Supervisory Physical Scientist

US Geological Survey; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

US Geological Survey in Lakewood, Colorado seeks a Supervisory Physical Scientist to lead geophysical data projects and guide rock/soil research to support land and resource management. Responsibilities include overseeing investigations, interpreting complex data, coordinating laboratory and field activities, and ensuring compliance with standards while advancing bureau missions.

The position requires mentoring staff, collaborating with partners, and delivering timely, high-quality scientific

Qualifications

• Must have degree or combination with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering.
• 12
• Specialized experience: one year at GS-12 level in geological investigations and data interpretation.
• Volunteer experience may count toward qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead geological, geophysical, or geochemical investigations.
• Evaluate and interpret complex scientific data.
• Coordinate laboratory, field, or research activities to ensure accuracy and standards.

Skills

Geological investigations leadership

Data interpretation

Technical guidance

Laboratory/field coordination

Education

Degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics with 24 sem hrs in physical science/engineering

Job description

You will serve as a Supervisory Physical Scientist .This position is located within the Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Region, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Service Center located in Lakewood, Colorado. This position will develop projects internal to the bureau or through partnerships with other agencies utilizing and synthesizing geophysical data to effectively respond to land and resource management and to societal issues.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/24/2026-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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:
A. Degree: 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. You must submit transcripts.
-OR-
B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-AND-

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level:

• Specialized Experience Requirement: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Leading and overseeing geological, geophysical, or geochemical investigations; evaluating and interpreting complex scientific data; providing technical guidance to resolve scientific or operational challenges; and coordinating laboratory, field, or research activities to ensure accurate results and compliance with established 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.