Computer Scientist (EDGE)

US Geological Survey; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 106,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a Computer Scientist (EDGE) to lead innovative land characterization and monitoring work using ML and AI across wide spatial and temporal scales.

You will develop and apply new techniques, evaluate uncertainty, and advance operational capabilities for Earth observation data. Qualified candidates will have a strong foundation in CS, applicable math/statistics, and experience applying AI/ML to geospatial problems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in computer science OR a degree with 30 semester hours in math/statistics and CS
• At least 15 of the 30 hours must include calculus content
• Experience with applying AI/ML to geospatial problems is required or highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead development of ML/AI land characterization and monitoring approaches
• Apply advanced AI/ML methods to scientific/geospatial problems
• Translate mission needs into computational solutions and assess validity
• Collaborate across disciplines, communicate results to diverse audiences

Skills

AI/ML methods

Deep learning

Computer vision

Geospatial analysis

Research & publication

Education

BS in Computer Science with math/statistics hours

Job description

You will serve as a Computer Scientist (EDGE). This position will lead development of innovative land characterization and monitoring approaches over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales while investigating and applying new techniques and methodologies emphasizing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Salary: $106,437 (Step 1) - $138,370 (Step 10)
First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/30/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.

Basic Educational Requirements:

In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:

• Degree: Bachelor's or higher degree in computer science OR a bachelor's or higher degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. You must submit transcripts.

-AND-

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level:

• Specialized Experience Requirement: In addition to the basic education requirement stated above, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
  • Applying advanced AI/ML methods-including deep learning, foundation models, computer vision, automated feature extraction, or related approaches-to scientific or geospatial problems.
  • Conduct original research, develop and evaluate novel algorithms or analytical methods, and rigorously assess accuracy, uncertainty, scalability, and scientific validity.
  • Use of AI/ML for Earth observation and geospatial data applications.
  • Translate scientific or mission needs into computational solutions, evaluate emerging technologies and algorithms, and move research concepts toward usable products, tools, or operational capabilities.
  • Lead and collaborate across disciplines and organizations, communicate complex science effectively to technical and non-technical audiences, publish scientific results, and influence programs, stakeholders, or decision-making.

You must include hours per week worked.

Volunteer Experience:

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.