Computer Scientist (EDGE)

Geological Survey • Sioux Falls, SD

4d

About The Position

The Computer Scientist (EDGE) leads the development of innovative approaches to land characterization and monitoring across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, investigating and applying new techniques and methodologies with an emphasis on machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). The position leads research, development, and application of AI, ML, and geospatial analytics to map, characterize, and monitor land cover, land use, and ecosystem change across the United States using multi-source Earth observation data. It provides technical and scientific leadership for priority projects at the USGS EROS Center and supports national-scale land-change monitoring and decision-support solutions. The role collaborates with internal and external scientists, engineers, and stakeholders, and transitions research and technical innovations into operational production environments. It also communicates research and application results through publications, seminars, meetings, professional events, symposia, conferences, and task forces. Duties may be developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level. The listed salary range is $106,437 (Step 1) to $138,370 (Step 10); first-time Federal hires normally start at Step 1. The position requires a one-year probationary period. The duties are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation is required.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must meet the basic educational requirement: a bachelor's or higher degree in computer science, or a bachelor's or higher degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, including at least 15 semester hours of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus.
• Must submit transcripts supporting the claimed education.
• For GS-13, must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in Federal service or the public or private sector.
• Specialized experience must include applying advanced AI/ML methods, such as deep learning, foundation models, computer vision, or automated feature extraction, to scientific or geospatial problems.
• Specialized experience must include conducting original research, developing and evaluating novel algorithms or analytical methods, and assessing accuracy, uncertainty, scalability, and scientific validity.
• Specialized experience must include using AI/ML for Earth observation and geospatial data applications.
• Specialized experience must include translating scientific or mission needs into computational solutions, evaluating emerging technologies and algorithms, and moving research concepts toward usable products, tools, or operational capabilities.
• Specialized experience must include leading and collaborating across disciplines and organizations, communicating complex science to technical and non-technical audiences, publishing scientific results, and influencing programs, stakeholders, or decision-making.
• Resume must state full-time or 40 hours per week, or part-time with the number of hours worked per week, for experience to be credited.
• Education cannot be substituted for experience.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by a specialized private credential interpretation organization and deemed equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs.

Nice To Haves

• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered to otherwise eligible and qualified candidates, at the agency's discretion; it is not guaranteed.
• Promotion eligibility to the GS-15 full performance level depends on the incumbent's scientific contributions as evaluated by a peer panel.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and application of advanced AI, ML, and geospatial analytics methods for mapping, characterizing, and monitoring land cover, land use, and ecosystem change across the United States using multi-source Earth observation data.
• Collaborate and coordinate with internal and external scientists, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Transition research and technical innovations into operational production environments, supporting national-scale land-change monitoring solutions.
• Provide technical and scientific leadership for priority projects at the USGS EROS Center, advancing land-change monitoring and decision support through operationally relevant geospatial mapping solutions.
• Communicate research and application results and other information to external partners and stakeholders through seminars, meetings, scientific and technical publications, professional meetings, symposia, conferences, task forces, and study groups.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior