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Open: August 6, 2026 — Closes: August 19, 2026
Summary
This position serves as a Physical Scientist, GS-1301-12 working in Lakewood, CO for the Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center. This is a term appointment not-to-exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 10 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. Salary: GS-12: $99,800 (Step 01) to $129,742 (Step 10). First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
Major Duties
As a PHYSICAL SCIENTIST your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Develop, maintain, and manage geophysical and geological databases, data archives containing geologic, geochemical, mine feature, and mine waste datasets to support mineral and energy resource assessments. Serve as technical expert on database development, data management, and geological information systems, providing guidance to scientists, engineers, and project teams. Prepare, author, or co-author technical reports, scientific publications, and other documentation summarizing analyses and research findings. Present technical findings, research results, and project updates through oral presentations, posters, and briefings to professional organizations, stakeholders, and leadership. Construct, validate, and maintain complex spatial databases and multi-layer GIS datasets to support scientific research and program objectives. Analyze complex geospatial or geochemical problems and recommend technical solutions that improve data quality, system performance, and analytical capabilities. Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews to validate the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of datasets prior to productions use. Operate a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requires some physical exertion and may require prolonged standing in the laboratory environment. Field assignments involve outdoor work where there is considerable walking and climbing over rough or mountainous terrain. The work may require physical exertion such as lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crawling in restrictive spaces, and defending oneself against physical attack. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work performed in the laboratory may involve use of equipment which can result in exposure to dust, toxic chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and noise. Special safety precautions are required including use of laboratory coats, safety glasses, dust masks, gloves, etc. Work in the field involves exposure to extreme outdoor weather conditions with exposure to poisonous growth and insects involving a high risk with exposure to dangerous situations.
