Physical Scientist (Seasonal)

National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 33,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service in the United States is seeking a GIS field data technician to support natural and cultural resources inventory and monitoring within a park unit in California.

Responsibilities include collecting field data, operating GPS/GNSS equipment and data loggers, troubleshooting field devices, and helping develop geospatial outputs such as maps and reports for management and research purposes.

Qualifications

• Must be able to collect field data for resources inventories and monitoring.
• Experience operating GPS/GNSS equipment and related data collection apps.

Responsibilities

• Collect field data contributing to natural/cultural resources inventory or monitoring.
• Operate and troubleshoot field monitoring installations (power, dataloggers, sensors).
• Assist with preparation of management/scientific reports from results of protection and monitoring activities.
• Use mapping-grade GPS/GNSS and apps like Collector for ArcGIS to collect and record field data.
• Design and develop geospatial outputs such as maps, graphics, and reports.

Skills

Field data collection

GPS/GNSS

Geospatial data analysis

Tools

Trimble

Collector for ArcGIS

Job description

• Schedule: Work schedule is dependent on the position.

The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between March - November but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April - May 2027. Open to the first 30 applicants or until 10/26/2026, whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Collect field data contributing to the basic natural or cultural resources inventory of a park or a monitoring program to assess status and trends of resources condition. Operate and troubleshoot problems with natural resource and/or physical science monitoring installations including power supply, datalogger, sensors, calibration, etc.

Assist with preparation of management and scientific reports regarding the results of protection, mitigation, restoration, inventory, monitoring, and research activities. Use mapping grade and/or survey grade GPS/GNSS equipment, such as Trimble and/or use mobile devices and applications, such as Collector for ArcGIS, to collect and record field data.

GS-09: Design and develop appropriate geospatial data outputs and products such as paper maps, web mapping applications, graphics, and reports.

Requirements & Education

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.

https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

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 $24.18 – $38.45/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

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.