recommendations. -OR- B. Successful completion of one academic year of graduate education from an accredited college or university with a major study in an appropriate field of physical science such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, hydrology, oceanography or other appropriate field of physical science. -OR- C. I have a combination of graduate education and experience listed above that when combined, total 100% of the qualification requirements.

Note: only education in excess of what is required at the GS-06 level can be used to substitute for specialized experience at the GS-07 level. For example, 12 semester hours of graduate coursework would calculate to 3 semester hours that can be used to substitute for GS-07 level experience because only 3 hours are in excess of what is required at the GS-07 level (which is 9 semester hours). You must provide transcripts to use education to qualify for this position. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.

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.

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and that (1) deemed your education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or (2) given full credit for courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing. You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license will be required in such cases. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles. You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority. You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Other

Major duties The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April - October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Some of the Physical Science Technician Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Collects and organizes field data. Performs routine and recurring testing of collected samples and performs data entry and compiles reports. Monitors conditions in assigned program areas. Provides logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists. Operates and maintains sampling, monitoring and laboratory equipment and instruments. The incumbent(s) will organize, coordinate, and implement the field work (i.e. data collection) component of the air resources, water resources, environmental contamination, integrated pest management programs and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs. Takes necessary precautions to prevent loss or contamination of air and water samples. Provides recommendations for establishing and improving air and water quality monitoring networks, sampling methodology and analytical procedures. Assists researchers with the implementation of their projects, including environmental compliance and logistical support. Conducts initial assessments to evaluate potential environmental contamination levels. Additional duties for GS-7: Uses scientific knowledge to determine best sites for data collection. Plans work of field crews, exercising judgment to collect the best data possible without compromising safety. Ensures data is collected according to established protocols, providing guidance and training as necessary. Summarizes and interprets data in reports for use by organization managers and staff.