Physical Science Technician

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

NOAA in Gulfport, MS seeks a Physical Science Technician to oversee shallow water hydrographic survey operations, install and operate multibeam and sonar gear, and ensure data quality for chart updates.

You will process, analyze, and document survey results, create geospatial products, and develop standard procedures. Travel up to 60% is required; a Class A CDL may be needed to tow survey launches.

Qualifications

• Candidate must have the ability to lift 50 lbs on a small boat.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL for towing survey launch.
• Willingness to travel up to 60% to support field operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydrographic survey equipment and data collection workflows.
• Process, analyze, and validate survey data and GIS outputs.
• Develop technical documents and hydrographic reports.
• Train personnel in safety, vessel operations, and survey procedures.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance of field operations.

Job description

Open: September 25, 2026 — Closes: October 1, 2026

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Coast Survey (OCS), with one vacancy in Gulfport, MS. This position is also announced under vacancy number NOS OCS-26-13070814-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

Major Duties

As a Physical Science Technician, you will perform the following duties: Carry out, monitor, coordinate and control all aspects of shallow water hydrographic survey field operations to support both routine nautical chart updates and rapid response to navigational emergencies. Responsible for the installation, integration, calibration, and operation of hydrographic survey equipment such as multibeam echosounders, side scan sonars, Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial positioning systems, conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, and sound speed profilers. Ensure small boat vessels meet operational safety standards. Acquire, process, and analyze survey data. Identify and correct data quality issues, equipment malfunctions, and operational survey deficiencies. Recommend improvements to standard operating procedures. Develop technical documents including hydrographic survey reports and standard operating procedures. Create geospatial information products to present and disseminate survey information. Conduct training in safety, vessel operations, and survey procedures. Note: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZT-3; The ZT-2 is developmental, leading to such performance. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. Must have a valid driver's license. Transports survey equipment, including towed vessel and trailers, via government vehicle. Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for the purpose of towing the survey launch. Up to 60% travel required in support of field operations, depending on survey priorities. Must be able to conduct hydrographic survey operations and working with geographic information systems (GIS). Mobility agreement required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle in completion of assigned tasks i.e. site visits, field research, etc. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position has physical requirements. Must be able to lift 50 lbs while on a small boat operating in light chop. This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZT-2 is equivalent to the GS-05/06/07/08. The ZT-3 is equivalent to the GS-09/10. The ZT-3 is the full performance level of the position.