Seasonal Physical Science Technician (Paleontology) jobs in United States
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USAJOBS · 1 month ago

Seasonal Physical Science Technician (Paleontology)

USAJOBS is seeking a Seasonal Physical Science Technician (Paleontology) to assist with paleontological research and data collection. The role includes responsibilities such as managing data, conducting fossil collection operations, and interacting with visitors.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency
badNo H1BnoteU.S. Citizen Onlynote

Responsibilities

Implement data collections as well as fossil collecting operations, when appropriate, in relevant fossil bearing strata
Assists with the inventory and monitoring of paleontological sites, and assists with collection of paleontological resources, when appropriate, in accordance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policy. Occasionally interact with visitors giving interpretive programs related to paleontology
Collect and manage data using established protocols, GPS/GIS equipment, and digital camera, and identifies many types of plant, trace, invertebrate, and vertebrate fossils
Consolidates, prepares, stabilizes, and houses fossil specimens, adaptively using manual, electrical, and air-power tools under supervision of higher graded employees while using proper PPE
Utilizes a variety of technologies and computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other resource management information, including natural science research, long-term monitoring projects, and interpretive media

Qualification

PaleontologyGeologyData collectionGPS/GIS equipmentScientific data analysisField workFossil preparationTechnical reportingTeam collaboration

Required

U.S. Citizenship required
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program
Depending on location, government housing may be available
You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided
You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work
You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally (up to 3 nights per month)
You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority
You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle
If selected for a position/location that requires search and rescue, emergency response, use of firearms, or watercraft operation, you will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use
You may be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties. Prior to your first official motor vehicle operation, and again every year thereafter (or more frequently if management determines such need exists), you will be required to sign an affidavit certifying to your possession of a valid State issued driver's license that is current and has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or otherwise disqualified in any way to prohibit your operation of a motor vehicle. You will also submit a photocopy of your valid state-issued driver's license
Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience includes activities such as: work in the fields of paleontology, geophysics, or geology; assisting fossil preparation, field work in paleontology, paleontology research, paleontology database management, paleontology monitoring, paleo art, or specimen management of fossils; assisting with natural resources research projects; compiling and analyzing scientific data into reports; operating complex sampling, monitoring, and laboratory equipment; or using computer programs such as databases to compile, store, retrieve, analyze and report resource management data. Experience as a laboratory mechanic or in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work was performed in close association with physical scientists or other technical personnel and provided intensive knowledge of appropriate scientific principles, methods, techniques, and precedents. YOU MUST PROVIDE HOURS PER WEEK WORKED ON YOUR RESUME
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate education in an accredited educational institution (18 semester hour or 27 quarter hours) directly related to this position in an appropriate field of physical science, such as paleontology, geology, earth science, earth history or other directly related fields. YOU MUST PROVIDE TRANSCRIPTS
Successful completion of a combination of directly related education and specialized experience described above which would qualify me for this position. For example, I have 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirements for this position and grade level) combined with 9 semester hours of graduate education, as outlined above (50% of the education required to qualify), directly related to this position. YOU MUST PROVIDE TRANSCRIPTS
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
Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special prior­ity selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/08/2025: Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Your resume must clearly show how long your have held each grade in a federal position. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications
Complete All Required Assessments
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as: Veterans Preference Documentation: If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability
College transcripts, if qualifying based on education
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above on the rating criteria for this position

Benefits

A uniform allowance will be provided.

Company

USAJOBS

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USAJOBS enables federal job seekers to access job opportunities across hundreds of federal agencies and organizations.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
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