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Open: August 13, 2026 — Closes: August 26, 2026
Summary
This position serves as a Geologist (Coal), GS-1350-12/13 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Rocky Mountain Region, Central Energy Resources Science Center.
Major Duties
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Us Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Rocky Mountain Region, Central Energy Resources Science Center, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado. At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Take Initiative to conduct relevant assessments of the availability and recoverability of coal resources and reserves on a regional scale, using peer reviewed methodology and techniques. 2. Lead efforts to determine the amount of technically recoverable coal remaining in the U.S., with an emphasis on coal resources on Federal lands; plans and prioritizes future coal assessment studies, based on potential coal utilization patterns and coal quality trends; 3. Refine and work to improve the methods and techniques used in coal assessments, including the use of stochastic geostatistical methods. Develops protocols to continue to integrate the use of coal quality parameters to further delineate coal resources in assessment studies. The incumbent will use expertise and knowledge of coal mining methods to establish reasonable parameters to assist in defining coal resources and reserves, based on current mining techniques and technology. 4. Serve as a technical expert on complex coal geology, coal resource, and coal quality research topics on a national and international scale. Areas of expertise include coal depositional systems, coal exploration and resources assessments, coal rank and classification, coal quality, coal mining methods, ground control, identification of adverse geologic mining conditions, and other areas of coal geoscience. Collaborates with the EUSEF co-project lead in the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center (GEMSC), CERSC management, and the ERP Program Coordinator to formulate and modify, if needed, project research strategy and scope. Takes the initiative to develop collaborative research opportunities with other Federal or state agencies, academia, and/or industry. 5. Prepare, complete, and disseminate the results of research and assessments through presentations and publications which advance the knowledge and understanding of coal depositional processes and coal resource quantities. Information and results will be disseminated internally within the USGS and in external publications. Pre-employment Medical Examination This position involves field work where the duties of the position may involve arduous conditions. Therefore you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination to ensure you can perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, with or without accommodation. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with occasional work in the field and/or in a laboratory. In an office setting, the incumbent may spend extended periods of time working at a computer. Field and laboratory duties may expose the incumbent to additional risks and safety hazards. These additional risks and safety hazards may require safety or hazard recognition training, as well as the use of special personal protective equipment. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered during the performance of outdoor field work. Field work may also include the operation of four-wheel drive vehicles and light trucks. The incumbent is expected to conduct all duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger themselves, fellow workers, or property. Physical Demands The work may include office, field, and laboratory assignments. Office assignments are generally sedentary, and the incumbent may spend extended periods of time working at a computer. Physical activities may involve lifting or moving moderately heavy items such as computers, file boxes, or rock samples. Field work may require moderate physical ability, average agility and dexterity, and some physical exertion. Field work may include walking over wet, sandy, uneven, or rocky surfaces. Field work may also include the lifting of moderately heavy objects, such as field equipment, rock samples, or core boxes, as well as physical activities such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, or reaching. Telework You may be allowed to telework on a situational basis at management discretion. Driver's License You will be expected to travel for this position, therefore you will be required to maintain a valid State issued Driver's License as a condition of employment. Travel You may be expected to travel for meetings, training, field work, and site visits.
