Geophysicist

U.S. Department of the Interior; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Region, Geologic Hazards Science Center, seeks a Geophysicist (GS-1313-11) to support field measurements, data analysis, and time-series interpretation.

The position emphasizes magnetometer work and rigorous data quality checks within geophysical projects. Applicants should have a 4-year degree in math/physical sciences or an equivalent education/experience combination, with transcripts required to verify education.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree with at least 30 semester hours in mathematics and physical sciences.
• Combination of education and experience totaling 4 years may satisfy the education requirement.
• Transcript(s) required to verify education.
• Volunteer experience credit is considered for qualifications.

Skills

Geophysical measurements

Geomagnetic data analysis

Data quality review

Education

4-year degree in math/physical sciences

Job description

This position serves as a Geophysicist, GS-1313-11 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Region, Geologic Hazards Science Center.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 09/22/2026 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 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geophysicist, all grade levels.

• A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
• B. A combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. Please Note: This position requires specific educational coursework to qualify. You MUST provide transcripts in order to verify that the educational requirements have been met (unofficial versions are acceptable). This information must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide this information may result in you receiving an "INELIGIBLE" rating.

-AND-

Minimum Qualification Requirements (Continued)

Specialized Experience

GS-11

In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement above, to qualify for the GS-11 you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

1. Performing measurements using geophysical instruments, with an emphasis on magnetometers and related equipment; AND
2. Retrieving, calibrating, cleaning, and analyzing geomagnetic time-series data; AND
3. Reviewing geomagnetic data and metadata to ensure quality and consistency.

To qualify you MUST meet at least 2 of the 3 specialized experience statements above.

-OR-

Education

You may substitute graduate education for experience if you have achieved:

• - 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree. Education MUST be related to the nature of the position.

-OR-

Qualifying combination of Education and Experience

A combination of successfully completed graduate education (only successfully completed education beyond the second year (or 36 semester hours) is creditable towards meeting this requirement) and specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level that is related to the position and total 100% of the requirement for this grade level.

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.