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Geophysicist
Department of the Interior
Geological Survey
Office of the Regional Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Summary
This position serves as a Geophysicist, GS-1313-12/13 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
This position serves as a Geophysicist, GS-1313-12/13 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Lakewood, CO
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are authorized with the exception of the Guaranteed Home Sale Provision or first-post-of-duty relocation expenses are authorized, as applicable. Under the Relocation Expenses Reimbursed under Overview. Salary $99,800 - $154,280 per year
First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Promotion potential 13
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - to conduct field work or attend meetings or trainings may be required.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CBVA-26-13071642-DE-FS Control number 886664900
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens or Nationals; and Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
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Duties
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This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Rocky Mountain Region, Central Energy Resources Science Center, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado.
At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
Interpret geophysical data (e.g., electromagnetic, and potential fields data) for USGS Energy Resources Program (ERP) projects using industry standard and state-of-the-art software; these data are used to support studies and assessments of geologic energy resources.
Acquire, disseminate, and archive geophysical data which are used for ERP projects.
Work with IT staff to maintain, support, and/or administer computer hardware and software that are necessary for the acquisition, interpretation, dissemination, and archival of geophysical data.
Prepare, complete, document, and disseminate results of research and studies through a series of presentations and publications which advance the role that geophysical data play in understanding undiscovered geologic energy accumulations in priority areas, and on understanding the processes that lead to these geologic energy resources. Presentations will be made at both internal USGS and external meetings and conferences. Reports will synthesize complex geophysical problems and comprehensively summarize study findings and recommendations.
Actively participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team conducting geologic energy resource studies and assessments, as topical lead for geophysical interpretation.
Pre-employment Medical Examination:
This position may involve field work. Therefore you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination to ensure you can perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, with or without accommodation.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 10/20/2026 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 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geophysicist, all grade levels.
A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
B. A combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.), 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. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)Please Note: This position requires specific educational coursework to qualify. You MUST provide transcripts in order to verify that the educational requirements have been met (Unofficial Okay). This information must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide this information may result in you receiving an "INELIGIBLE" rating.
Minimum Qualification Requirements (Continued):
Specialized Experience:
GS-12
In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement above. To qualify for the GS-12, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
Independently performing scientific work of considerable difficulty in the following:
Designing and executing complex geophysical studies that involve intensive investigations into geophysical methods; AND
Interpreting geophysical datasets including electromagnetic, and/or potential fields data; AND
Using and/or administering computer hardware and software dedicated to geophysical data processing and interpretation.
To qualify, you must meet all three (3) of the specialized experience statements above.
GS-13
In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement above. To qualify for the GS-13, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
Independently performing scientific work of considerable difficulty in the following:
Conducting geophysical studies-from planning through execution and reporting-that require innovative approaches to address geophysical methods related to geologic energy resources (e.g., petroleum, geothermal); AND
Interpreting geophysical datasets including electromagnetic, and/or potential fields data; AND
Analyzing complex geophysical attributes; AND
Lead in using and/or administering computer hardware and software dedicated to geophysical data processing and interpretation.
To qualify, you must meet all four (4) of the specialized experience statements above.
The USGS Central Energy Resources Science Center is seeking to hire a Geophysicist with expertise in electromagnetic and potential-fields geophysical methods. The applicant will join, and contribute to, active teams currently studying geothermal and geologic hydrogen resources, with likely opportunities to contribute to petroleum and gas hydrate assessments and research in the future. Preferred Experience but not required for
qualification:
A strong background in airborne and ground-based electromagnetic methods and data, magnetotellurics,and gravity and magnetic methods is desirable. Additional experience in seismic data handling and interpretation are advantageous but not essential for this position.
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.
Education
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support you meet the minimum education requirement as specified under Qualifications (Unofficial Acceptable). 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
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are authorized with the exception of the Guaranteed Home Sale Provision or first-post-of-duty relocation expenses are authorized, as applicable. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed into law December 2017, suspends the moving expense deduction and the exclusion from income of qualified employer reimbursements of moving expenses that was allowed under previous tax laws. Employer reimbursements for moving costs are now generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Most duties are performed in office or laboratory environments that are typically safe, climate-controlled, and require no special physical effort. However, the position also involves field responsibilities that can demand significantly more physical activity and exposure to challenging conditions.
Field work may require hiking several kilometers over uneven terrain while carrying equipment, operating 4-wheel-drive vehicles, and traveling to remote locations by helicopter, small aircraft, or boat. Personnel may encounter extreme temperatures, dust, humidity, toxic gases, ice, flooding, and hazardous wildlife. Proper protective gear is often necessary, and lifting objects up to 20 kilograms may be required. In rare cases, international field assignments may occur in culturally hostile or otherwise high-risk areas.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of any additional assessment(s) required for this position.Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of additional assessment(s), including a Structured Resume Review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/20/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/20/2026--unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Agency contact information
Franky Sanchez
Phone 000-000-0000 Email francisco_sanchez@ios.doi.gov Address CENTRAL ENERGY RESOURCES SC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/20/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/20/2026--unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Franky Sanchez
Phone 000-000-0000 Email francisco_sanchez@ios.doi.gov Address CENTRAL ENERGY RESOURCES SC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Geological Survey
The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving Earth-system interactions and delivers actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. USGS provides science about natural hazards, natural resources, ecosystems and environmental health, and the effects of climate and land-use change. Click here to learn more about the U.S. Geological Survey.
Agency contact information
Franky Sanchez
Phone 000-000-0000 Email francisco_sanchez@ios.doi.gov Address CENTRAL ENERGY RESOURCES SC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what it's like to work at Geological Survey, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKonBsAFNbY
Summary
This position serves as a Geophysicist, GS-1313-12/13 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Lakewood, CO
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are authorized with the exception of the Guaranteed Home Sale Provision or first-post-of-duty relocation expenses are authorized, as applicable. Under the Relocation Expenses Reimbursed under Overview. Salary $99,800 - $154,280 per year
First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Promotion potential 13
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - to conduct field work or attend meetings or trainings may be required.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CBVA-26-13071642-DE-FS Control number 886664900
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| Location | Lakewood, CO |
| Salary | $99,800–$154,280 Per Year |
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