Physical Scientist

Geological Survey • Moffett Field, CA

4d

About The Position

The Physical Scientist will serve with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earthquake Science Center, supporting the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system. The role leads and contributes to communication, education, outreach, and technical engagement (CEO&TE) with federal, state, and local agency officials and other stakeholders. The scientist helps develop and implement long-term, integrated CEO&TE plans and protocols to maximize the effectiveness of ShakeAlert and align with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

The position communicates complex scientific and technical information about earthquake hazards and ShakeAlert to non-technical audiences; develops and disseminates educational materials; and contributes directly to ShakeAlert’s web and social media presence. It also plans and coordinates stakeholder working groups, meetings, workshops, and other interactions. The position requires participation in a 24/7 on-call response rotation, serving on call for seven days at a time, including nights and weekends.

Work is primarily in a field, laboratory, or office setting. Laboratory work may involve dust, toxic chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and noise, requiring special safety precautions and protective equipment. Field work may involve extreme weather, poisonous plants, insects, and other dangerous situations. The position is suitable for telework with supervisory approval. Salary ranges are $111,896–$145,468 in Moffett Field, California, and $100,602–$130,786 in Seattle, Washington; first-time federal hires normally start at Step 1.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must meet the basic education requirement: a four-year degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics including 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, or a qualifying combination of education and experience equivalent to four years of study.
• Must have one year of appropriate professional experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level, directly related to the position, in addition to meeting the education requirement.
• Qualifying specialized experience may include research in social, physical, or Earth science; planning and executing community engagement campaigns; STEM teaching in formal or free-choice learning environments; communicating about natural-hazard preparedness, mitigation, planning, response, and recovery; or experience with emergency-management protocols, procedures, and structures.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license and a safe driving record; selected applicants must provide proof of the license and a copy of their driving record.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication, E-Verify employment verification, and any applicable employment eligibility checks.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applicants using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit transcripts.
• All qualification and eligibility requirements must be met by the announcement closing date, November 2, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ShakeAlert CEO&TE community of officials in federal, state, and local agencies and collaborate on long-term, integrated public communication, education, outreach, and technical engagement protocols and plans.
• Communicate complex scientific and technical information about earthquake hazards and the ShakeAlert system and its uses to non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with the CEO&TE Coordinator on long-range strategic planning related to CEO&TE scope and content in relation to ShakeAlert system goals and USGS Earthquake Hazards Program goals.
• Develop and implement new, multidisciplinary, cost-effective methods and products for disseminating educational materials consistent with existing hazards education efforts.
• Participate directly in developing and curating ShakeAlert’s web and social media presence.
• Plan, facilitate, and coordinate working groups, meetings, workshops, and other stakeholder interactions as directed by the CEO&TE Coordinator.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call duty response rotations, serving on call for seven days at a time, including nights and weekends.
• Operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of official duties.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• A recruitment incentive may be offered to eligible applicants at the agency’s discretion; it is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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