Hydrologist

Geological Survey•Reston, VA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hydrologist serves in the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center in Reston, Virginia, leading or participating in subsurface hydrologic studies of considerable scope and complexity, or serving as a project leader or member of an interdisciplinary team. At the full performance level (GS-13), the role conducts fundamental and applied research in subsurface hydrology, multiphase flow through porous media, poromechanics, and related geoscience disciplines. The position designs, develops, and executes numerical simulations of single- and multiphase fluid flow in geologic formations, including evaluating physical and thermodynamic effects associated with fluid injection. It translates real-world geologic data into conceptual and computational models while accounting for uncertainty, collaborates on multidisciplinary teams, communicates scientific results, prepares reports, presents findings at national and international conferences, and applies AI and machine-learning methods to modeling and simulation workflows. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level. The position may require overnight travel away from home for up to 1–2 nights per month. Work is typically performed in an office, with periodic field-site visits. Field work may involve outdoor conditions, varied terrain, weather, safety hazards, or industrial settings with noise, fumes, and moving machinery; personal protective equipment may be required. The duties are suitable for telework, subject to supervisor approval. The position has a one-year probationary period and requires a valid driver's license, a physical examination, and training and maintenance of a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

Requirements

Meet the basic education requirement through a qualifying physical or natural science or engineering degree with specified coursework, or an applicable combination of education and experience. Required coursework includes at least 30 semester hours in listed relevant subjects, including at least 6 semester hours of calculus and 6 semester hours of physics.
For GS-12: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including fundamental or applied research in subsurface hydrology or multiphase flow through porous media.
For GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12, including leading a team on fundamental or applied projects in subsurface hydrology or multiphase flow through porous media.
Specialized experience may include selecting, constructing, calibrating, and validating numerical groundwater models; integrating field observations, geologic data, and hydrologic measurements; and simulating groundwater flow, aquifer responses, and groundwater-surface water interactions.
Experience must demonstrate the hydrology knowledge and independent scientific-work ability appropriate to the grade level. GS-13 experience must include work of marked difficulty and responsibility, extensive independent judgment, and development or adaptation of methods for novel or obscure problems.
Provide transcripts supporting claimed education; qualifying transcripts must show the applicant and school names, grades, credit hours, major, GPA or class ranking, and degree conferral date if applicable.
Include hours worked per week for experience claimed in the resume.
Be a U.S. Citizen or National; pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication; satisfy Selective Service requirements where applicable; participate in Direct Deposit; and pass E-Verify.
Maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment and pass a physical examination.
Complete required training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Serve a one-year probationary period.
Observe applicable Department of the Interior ethics restrictions and workplace safety instructions and regulations.

Responsibilities

Conduct fundamental and applied research in subsurface hydrology, multiphase flow through porous media, poromechanics, and related geoscience disciplines.
Design, develop, and execute numerical simulations of single- and multiphase fluid flow in geologic formations.
Evaluate physical and thermodynamic impacts associated with fluid injection.
Translate data from real-world geologic systems into conceptual and computational models, accounting for uncertainty.
Provide technical expertise and communicate scientific results as part of multidisciplinary teams.
Prepare comprehensive written reports supported by tables, figures, and charts.
Present complex findings on geologic energy resources to scientific audiences at national and international conferences.
Apply artificial intelligence and machine-learning methods to enhance numerical modeling and simulation workflows.
At GS-13, lead or participate in subsurface hydrologic studies of considerable scope and complexity, including as a project leader or interdisciplinary team member.