Geologist, GS-1350- 5/7/9/11, Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (71470)

Works under the general supervision of the Section Chief, who establishes objectives to be accomplished and assigns studies or investigations with suggestions for handling unusual problems. Incumbent is responsible for selecting methods and procedures to be followed in conducting geological, hydrogeological and hazardous toxic and radioactive waste (HTRW) studies and projects and in arriving at adequate solutions to problems encountered. Completed work is reviewed for compliance with criteria and effectiveness of results achieved.

• Plans and conducts assigned studies and investigations for subsurface exploration programs relative to geological and hydrogeological problems, including foundations, landslides, channel design, HTRW, etc. Participates in the planning of projects and accomplishes planning and execution of projects and studies such as design memoranda for engineering geology (field investigations), construction materials, location of water wells, studies in connection with dam design memoranda (foundations), contamination assessments, etc.
• In initial planning and as appropriate to the assignment, makes reconnaissance surveys of proposed or potential sites for dams, power and pumping stations, and other structures for suitability of foundations. Investigates prospective undeveloped quarry sites, existing commercial quarries and sandpits in the vicinity of large civil projects and performs cost studies and qualitative analyses to develop sources of aggregate. Prepares plans and specifications for special concrete types such as high-slump (tremie) mixes, shotcrete, etc. Research data for the latest state-of-the art for special concrete mixes, assuring that the final design meets the latest criteria. Researches published materials, other projects with related or similar geologic or hydrogeologic peculiarities, topographical maps, subsurface data, contaminant levels, aerial photos, and correlates all available data. Plans and carries out field investigations including layout of borings, determining variations in procedures or techniques to meet field, problems or necessitated by engineering changes. Determines adequacy of field investigations, both in planning and replanning, and interprets results of subsurface drilling programs.
• Conducts site investigations utilizing the Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) and other equipment to characterize and determine the extent of contamination at HTRW sites. Determines groundwater gradients and flow rates. Selects sample locations and takes groundwater and soils samples for contaminant testing and analyzes results.
• Prepares cost estimates, narrative, geologic maps, cross-sections, profiles, diagrams, and illustrations for design memoranda, contamination assessments, plans and specifications, scopes of work and other engineering geology and HTRW products. Presents conclusions and makes recommendations which may include relocation of structures, redesign, or remedial action.
• Revises and adjusts portions of design memoranda and contamination reports based on additional surface and subsurface field information, chemical test data, construction and engineering changes. Interprets findings, evaluates and determines the extent and significance of current data in relation to previous investigations, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Participates in conferences with higher echelons of authority, making recommendations and giving explanations of various phases of projects to which they are assigned.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Minimum Education Requirement:

Geology: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. Degree must be documented on a transcript.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards — GS-1350 Series - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/geology-series-1350/

Specialized Experience:

Minimum Qualifications GS-7:

Specialized Experience:One year of specialized experience which includes assisting with geologic field investigations by gathering and recording basic field data for civil works projects; performing routine monitoring of drilling, sampling, or excavation activities to note compliance with established standards; utilizing computer software or standard methodologies to draft simple geologic cross-sections and site maps; and participating in field surveys and site visits to observe geological conditions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05)

Minimum Qualifications GS-9:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes planning and executing geologic field investigations for civil works projects; performing geotechnical and geological analyses to evaluate sub-surface, foundation, or slope stability conditions; interpreting and verifying contractor quality control data against engineering plans and specifications; and generating geologic models, maps, or technical reports to support design decisions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07)

OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Geology, Geological Engineering, etc.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Minimum Qualifications GS-11:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes planning and directing geologic field investigations to obtain subsurface data for use in the design of complex civil works structures; evaluating and managing the quality assurance program of construction contractor drilling and excavation operations; interpreting, modeling, and approving complex geologic cross-sections and profiles used for critical engineering analysis and foundation design; and coordinating multi-disciplinary field surveys and geotechnical investigations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09)

OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Geology, Geological Engineering, etc.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Other Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 65% of the time.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• The incumbent must participate in a medical surveillance program and must be able to wear and use personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, air purifying respirators, protective clothing, etc. The incumbent must successfully undergo and pass a USACE approved HTRW physical or provide other documentation which verifies that they are physically and emotionally able to work in hazardous environments utilizing personal protective equipment.
• PCS expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Government Credit Card.