Geologist.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a geologist/engineering geologist to plan and conduct subsurface investigations for civil works projects, including foundations, landslides, channel design, and HTRW issues.

The role involves field surveys, data collection, and preparing design documents and contamination assessments with SCAPS and other equipment. Applicants should meet DHA requirements and be U.S. citizens; a pre-employment physical and background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Geology degree + 20 sem hours in math, physics, chemistry, or related fields.
• Experience or education aligning with GS-7/GS-9/GS-11 specialized experience requirements.
• Foreign education credentials must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence (if applicable).

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts studies and investigations for subsurface exploration in geological and hydrogeological problems.
• Makes reconnaissance surveys of proposed sites for foundations of dams and structures.
• Performs site investigations using SCAPS and other tools to characterize contamination at HTRW sites.
• Prepares cost estimates, maps, diagrams, and drawings for design memoranda and contamination reports.
• Revises design memoranda and reports based on new field data and test results.

Education

Geology degree + 20 sem hours in related subjects

Job description

Duties

• Plans and conducts assigned studies and investigations for subsurface exploration programs relative to geological and hydrogeological problems, including foundations, landslides, channel design, HTRW, etc.
• In initial planning and as appropriate to the assignment, makes reconnaissance surveys of proposed or potential sites for dams, power and pumping stations, and other structures for suitability of foundations.
• Conducts site investigations utilizing the Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) and other equipment to characterize and determine the extent of contamination at HTRW sites.
• Prepares cost estimates, narrative, geologic maps, cross‑sections, profiles, diagrams, and illustrations for design memoranda, contamination assessments, plans and specifications, scopes of work and other engineering geology and HTRW products.
• Revises and adjusts portions of design memoranda and contamination reports based on additional surface and subsurface field information, chemical test data, construction and engineering changes.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• There are physical requirements associated with this position. Wearing of protective equipment, e.g., safety shoes, safety glasses, etc., are required on project sites.
• Other protective equipment, such as respirators may be periodically required. Must be willing and able to participate in the medical surveillance program and attend 40 hours of HTRW training and updates.
• The incumbent must complete a pre‑employment physical and will be subject to periodic (e.g., annual) medical examinations following their appointment to determine fitness for the continued performance of the duties of the position.
• This position may require TDY 65% of the time.
• This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid State Driver's License.

Qualifications

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is

Minimum Education Requirement

Geology: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. Degree must be documented on a transcript.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards

- GS-1350 Series -

Specialized Experience

Minimum Qualifications GS-7: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting with geologic field investigations by gathering and recording basic field data for civil works projects; performing routine monitoring of drilling, sampling, or excavation activities to note compliance with established standards; utilizing computer software or standard methodologies to draft simple geologic cross‑sections and site maps; and participating in field surveys and site visits to observe geological conditions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

Minimum Qualifications GS-9: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes planning and executing geologic field investigations for civil works projects; performing geotechnical and geological analyses to evaluate sub‑surface, foundation, or slope stability conditions; interpreting and verifying contractor quality control data against engineering plans and specifications; and generating geologic models, maps, or technical reports to support design decisions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

OR

Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Geology, Geological Engineering, etc.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Minimum Qualifications GS-11: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes planning and directing geologic field investigations to obtain subsurface data for use in the design of complex civil works structures; evaluating and managing the quality assurance program of construction contractor drilling and excavation operations; interpreting, modeling, and approving complex geologic cross‑sections and profiles used for critical engineering analysis and foundation design; and coordinating multi‑disciplinary field surveys and geotechnical investigations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).

OR

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Geology, Geological Engineering, etc.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:

• This announcement uses the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre‑Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet.
• This is a(n) 18- Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Program position aligned under the Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) Career Management Directorate.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized.
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.