Pysical Scientist

National Park Service; Copper Center (AK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Copper Center, AK seeks a Physical Scientist.

This career-seasonal position involves developing and implementing programs across geology, soils, hydrology, hydrogeology, air quality, acoustics, paleontology, caves and karst formations. At the GS-11 level, duties include managing the Abandoned Mineral Lands program, providing subject matter expertise on hydrology and landscape-scale geological processes, coordinating research, and

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Physical Scientist for program development across geology, soils, hydrology, air quality, acoustics, paleontology, caves and karst formations.
• At GS-11 level, manage the Abandoned Mineral Lands program and advise on hydrology and landscape-scale geological processes.
• Identify research needs, prepare proposals, and oversee projects.
• Incorporate GIS technology to provide scientific answers to managers and the public.
• Represent the superintendent when working on physical science matters and build liaison networks.

Job description

Open: September 30, 2026 — Closes: October 6, 2026

Summary

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Copper Center, AK. Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as permanent appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will work for approximately mid-June through late May, and you will be in a non-pay status for the remainder of the year.

Major Duties

In this position, you will serve as a Physical Scientist and will be responsible for program development and implementation related to geology, soils, hydrology, hydrogeology, air quality, acoustics, paleontology, caves and karst formations, and related fields and activities. At the full performance level (GS-11) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: Manage Abandoned Mineral Lands program, as well provide subject matter expertise on hydrology, and other landscape level geological processes. Identifies research needs, prepares requests for proposals, and provides oversight for research projects. Incorporates appropriate GIS technology into job to provide comprehensive and scientifically sound answers to inquiries from managers and others. Uses automatic methods of data collection, analysis or illustration. Conducts analysis of complex data. Determines and documents the significance of findings. Represents the superintendent and/or supervisor when working with others on physical science matters. Develops and maintains liaisons and effective working relations with related groups and individuals, agencies, and the public. May carry out program management duties by developing work plans and schedules, scopes of work, cost estimates, and proposals and/or grants to justify funding requests and accomplish goals. Attends management and professional conferences and other events for the purpose of exchanging information and advancing advocacy for park stewardship.