Physical Scientist

Bureau of Reclamation • Sacramento, CA

9d

About The Position

The Physical Scientist will serve with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Division of Environmental Affairs, supporting scientific and professional environmental activities throughout the California-Great Basin. The role plans, coordinates, and conducts field sampling investigations to determine the extent of contamination in groundwater, surface water, vegetation, soil, sediment, and air. Investigations follow applicable EPA, USGS, and/or Bureau of Reclamation protocols and program plans. The scientist evaluates and interprets environmental study results, assesses their validity and scientific significance, and reports findings to support effective program execution and demonstrate compliance with State or Federal Executive Orders. The position also develops recommendations for project and program managers regarding comprehensive monitoring plans and prepares program- and project-specific documentation, reports, correspondence, status reports, and general information on activities.

The position requires meeting the stated basic education and specialized experience requirements. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, meet applicable Federal qualification and time-in-grade rules, and satisfy the listed employment conditions. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

• Meet a basic education requirement through either a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics including 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience including the required 24 semester hours.
• For GS-11, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 performing environmental monitoring; implementing monitoring plans and models to collect representative environmental samples; evaluating environmental studies and assessing potential effects of chemical constituents on biota, public health, or agriculture; preparing sampling and analysis plans; and developing reports, correspondence, and environmental-data management activities. Alternatively, qualify through three years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a Ph.D. or a doctoral degree in a related field, or a combination of education and experience.
• Meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date of 10/27/2026.
• Meet applicable Federal time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Meet background investigation and favorable adjudication requirements.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
• Submit transcripts supporting claimed education; foreign education must be evaluated as described in the announcement.
• For current Federal employees, provide acceptable documentation of work schedule when required; other applicants must state full-time or part-time hours on their resume.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct technical field sampling investigations under applicable EPA, USGS, and/or Bureau of Reclamation protocols to determine contamination in groundwater, surface water, vegetation, soil, sediment, and air.
• Coordinate with branch staff to collect and incorporate field splits and other quality assurance/quality control measures specified in program plans.
• Coordinate within the agency and with external partners as needed to support the agency mission.
• Evaluate and interpret environmental study results, determine their validity and scientific significance, and report findings to support program execution and demonstrate compliance with State or Federal Executive Orders.
• Develop recommendations for project and program managers on the design or update of comprehensive monitoring plans.
• Prepare program- and project-specific documentation and reports, correspondence, status reports, and general information regarding activities.

Benefits

• The announcement states that 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: Mid Level