Geologist

Geological Survey•Woods Hole, MA

10d

About The Position

The Geologist serves in the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Northeast Region, Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center. The position involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting marine geological and geophysical data, including seismic-reflection data, to support detailed investigations. The work includes using seafloor and sub-seafloor mapping technologies and software such as Kingdom Suite, Reveal, and GIS to evaluate marine and coastal geologic projects; independently carrying out investigations; and preparing or leading authoritative technical and scientific reports, publications, and presentations. Duties may be developmental below the full performance level. Field work may include weekends and overnight travel of up to 1–2 nights per month. The position may involve remote field sites, varied and sometimes extreme environmental conditions, travel by boat, helicopter, or small fixed-wing aircraft, and carrying equipment. Telework may be permitted with supervisor approval. The role has a mandatory geology education requirement and grade-level qualification pathways for GS-09 and GS-11.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Must pass a physical examination.
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 mandatory basic education requirement: a degree in geology plus 20 additional semester hours in specified related fields, or the described combination of coursework with appropriate experience or additional education.
For GS-09, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, qualifying graduate education, or an accepted combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes supporting higher-level geologists through observations, calculations, data compilations, and analyses; following established procedures; applying basic geological principles with some judgment; and demonstrating working knowledge of geological theories and concepts.
For GS-11, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying graduate education, or an accepted combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes independently completing a defined study or part of a project; planning and carrying out routine geologic work; making minor adjustments to established procedures; resolving typical unexpected issues; and applying geological principles to moderately complex scientific tasks.
Applicants relying on education to qualify must submit transcripts. Experience credit requires the resume to state full-time or part-time status and hours worked per week.
Field work may require hiking several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment, working at remote sites with limited or no services, using personal protective gear, and lifting equipment or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Field work may involve dusty, hot, humid, or extremely cold conditions; off-road driving in four-wheel-drive vehicles; travel by helicopter, small fixed-wing aircraft, or boats; and exposure to dangerous flora and fauna or other wilderness hazards.
Geologic work may require working near drill rigs, heavy equipment, construction hazards, or explosives.

Nice To Haves

For GS-09: Familiarity with conducting marine 2D seismic-reflection surveys aboard research vessels, processing and analyzing seismic data, integrating geophysical and geologic datasets, and preparing technical products and reports.
For GS-11: Familiarity with processing and interpreting marine 2D seismic-reflection data using specialized geophysical software, integrating seismic data with bathymetric, geologic, and oceanographic datasets, and independently managing project workflows, schedules, and deliverables.

Responsibilities

Collect, analyze, and interpret marine geological and geophysical data, including seismic-reflection data, to support detailed investigations.
Use seafloor and sub-seafloor mapping technologies and methods to collect and analyze geologic and geophysical data.
Use geological and geophysical processing, interpretation, and data integration software, such as Kingdom Suite, Reveal, and GIS, to evaluate marine and coastal geologic scientific projects.
Analyze and interpret geological and geophysical data and independently carry out detailed investigations.
Prepare or lead technically or scientifically authoritative reports and publications, and deliver presentations to professional audiences.