Physical Science Technician (Seasonal)

National Park Service; El Portal (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service in the United States seeks a Physical Science Technician to support field and laboratory work for monitoring and resource management. You will collect data, perform routine tests, enter data, and help prepare reports under established protocols.

You will coordinate field work for air, water, and GIS programs; operate and maintain equipment; train staff and coordinate with researchers. Open to the first 250 applicants; start date May 2027. Scheduling varies.

Qualifications

• Submit transcripts from an accredited institution with your name and GPA.
• Foreign credentials must be evaluated if used for qualification.
• Official transcripts may be required before starting work if selected.

Responsibilities

• Collects and organizes field data and performs routine testing of samples.
• Monitors conditions in assigned program areas and compiles reports.
• Operates and maintains sampling, monitoring, and laboratory equipment.
• Plan field work, guide data collection, and train staff as needed.
• Summarizes data in reports for managers and staff.

Skills

Field data collection

Data entry

Laboratory equipment operation

Education

Transcripts

Tools

GIS software

Job description

• Schedule: Work schedule is dependent on the position.

The primary purpose of the Physical Science Technician is to perform technical field and laboratory work in support of physical science monitoring, research, and resource management programs, including the collection, processing, analysis, and management of scientific data and samples. Likely Entry on Duty: May - August 2027 Open to the first 250 applicants.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the Physical Science Technician Standard Duties include but are not limited to: Collects and organizes field data. Performs routine and recurring testing of collected samples, and performs data entry and compiles reports. Monitors conditions in assigned program areas. Provides logistical support and area orientation for contract or cooperating scientists. Operates and maintains sampling, monitoring and laboratory equipment and instruments.

The incumbent(s) will organize, coordinate, and implement the field work (i.e. data collection) component of the air resources, water resources, environmental contamination, integrated pest management programs and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs. Additional duties for GS-6: Takes necessary precautions to prevent loss or contamination of air and water samples.

Provides recommendations for establishing and improving air and water quality monitoring networks, sampling methodology and analytical procedures. Assists researchers with the implementation of their projects, including environmental compliance and logistical support. Conducts initial assessments to evaluate potential environmental contamination levels. Additional duties for GS-7: Uses scientific knowledge to determine best sites for data collection.

Plans work of field crews, exercising judgment to collect the best data possible without compromising safety. Ensures data is collected according to established protocols, providing guidance and training as necessary. Summarizes and interprets data in reports for use by organization managers and staff.

Requirements & Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and that (1) deemed your education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or (2) given full credit for courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $19.52 – $31.43/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Work schedule is dependent on the position. position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.