Job Title:	Interdisciplinary: Research Soil Scientist/Physical Scientist/Hydrologist/Meteorologist
Salary Range:	73,100.00 - 113,007.00 USD /year GS-12: $73,100 - $95,026; GS-13: $86,927 - $113,007
Series & Grade:	GS-1315 1340 0470 1301-12/13
Open Period:	Monday, October 05, 2009 to Monday, November 30, 2009
Position Information:	Full-Time  Permanent
Duty Locations:	1 vacancy - Beltsville, MD
Who May Be Considered:	Applications will be accepted from US Citizens, from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities.

Job Summary:
Find Solutions to Agricultural Problems that Affect Americans Every Day, From Field to Table

Your U.S. citizenship must be verified before entrance on duty.

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Join the Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory's multidisciplinary team conducting research in the areas of quantifying energy, water, carbon, and agrochemical fluxes from field to farm, watershed and regional scales using remote sensing.   
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Amended to extend the closing date to November 30, 2009.

Amended to include additional qualification requirement information.

Major Duties:

Serves as a research scientist and part of a multidisciplinary team in the Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory where nationally oriented basic and applied research is conducted focused on solving water and natural resource issues pertaining to the management and production of food and fiber and minimizing the impact of agricultural production practices on the environment. The research will evaluate and integrate knowledge about the effects of climate change and agricultural and natural resources management practices on natural and agricultural ecosystems. It will also involve quantifying energy, water, carbon, and agrochemical fluxes from field to farm watershed and regional scales using remote sensing. This requires a multidisciplinary approach examining the interactions between climate, soil and vegetation components over complex landscapes at a wide range of temporal and spatial scales and participation in ongoing field experiments, model development and integration of existing algorithms for improved predictions. Specific research objectives include: (1) developing physical models which employ multi-spectral  remote sensing data to determine energy, water, carbon, nutrient and agrochemical fluxes at field, catchment, and regional scales; (2) using research results to improve water conservation, water quality, carbon sequestration and agricultural productivity for land management systems; and (3) understanding the role of hydrologic and atmospheric processes and soil-plant dynamics on local and regional climate.

Qualifications:

Your education and experience will be evaluated against all qualification requirements (basic and any additional requirements) listed below.

Basic Requirements:
GS-0470: Research Soil Scientist:
A: Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. OR B: Combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-1301: Research Physical Scientist:
A: Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B: Combination of education and experience--education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-1315: Research Hydrologist:
A: Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels. OR B: Combination of education and experience--course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

GS-1340: Research Meteorologist:
A: Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included: 1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: a) Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;^* b) Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); c) Three semester hours of physical meteorology; AND  d) Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.  2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.^* 3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.^*AND 4. At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science. ^*There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major .OR B: Combination of education and experience--course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

This position has a positive education requirement.  You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grade point average or class ranking to verify education when applying for this position.  If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position.  If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty.  Application materials will not be returned.

Additional Requirements:

Time-In-Grade Restrictions apply for all candidates considered under Merit Promotion/Alternative Merit Promotion.

GS-12:  Directly related Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.

GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level.

Specialized Experience is experience which has equipped you with the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - 'KSAs' required to perform the duties of this position: 

1. Knowledge of remote sensing and geographic information systems in order to integrate and/or assimilate remotely-sensed data and other geospatial information into physical/process-based models for producing spatially-distributed environmental fluxes.

2. Knowledge of physical/process modeling in order to modify and refine existing models and develop new algorithms and models simulating hydrologic and land-atmosphere exchanges of environmental fluxes.

3. Ability to conceive, plan, conduct, interpret and publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

To be considered for a research scientist position, you must submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation.  Also, submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications.

Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected.  A peer review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee.

Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential.  Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically.  The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology.  *Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.

Education:

Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a for additional information on this topic.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the basic and any additional requirements.  The Agricultural Research Service uses a category rating process.  Based on evaluation of all written materials submitted in application for the position, you will be determined to be Ineligible, if you do not meet eligibility and/or minimum qualifications criteria; Eligible, if you meet all eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria; OR Quality, if you meet quality criteria in addition to eligibility and minimum qualifications criteria.  For information about how to address KSAs, please visit our website at www.ars.usda.gov/careers, click on 'How to Apply,' then click on 'What are those KSAs anyway?'  For more information about the evaluation process, please visit our website at:  www.ars.usda.gov/careers, click on 'How to Apply,' then click on the link to 'Qualifications and What They Mean.'

Benefits:

A Benefits Package is authorized for this position.  Additional information about Federal benefits can be obtained at www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.htm.

Other Information:

Veteran's Preference:
For further details, call the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 703-724-1850 or TDD 978-461-8404.  Select General Information on the Federal Employment Policies and Procedures, and then Veteran's Preference and Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.  Visit their VetGuide website at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp.

