Physical Science Technician

Open: September 25, 2026 —
Closes: October 1, 2026

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Coast Survey (OCS), with one vacancy in Gulfport, MS. This position is also announced under vacancy number NOS OCS--DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

As a Physical Science Technician, you will perform the following duties:
Carry out, monitor, coordinate and control all aspects of shallow water hydrographic survey field operations to support both routine nautical chart updates and rapid response to navigational emergencies. Responsible for the installation, integration, calibration, and operation of hydrographic survey equipment such as multibeam echo sounders, side scan sonars, Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial positioning systems, conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, and sound speed profilers.

Ensure small boat vessels meet operational safety standards. Acquire, process, and analyze survey data. Identify and correct data quality issues, equipment malfunctions, and operational survey deficiencies. Recommend improvements to standard operating procedures. Develop technical documents including hydrographic survey reports and standard operating procedures. Create geospatial information products to present and disseminate survey information. Conduct training in safety, vessel operations, and survey procedures.

Note:

These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZT-3;
The ZT-2 is developmental, leading to such performance. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. Must have a valid driver's license. Transports survey equipment, including towed vessel and trailers, via government vehicle. Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for the purpose of towing the survey launch. Up to 60% travel required in support of field operations, depending on survey priorities.

Must be able to conduct hydrographic survey operations and working with geographic information systems (GIS). Mobility agreement required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle in completion of assigned tasks i.e. site visits, field research, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position has physical requirements. Must be able to lift 50 lbs while on a small boat operating in light chop. This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZT-2 is equivalent to the GS-05/06/07/08. The ZT-3 is equivalent to the GS-09/10. The ZT-3 is the full performance level of the position.