HYDROLOGIST.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); Reston (VA); Híbrido; USD 102.000 - 158.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Reston, VA is seeking a scientist at the GS-12/13 level to conduct research in subsurface hydrology and multiphase flow, develop numerical simulations of fluid flow in geologic formations, and translate data into predictive models.

The role emphasizes collaboration, reporting, and presenting findings at scientific venues. The position supports using AI/ML to enhance workflows and may involve travel and telework with supervisor approval.

Formación

• Experience with subsurface hydrology or multiphase flow concepts.
• Ability to design and run numerical simulations of fluid flow in geologic formations.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for reports and presentations.
• Knowledge of AI/ML methods to enhance modeling workflows.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in subsurface hydrology and related geoscience disciplines.
• Design, develop, and execute numerical simulations of single- and multiphase fluid flow in geological formations.
• Translate field data into conceptual and computational models, accounting for uncertainties.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to communicate results and prepare reports for scientific audiences.
• Apply AI and ML methods to improve numerical modeling and integrate computational tools.

Descripción del empleo

Duties

At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in subsurface hydrology, multiphase flow through porous media, poromechanics, and related geoscience disciplines.
• Design, develop, and execute numerical simulations of single- and multiphase fluid flow in geologic formations, including evaluation of physical and thermodynamic impacts associated with fluid injection.
• Translate data from real-world geologic systems into conceptual and computational models, applying sound scientific judgement while accounting for inherent uncertainties.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to provide technical expertise, communicate scientific results, and prepare comprehensive written reports supported by tables, figures, and charts. Present complex findings on geologic energy resources to scientific audiences at national and international conferences.
• Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to enhance numerical modeling and simulation workflows, integrating advanced computational tools into research activities.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1-2 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Salary

GS-12: $102,415 (step 1) - $133,142 (step 10)

GS-13: $121,785 (step 1) - $158,322 (step 10)

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• You must pass a physical examination.
• You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

This Probationary Period Is An Extension Of The Appointment Process And Therefore Requires The Agency To Determine If Continued Employment Would Advance The Public Interest, Meet The Organization Goals And Mission Of The Agency, And/or Otherwise Promote The Efficiency Of The Service. In Determining If Your Employment Advances The Public Interest, The Agency Will Consider

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government;
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/06/2026-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.

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

• A. Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels. You must submit transcripts.
• B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• AND

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level:

• Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience must include fundamental or applied research in subsurface hydrology or multiphase flow through porous media. Experience could include assisting in selecting, constructing, calibrating, and validating numerical groundwater models; integrating field observations, geologic data, and hydrologic measurements; and simulating groundwater flow, aquifer responses, and groundwater-surface water interactions under varying hydrologic and management conditions. At this level, experience should demonstrate a very good knowledge of the principles of hydrology and their application, and the ability to independently perform scientific work of considerable difficulty. You must include hours per week worked.

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

• Specialized Experience Requirement: 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 must include leading a team in fundamental or applied projects of subsurface hydrology or multiphase flow through porous media. Experience could include selecting, constructing, calibrating, and validating numerical groundwater models; integrating field observations, geologic data, and hydrologic measurements; and simulating groundwater flow, aquifer responses, and groundwater-surface water interactions under varying hydrologic and management conditions. The complexity of this work typically required extensive modification and adaptation of standard procedures, methods, and techniques, and the development of totally new methods and techniques to address novel or obscure problems for which guidelines or precedents were not substantially applicable. At this level, experience should demonstrate extensive knowledge of the principles of hydrology and highly developed ability in their application, and wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty and responsibility. You must include hours per week worked.

Volunteer Experience

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.

Education

This position does not allow substituting education for experience.

This position has a mandatory education requirement.

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education

To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The work is typically performed in an office setting with no special physical demands. However, work may also be performed in the field which involves periods of walking, bending, climbing, or driving motor vehicles to worksites. The work may also involve some overnight travel for training, meetings, and site visits. The work is usually performed in an office setting. However, work time may also be spent periodically visiting field sites. Field site visits are typically performed in either an outdoor setting subject to weather changes, diverse terrain, and safety hazards associated with working around complex features and/or construction, or an industrial setting subject to noise, fumes, and moving machinery. Both settings may require the use of personal protective equipment. Safety precautions and protocols are observed at all times and the scientist complies with safety instructions and regulations and ensures individual and others' safety by promptly reporting unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and accidents to the supervisor.

Telework

All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here,

The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Commitment

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.

Benefits

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.