2023 Winter/Spring Cluster Hire

The USGS Water Mission Area is hiring Interdisciplinary Data Scientists and Physical Scientists

Update March 2, 2023: Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in these roles. We reached the 75 applicant cap on each of the vacancies and they closed at 11:59 PM EST on Feb 28th, 2023.

The U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area is hiring multiple Physical Scientists and Interdisciplinary Data Scientists. This is a cluster hire for permanent federal positions at multiple levels of experience (GS11/12 and GS12/13). Apply online at USAjobs.gov, where the positions open to applicants starting on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 to Tuesday, March 14th, 2023. We will continue to update this page with information.

USAjobs links and announcement numbers:

• Interdisciplinary Data Scientists (Physical Scientist/Biologist/Mathematical Statistician) GS11/12 (USGS-SAC-23-1185431-DHA-SR)
• Interdisciplinary Data Scientists (Physical Scientist/Biologist/Mathematical Statistician) GS12/13 (USGS-SAC-23-11850397-DHA-SR)
• Physical Scientists GS11/12 (USGS-SAC-23-11850442-DHA-SR)
• Physical Scientists GS12/13 (USGS-SAC-23-11850405-DHA-SR)

These vacancies have application caps and may close prior to the end date listed on the vacancies. When the applicant count reaches 75 applications, the vacancy will close at 11:59 PM ET on the day 75 applications are submitted. All applications received before that time will be accepted. For all positions, an unofficial transcript and detailed resume summarizing job qualifications and relevant skills are needed. Please be sure to include any additional documentation listed on the USAjobs vacancy to ensure your application is considered.

We are holding two informational webinars about this cluster hire. The first was on Thursday February 16th. The second webinar is on Tuesday, February 28at 10 am EST, the day that the vacancies open. Join the webinar at this link. For additional information, please follow the USGS Data Science Twitter feed (@USGS_DataSci).

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Transparency

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and have the support they need to thrive. We believe that a diverse team brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas that drive innovation and improve our ability to deliver cutting edge science. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, to apply for these positions.

About the positions

This cluster hire is part of a continued investment in advanced modeling and statistical capabilities, geospatial capabilities, strong data management, data infrastructure and workflows, product management, effective data analysis and dissemination, communication, and decision-making. There are 4 position announcements, which will funnel to multiple roles within the organization. Applicants may apply to and be considered for multiple announcements, as long as they meet the minimum qualifications for the grade and job series.

These opportunities are with the Earth Systems Processes Division (ESPD), Integrated Information Dissemination Division (IIDD), Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division (IMPD), and Observing Systems Division (OSD).

Interdisciplinary Data Scientists

We are seeking multiple Interdisciplinary Data Scientists for roles in ESPD, IIDD, and IMPD. Positions will focus on the following areas: physical, hydrologic, biological, natural resources, or geospatial data and/or information delivery, and use of a variety of data collection and processing methods, reproducible data pipelines in modern programming languages (e.g., R, Python), data visualization, artificial intelligence / machine learning models, statistical/applied mathematical skills as applied to water resources problems, and/or advancing current data users’ workflows

There are two job announcements for Data Scientists – one for GS11/12 positions and one for GS12/13 positions. Interdisciplinary Data Scientists may qualify as a physical scientist (1301), biologist (0401), or mathematical statistician (1529).

Physical Scientists

We are seeking multiple Physical Scientists for roles in ESPD, IIDD, IMPD, and OSD. Positions will focus on the following areas: physical, hydrologic, or geospatial data and/or information delivery, and use of a variety of data collection and processing methods, reproducible data pipelines in modern programming languages (e.g., R, Python), data visualization, software development techniques, artificial intelligence / machine learning models, and/or advancing current data users’ workflows

There are two job announcements for Physical Scientists – one for GS11/12 positions and one for GS12/13 positions. Physical Scientists must qualify under the physical science job series (1301).

Additional Information

Applying for the job

Qualifying for GS 11, 12, or 13 -
For qualifications please see the following link for the appropriate grade and series you are interested in: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series See USGS tips for combining graduate education and experience and spell out how you meet the grade and job series qualifications. We are advertising a combination of Biologist, Physical Scientist, and Mathematical Statistician job series.

Materials – You’ll need a resume, educational transcripts, and any additional documentation listed on the USAjobs vacancy. Unofficial transcripts are OK, if selected you will be required to provide official transcripts. To make sure HR can see that you’re qualified, make sure your resume explicitly ties your experience to each of the qualifications listed for the grades you are applying for and also the Specialized Experience section.

Common Questions

Q: Is this open to non-U.S. citizens?

A: You must be a U.S. citizen or national (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) to work for the Federal Government, but there are some exceptions. More information here: https://usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/non-citizens/

Q: Should I use my CV/resume or the USAjobs template?

A: Either is fine. Whichever format you choose, we recommend taking time to explicitly spell out how your experience meets the qualification requirements for the job series, GS level, and specialized experience. See USGS tips on combining education and experience and job series qualifications for Biologist (job series 0401), Physical Scientist (job series 1301), and Mathematical Statistician (job series 1529)