Physical Science Technician (Seasonal)

US National Park Service; Marblemount (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The US National Park Service seeks a Physical Science Technician to perform technical field and laboratory work in support of physical science monitoring, research, and resource management. The role involves collection, processing, analysis, and management of scientific data and samples.

Open to the first 50 applicants with an expected start around April 2027. Applicants must provide a detailed resume showing duties, dates, and hours, and must meet closing date requirements.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 in the Federal service.
• Graduate coursework in a physical science can substitute for experience at the GS-07 level.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory work in support of physical science monitoring, research, and resource management.
• Collect, process, and analyze scientific data and samples; maintain accurate records.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain scientific equipment and monitoring devices.
• Prepare technical reports, findings, or recommendations based on data analysis.

Skills

Field sampling planning

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Quality control

Instrumentation maintenance

Education

One academic year of graduate education in physical science

Graduate study in astronomy/physics/chemistry/hydrology/oceanography

Tools

Scientific monitoring equipment

Air/water/soil sampling methods

Job description

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: April 2027

Open to the first 50 applicants.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level, you must possess one of the following

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service.
  
  
  
  • planning logistics for physical science field sampling and monitoring activities;
  
  
  • collecting, preparing, or analyzing air, water, soil, climate, or other physical science samples or data using established methods;
  
  
  • conducting technical tests or measurements to determine physical or chemical properties or environmental conditions;
  
  
  • operating, calibrating, or maintaining scientific sampling and monitoring equipment;
  
  
  • maintaining scientific records and performing quality control of data;
  
  
  • organizing, summarizing, or evaluating scientific data for reports or project documentation.
  
  
  
  


• Successful completion of a half-year of graduate education (9 semester hours or 13.5 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university with a major study in an appropriate field of physical science such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, hydrology, oceanography or other appropriate field of physical science.


• Equivalent combination of experience and education that, together, equal 100% of the qualification standards listed above when combined.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service.
  
  
  
  • planning and coordinating physical science field sampling or monitoring activities;
  
  
  • determining appropriate sampling locations, methods, or equipment based on project requirements and field conditions;
  
  
  • collecting and evaluating air, water, soil, climate, or other physical science data;
  
  
  • installing, configuring, troubleshooting, or maintaining scientific monitoring equipment;
  
  
  • reviewing scientific data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established protocols;
  
  
  • analyzing and summarizing scientific data to identify conditions, patterns, or trends; and
  
  
  • preparing technical reports, findings, or recommendations.
  
  
  
  


• Successful completion of one academic year of graduate education from an accredited college or university with a major study in an appropriate field of physical science such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, hydrology, oceanography or other appropriate field of physical science.


• I have a combination of graduate education and experience listed above that when combined, total 100% of the qualification requirements. Note: only education in excess of what is required at the GS-06 level can be used to substitute for specialized experience at the GS-07 level. For example, 12 semester hours of graduate coursework would calculate to 3 semester hours that can be used to substitute for GS-07 level experience because only 3 hours are in excess of what is required at the GS-07 level (which is 9 semester hours).

You must provide transcripts to use education to qualify for this position.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.

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.