JOB SUMMARY: What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? This is a term appointment not to exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 years without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. Salary: $39,578 (Step 01) to $51,446 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01. MAJOR DUTIES: As a Physical Science Technician within the Columbia Environmental Research Center, some of your specific duties will include: Performing sample processing and chemical analyses on environmental samples (sediments, tissues, water, and passive samplers). Performing routine calculations and reporting data and findings to project leads. Identifying abnormal situations and recommending modifications to methods as appropriate. Assisting with shipping, receipt, and collection of samples from the lab and field. Assisting with inventory and documentation of chemicals, samples, instrument logs, and other records required by the USGS Quality Management System. Operating a government owned/leased vehicle as an incidental driver. Physical Demands: Laboratory work require prolonged periods of standing and manual dexterity to operate equipment. Field work requires moderate to strenuous activities such as hiking digging, lifting and driving a vehicle. 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 may require protective clothing, gear, and observance of safety precautions. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.