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Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant)
Geological Survey · Posted 123 days ago
On-site Vancouver, WA $21 – $27.3/hr Apply by Jun 8, 2026 Physical Science Technician ESTJESTPISFPISTP Trades
Apply for this job → About the Role
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary: $21.03 hourly (Step 01) to $27.34 hourly (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
What You'll Do
- →Duration of Appointment: This is a temporary excepted service position not-to-exceed 1 year but may be extended without further competition.
- →Employment may not exceed 1,039 hours in a service year.
- →All qualified applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered.
- →Appointment to this position, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.
- →As a Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) within the Water Mission Area, Volcano Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Assisting in data collection projects, including prepping equipment and supplies for field work.
- →Collecting environmental, rock, soil, and water samples.
- →Installing or operating data collection equipment.
- →Helping prepare sediment or rock samples which may include crushing, grinding, sieving, and weighing samples.
- →Operating equipment to record routine measurements including weight, pressure, temperature, pH, and chemical concentrations.
- →Assisting with occasional lab work which may include work with acids, bases, and solvents.
- →Operating a government owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.
- →Physical Demands: Laboratory work requires prolonged periods of standing and manual dexterity to operate equipment.
- →Field work requires moderate to strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking, digging, lifting, and driving a vehicle.
- →Work is physically demanding and includes walking, bending, climbing, and lifting of equipment and/or carrying samples up to 100 pounds when in the field, sometimes during adverse weather conditions.
Requirements
- ✓Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S.
- ✓Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
- ✓Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
- ✓Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.
- ✓Housing will not be provided.
- ✓More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
- ✓Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
- ✓You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties.
- ✓Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record.
- ✓If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license & a copy of your driving record.
- ✓Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.
- ✓Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment.
- ✓Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
- ✓A background investigation will be required for this position.
Personality Fit
Job ID: e973449f-6764-4677-8a9a-c4c06d29aba4
Posted via USAJobs