Physical Scientist (HAZMAT) - Direct Hiring Authority

Bureau of Reclamation; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bureau of Reclamation is seeking a Physical Scientist (HAZMAT) at the GS-1301-12 level in Sacramento, California, within the Division of Environmental Affairs. This federal role requires the knowledge to identify hazardous materials issues and lead environmental investigations and compliance efforts.

First-time hires usually start at the step 1 rate and all qualifications must be met by the closing date. A bachelor’s degree in physical science/engineering with 24 hours in physical science is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science or related engineering science.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate hazardous materials issues and problems.
• Prepare environmental documentation for compliance with regulatory requirements.

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical science or engineering with 24 semester hours in physical science and related engineering science

Job description

You will serve as a Physical Scientist (HAZMAT) - Direct Hiring Authority GS- 1301-12 working in Sacramento, California for the Division of Environmental Affairs.

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

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/06/2026-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.

In order to qualify for this position, you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualifications.

Basic Requirement for 1301 series:

Successfully completed a bachelor's degree or higher degree from an accredited college or university that included a major field of study in physical science, engineering or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. ORSuccessfully completed a combination of education and experience that included course work equivalent to a major (i.e., 24 semester hours) in physical sciences and/or a related engineering science; plus, appropriate experience or additional education. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of this position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above.

Minimum Qualification GS-12:

One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience includes:

• identifying and evaluating hazardous materials issues and problems;
• serving as a project manager or study team leader for projects and investigations in the areas of hazardous waste and environmental compliance;
• interpreting and providing guidance on hazardous materials rules and regulations;
• conducting environmental analysis on collected data to identify and report on emerging environmental trends;
• preparing environmental documentation for compliance with regulatory requirements.

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.