Hydrologic Technician

Summary This position is located in United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Soil Drainage Research Unit in Columbus, Ohio. In this position, you will actively participate in one or more phases of a research process related to hydrology by performing a variety of technical duties in a field or laboratory environment. Responsibilities Collect hydrology data from the field using specialty equipment and defined procedures (e.g. micro-meteorology and eddy covariance flux tower systems). Visually examine test items to determine apparent damage or change and reports findings. Determine the cause of deviations in the collected data (e.g., equipment malfunctions, sampling technique, or observational errors) and recognize and report errors and inconsistencies, calibrate instruments, and resolve operational problems. Construct, assemble, and install complex precision instruments and devices (e.g. weather stations, micrometeorological devices (such as gas analyzers and sonic anemometer), soil temperature and moisture sensors, data loggers). Use appropriate equipment and computer software in assembling and tabulating data. Modify and repair experimental or other equipment used in the conduct of research assignments. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-06: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-06 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience utilizing computer software to analyze data, maintaining and operating general field or laboratory equipment; and assisting research scientists in one or more phases of a research project. OR Education: One full year of graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or Hydrology. OR A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described above. GS-07: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience assisting with collecting hydrologic field measurements; participating in a research project related to crops or cropping systems; and calibrating or maintaining laboratory or field equipment. OR Education: One full year of graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or Hydrology. OR A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described above. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.