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Open: April 1, 2026 — Closes: April 7, 2026
Summary
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary: $19.84 hourly (Step 01) to $25.79 hourly (Step 10) NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
Major Duties
Duration of Appointment: This is a temporary excepted service position not-to-exceed 1 year but may be extended without further competition. Employment may not exceed 1,039 hours in a service year. All qualified applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered. Appointment to this position, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. As a Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) within the Central Plains Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Collects, prepares, and documents field data-including stratigraphic measurements, sample collection, geological and vegetation observations-and presents findings using maps, charts, and graphs Installs, calibrates, operates, and maintains data-collection stations and telemetry systems, including creating site maps and assembling simple circuits or electronic subsystems. Monitors site conditions, evaluates observed issues, and makes preliminary determinations for review by project leads or scientists. Prepares sediment and rock samples for laboratory analysis through crushing, grinding, sieving, weighing, and performing chemical extraction, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses Conducts chemical and physical measurements using laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, and mass spectrometers, ensuring equipment is used, maintained, and adjusted properly. Operates a government motor vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Demands: Laboratory work requires prolonged periods of standing and manual dexterity to operate equipment. Field work requires moderate to strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking, digging, lifting, and driving a vehicle. Work is physically demanding and includes walking, bending, climbing, and lifting of equipment and/or carrying samples up to 100 pounds when in the field, sometimes during adverse weather conditions. Work Environment: Field work involves moderate risks and discomforts, exposure to conditions such as rain, cold/hot weather, and rapidly running or icy streams and rivers. Laboratory work involves exposure to moderate risks or discomforts such as high levels of noise and vibration, dust, grease, exposed moving parts of machinery, or irritant fumes and chemicals. Work requires protective clothing, gear, and observance of safety precautions.
