Geologist

What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position?

GS-9 Salary: $59,407 (Step 01) to $77,226 (Step 10);
GS-11 Salary: $71,877 (Step 01) to $93,437 (Step 10);
GS-12 Salary: $86,151 (Step 01) to $111,996 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.

The selectee will be entitled to a cost of living allowance of 3.50% in addition to the basic salary.

Qualifications:

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geologist, all grade levels.

A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in geology. In addition to the geology course work included in the degree, it must also have included or been supplemented by 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.

**OR

B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in geology plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

For GS-09:

In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-09 level:

** Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master's degree in geology or other directly related field of study or master's or equivalent graduate degree in geology or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.

**OR one year of appropriate professional experience in geology that is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience may include performing a variety of observations, computations, compilations and analyses in assisting higher level Geologists in carrying out geologic assignments. This work experience would have involved following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in applying basic principles and procedures, and would have required a good general working knowledge of the principles and the theories of geology.

**OR a combination of successfully completed graduate level education, as described above, and professional experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE)

For GS-11:

In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level:

**Three years of progressively higher level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. degree in geology or other directly related field of study or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in geology or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.

**OR one year of appropriate professional experience in geology that is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience could include independent responsibility for a well-defined study or for a phase of a larger study that required the planning and carrying out of routine geologic work. This work would have required the individual to select and make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work. At this level, Geologists have a sound working knowledge of the principles of geology and the ability to independently perform moderately difficult and responsible scientific work.

**OR a combination of successfully completed graduate level education as described above that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study and professional experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE)

For GS-12:

In addition to the basic education requirement as stated above, applicants must have one year of appropriate professional experience in geology that is equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service.

Examples of such experience could include planning and executing complex geologic studies, which usually involved intensive investigations into recognized phenomena. This work typically involved conventional methods & techniques though it required going beyond clear precedents, and required adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance. At this level, Geologists have a very good knowledge of the principles of geology and their application, and the ability to independently perform scientific work of considerable difficulty.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Responsibilities:

As a Geologist within the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Volcano Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

• Operates with the authority of the Scientist in Charge/Deputy Scientist in Charge to lead meetings and communication with a broad range of stake holders spanning emergency managers, other governmental agencies, communities at risk, and new media.
• Designs, develops, and produces multidisciplinary presentations and products about geologic history, hazards, processes, and scientific study of volcanoes. Such presentations and products include written articles for national publication, web presentations, and talks to schools and other groups, and audience needs.
• Participates in geologic, geochemical, and geophysical investigations and discussions of volcanoes and their processes and in monitoring and hazard response to restless or erupting volcanoes.
• Uses initiative, resourcefulness, and past experience to adapt established approaches and precedents to develop methods and procedures and to apply basic principles and theories.
• Develops new, and improves current, methods for increasing public awareness of volcano and earthquake hazards.
• Develops and manages forums and educational opportunities for the general public, earth-science teachers, and officials who serve the public in land-use planning and emergency-response matters.
• Serves as a leading member of the Communications and Technical Information Products Committees charged with formatting and implementing an outreach strategy that effectively communicates volcano hazards information to public officials, government agencies, emergency-response groups, educators, and the public.

Lower grade levels perform a wide range of tasks described in the above listing of duties and responsibilities. At the lower levels, the employees will be assigned work designed to further develop and refine their knowledge and skills. Assignments will typically combine productive work with on-going training and instruction. Supervision received at the lower levels will be closer with oversight and review being provided more frequently.

At the lower grade levels, more assistance, instruction, guidance, oversight, review, and supervision will be provided.

Physical Demands:
During emergency response periods, training of personnel on new equipment, or field work, thescientist may be expected to hike distances of several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Field work may require working in remote field sites with limited to no services.

Work Environment:
Field work may involve encounters with various volcanic hazards as well as with dangerous fauna and flora, and other wilderness dangers. Geology position with duties that involve subsurface investigation require geologists to work near drill rigs and heavy equipment. Geology positions with duties that involve construction support require geologists to work near heavy equipment and construction hazards.

Salary : $59,407 - $77,226