Relocation Expenses:
Payment of relocation expenses will be determined in accordance with P&P 412.5, Recruitment and Retention Incentives and Other Special Pay, Sections 6 and 7, as amended by Bulletins 03-402 and 05-412.5, which may be found at http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/ppweb/412-05.htm#H10.  See also http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/staffing_recruit/reloweb.htm.

Financial Disclosure Requirement:
Federal employees are subject to prohibitions against officially dealing with outside organizations in which they have a financial interest.  If hired for this position, you may be required to submit a financial disclosure report for this position. 

False statements:
If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or jailed.

Optional Form 306, (Declaration for Federal Employment):
If you are selected for this position, you will be required to complete this form before an offer may be made.

USDA Surplus/Federal Displaced Employees:
Applicants requesting consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP programs must submit documentary evidence of eligibility.  Well qualified CTAP and ICTAP applicants within the local commuting area will receive selection priority as provided by OPM regulations.  Well-qualified means the applicant meets the basic qualification and eligibility requirements and all selective factors; is rated above minimally qualified against the KSAs or quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.  If you are requesting consideration as a CTAP or ICTAP applicant, you must submit the following:

1)      A copy of your RIF Separation Notice or Certification of Expected Separation or other documentation indicating that you are a surplus employee;

2)      Evidence of full performance level of current position;

3)      A copy of your most recent performance appraisal; and

4)      A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.

Selective Service System:
Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for Federal employment.

ARS Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information:
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).

How To Apply:

Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number, but they must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date.

If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files.  They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.

If hand delivered, be sure your application is received in the Human Resources Division on or before closing date.

If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job.  To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate.   Some of the items listed may not apply to you.  NOTE:  Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

__ Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications (Go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to obtain the OF-612).

The following information is required of all applicants:

__ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position

__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)

__ Statement that you are a U.S. citizen (if not using the OF-612)

__Copy of DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) (only if claiming veteran's preference) (Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp 

__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference) plus the support documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference) (Go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain form.)

__ Paid and non-paid work experience related to the position.  For each period of work experience include:

          ___Job title

          ___Series/grade (if Federal employment)

          ___Duties and accomplishments

          ___Employer's name and address

          ___Supervisor's name and contact information

          ___Starting and ending dates of employment (at least month/year)

          ___Number of hours worked per week

          ___Salary

          ___Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

__ Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)

          ___Certificates/licenses (current)

          ___Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

          ___Supplemental questionnaire if applicable
                (usually for Federal Wage System positions - WG, WL, WS)

__ Copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the basis of education for this position) (If you have non-conventional education, e.g., foreign study, continuing education units, life experience, etc., go to the web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a and look under the heading “Other Education” for information governing acceptability of this type of education.)

__ Copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify possession of competitive civil service status (if you are a current or previous federal employee)

__ Copy of most recent performance appraisal (if you are a current federal employee)

__ Second copy of application package IF you are a candidate with competitive status.  (NOTE:  All status candidates who wish to be considered under both alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive examining must submit two (2) complete applications when the position is open to both status and non-status candidates.  When only one (1) application is received, it will be considered under the alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a current or former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility.)

__ Support documentation for eligibility for special hiring authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.  (If you have questions about whether you are eligible for a particular hiring authority, please call the servicing HR specialist or visit the web site at http://www.opm.gov/Strategic_Management_of_Human_Capital/fhfrc/default.asp .
 
__ Support documentation if you are a USDA surplus or federal displaced employee (See pertinent section under “Other Important Information” below.

__ Self-certification of typing speed (if required as a basic qualification for the position)

__ While not required, a separate response to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs listed under Specialized Experience) and Selective Placement Factor(s), if present, for this position may better highlight your specific qualifications for this position.  (For an explanation of KSAs, go to the web site at http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers/whatksa.html).

As an Applicant for a Research Scientist Position, you must also submit the following:

__  A one-page abstract of MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation

__  A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.

__  A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.

If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about  various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp and scroll down to access the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Optional Form 510.

Contact Information:

Lia Simmons Phone: 301-504-1455 Fax: 301-504-1535 TDD: 202-855-1234 Email: SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV

Or write: Department Of Agriculture USDA-REE-ARS-HRD/Announcement #ARS-X10E-0001A 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop #5104 Beltsville, MD 20705-5104 E-MAIL:SCIRECRUIT@ARS.USDA.GOV Fax: 301-504-1535

What To Expect Next:
You will be notified at four stages throughout the hiring process - upon receipt of your application, if you meet the minimum qualifications, if you are referred on the selection certificate, and when a final selection has been made.