Chemist - Reston, United States - US Geological Survey

US Geological Survey
US Geological Survey
Verified Company
Reston, United States

1 week ago

Mark Lane

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Mark Lane

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Description

Duties:


As a Chemist within the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:


Duties:


  • Perform analytical tests for water quality parameters, physical measurements (density, total dissolved solids), and ions via ion chromatography.
  • Analyze major, minor, and trace elements using inductively coupled plasmaoptical emission spectrometry.
  • Identify data problems and modify, adapt, or develop new analytical methods for inorganic analysis of brines and other geologic materials.
  • Participate in the USGS Quality Management System including writing standard operating procedures, coordinating laboratory audits, and responding to corrective actions.
  • Write reports summarizing procedures, techniques, and results for internal and external audiences.
  • Assist with sample collection, processing, and interpretative activities.
  • Participate in geologic fieldwork at remote locations or drill sites, occasionally operating a government vehicle.
  • Operates government owned vehicle as an incidental driver.

Physical Demands:

The work primarily sedentary but may involve prolonged standing in the laboratory environment.

Geologic sample collection and other field assignments involve outdoor work where there is considerable walking, climbing over rough or mountainous terrain, and possible heavy lifting of equipment.


Work Environment:


Work is typically performed in an office or laboratory; however, work during the field season involves exposure to a range of weather and temperature conditions, poisonous fauna, insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife.


Requirements:


Conditions of Employment:


Key Requirements:


  • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
  • Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

  • Driver's License/Driving Record
  • You will be required to operate a governmentowned 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.

  • Pre-Employment Medical
  • Taking and passing a preemployment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job.

Qualifications:


BASIC
EDUCATION
REQUIREMENT:
Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Chemist, all grade levels.

  • A. Successful completion of a full 4year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent in physics.
- **OR B. A combination of education and experience-course work equivalent to a major as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering), including at least 30 semester hours or the equivalent in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent of physics, plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above.

-
For GS-11:


In addition to the basic education requirement stated above, applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education (54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.

D. degree in chemistry or other directly related field of study or Ph.
D.

or equivalent doctoral degree in chemistry or other directly related field of study if it provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

- **OR one year of appropriate professional experience in chemistry that is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service.

  • Examples of such experience include independent responsibility for performing established, standardized chemical tests and analyses on high salinity natural water samples in a laboratory setting. Implements new testing and analytical methods. Develops and suggests minor adaptations & fills in the gaps found in newly developed guidelines that govern the new testing methods. At this level, Chemists have a sound working knowledge of the principles of chemistry and the ability to independently perform moderatel
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