Physical Science Technician

Open: August 4, 2026 —
Closes: August 18, 2026

You will serve as a Physical Science Technician with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of ten (10) years, or more based on any changes to regulations governing the number of years term appointments may last, without further competition at management's discretion.

These positions are located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado. At the full performance level (GS-07) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct field phases of geologic data collection projects.
• Calibrate, install, and maintain field instrument sites for monitoring magnetotellurics, seismicity, gravity, multi-spectral or hyperspectral remote sensing, and similar parameters.
• Prepare rock samples for geochemical (e.g., trace metal or isotope) or physical (e.g., thin section or mineral separation) analyses.
• Process and plot data using standard or specially developed computer software, including GIS software.
• Assist scientists during the office phase of scientific projects including permitting, data management, and preparation of data for publication and release.

This position involves field work where the duties of the position may involve arduous conditions and those involving on-site emergency response. Therefore you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination to ensure you can perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, with or without accommodation.

Most work takes place in an office or laboratory settings with adequate heat, light, and ventilation. Office conditions do not require special safety precautions. Field conditions may include extreme heat or cold, rain or snow, and hazardous conditions such as exposure to extreme temperature, noxious or toxic gasses, ice or flooding. Field work may occasionally also involve encounters with snakes, bears, and other wilderness dangers International field work may be conducted in culturally hostile areas.

Some work of the position takes place mostly in an office or laboratory setting. No special physical effort is required. During emergency response periods, training of personnel on new equipment, or field work, the scientist may be expected to hike distances of several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Field work may require the use of proper personal protective gear, working in dusty, hot, humid, and extreme cold environments, occasional off-road driving of 4-wheel drive vehicles, traveling to remote field sites in helicopters or small fixed wing planes, and/or boats, lifting of equipment and objects weighing up to 20 kilograms may be necessary.

You will be required to maintain a valid State issued Driver's License as a condition of employment.

You will be required to travel for training, meetings or site visits (which will include field work).

You may be allowed to telework but only on a situational basis at management discretion.

* First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. GS-07: $56,262 - $73,142