Physical Scientist

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS), with one vacancy in Pensacola, FL.

As a Physical Scientist, you will perform the following duties:

• Assist in reconnaissance, design, procurement, deployment, and recovery of oceanographic observing systems, including geodetic leveling.
• Assist with oceanographic and atmospheric instrumentation projects. Design, installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of industrial/marine control devices and systems, such as temperature, pressure, level, flow (current), environmental, analytical, and telemetry equipment, under supervision as required.
• Support marine construction activities and possess general knowledge of marine construction principles, tools, design, installation, and maintenance of coastal structures, while receiving supervision from more experienced team members.
• Assist with surveying tasks and have general knowledge of surveying principles, including 2nd and 3rd order leveling, instrumentation, benchmark setting, and applications for mapping and engineering surveys, working under the direct guidance of experienced personnel.

• This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. Position requires driving a government vehicle. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle.

• Required to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Required to perform strenuous outdoor work over the side of piers and wharfs, or from small boats to deploy or recover equipment.
• Required to climb, stoop, or bend to install various equipment including installation of benchmarks.
• Required to walk long distances to run geodetic levels and conduct GPS observations.

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).
• Qualification requirements must be met by closing date of the announcement.

• One year probationary period may be required unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee and are in the same line of work with no more than a 30 day break in service.
• Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized.
• This position requires a Low Risk Security Clearance.
• Background investigation will be required. Successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication are necessary for continued employment.

Qualification requirements are based on the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook.

Basic Requirements: Positive Education Requirement plus at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR a combination, including a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science.

Specialized

Experience:

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (e.g., ZP-1 or GS-05). Must include: assisting in marine construction activities or maintenance of coastal structures; and assisting in field team activities to support geodetic surveying via GPS, GNSS, or digital leveling.

Education and Experience Options:

• Substitution of education:
  One year of graduate‑level education.
• Superior academic achievement, such as a GPA of 2.9 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate courses, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher for major courses, or upper‑third class standing, or membership in a national Scholastic Honor Society.
• Combination of graduate‑level education and specialized experience.

Contracts are filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). The ZP-2 is equivalent to GS‑07/09, and the ZP‑3 is equivalent to GS‑11/12.

The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will not be hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to make the federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and employment status.