Salary Range:	80,402.00 - 104,525.00 USD /year
Series & Grade:	GS-1350 1313 0881-13
Promotion Potential:	GS-13
Open Period:	Friday, November 20, 2009 to Monday, December 07, 2009
Position Information:	Full-Time  Permanent
Duty Locations:	1 vacancy - Jefferson, LA
Who May Be Considered:	This position is open to current employees of the Minerals Management Service only.  Applications received from candidates outside the Minerals Management Service will be returned without consideration.

Job Summary:
Area of Consideration: Bureauwide.

Key Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship

Major Duties:

This position is located in the Petrophysical Analysis Unit, Resource Studies Section, Resource Evaluation, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region.

If selected for this position, you will serve as the staff petrophysicist with primary responsibility to analyze well logs and their petrophysical responses in support of reservoir and borehole measurements.  You will serves as an advanced specialist, principal advisor, and consultant in the evaluation of all acquired downhole data including, but not exclusive to; electric, acoustic, radioactive, and dipmeter well logs as well as core data, and perform well log interpretations and evaluations to support the various program offices' of the Gulf of Mexico Region.  You will apply appropriate computer software programs within Log Evaluation System Analysis (LESA), our current petrophysical software package, in determining all well log measurements and interpretation procedures; conducts trouble shooting and analysis of computer petrophysical software, and serve as the primary contact with the software vendor, Digital Formation, for these applications.  You will provide specialized training in the use and limitations of the programs to all Petrophysical Analysis Unit personnel, and provide indoctrination and in-depth training for unit employees in theories, principles, and practices of well log analysis through applied petrophysical software in its application to defining hydrocarbon bearing zones.

Qualifications:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOLOGISTS:

 

A. Degree:  geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meterology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience--course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GEOPHYSICISTS:

 A.     Degree that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).

OR

B.     Combination of education and experience--courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PETROLEUM ENGINEERS:

A.  Degree: professional engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

B.  Combination of education and experience--college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

Professional registration--Current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

 

Written Test- Evidence of having succesfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination, or the written test required for professional registration, which is administered by the Boards of Engineering Examiners in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.  Applicants who have passed the EIT examination and have completed all the requirements for either (a) a bachelor's degree in engineering technology (BET) from an accredited college of university that included 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, or (b) a BET from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) may be rated eligible for certain engineering positions at GS-5. Eligibility is limited to positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of the engineering technology program. Applicants for positions that involve highly technical research, development, or similar functions requiring an advanced level of competence in basic science must meet the basic requirements in paragraph A.

Because of the diversity in kind and quality of BET programs, graduates of other BET programs are required to complete at least 1 year of additional education or highly technical work experience of such nature as to provide reasonable assurance of the possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for professional engineering competence. The adequacy of this background must be demonstrated by passing the EIT examination.

Specified academic courses--Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum as described in paragraph A.

Related curriculum--Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience carrying out complex assignments that required application of geology, geophysics, and/or petroleum engineering concepts, principles, and practices related to offshore oil and gas operations.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

For a more extensive description of the qualifications and possible substitution of education for experience, please refer to the Qualifications Standards Handbook which is available for review in all Federal personnel offices and on the Web at www.opm.gov/qualifications/index.

To qualify based on education or as proof of basic requirements, submit a copy of your official or unofficial transcript or list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking.  If you possess undergraduate and graduate degrees, it is to your advantage to submit both transcripts.  Transcripts must be received by the closing date of the announcement.  Official transcript(s) will be required if appointed.

You must meet time-in-grade restrictions by the closing date of this announcement.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

Candidates should submit a narrative statement on separate page(s) with specific responses to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed below.  Failure to submit your narrative responses to the KSAs for this job may negatively affect your eligibility and/or rating for this position.

1.  Knowledge of log analysis as it relates to geopressure, pay, hydrocarbon type, porosity, water saturation, permeability, and sediment type.

2.  Knowledge in the development of petrophysical software subroutines to meet unique petrophysical and analysis problems.

3.  Ability to train and develop employees in the theories, principles and practices of petrophysical software well log measurements and interpretation procedures.

4.  Knowledge of geological, geophysical, and/or petroleum engineering principles and methods, as applied to GOM hydrocarbon, hydrate, and sulphur evaluation, exploration and production.

Benefits:

WHY WORK FOR US:  Working for the Minerals Management Service (MMS) offers you an exciting opportunity to support the rebuilding of the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Region and working for America's energy future and a quality environment.  As an employee of the MMS, you will enjoy benefits such as the MMS Wellness Program providing reduced prices for membership to health clubs and periodic health checks; the Transportation Fringe Benefit Program (vanpool, commuter vehicle), a pre-tax payroll deduction benefit; Family Friendly Policies such as alternative work schedules and telecommuting.  An additional benefit afforded employees is free parking.

Other Information:

You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.

The materials you send with your application will not be returned.

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department.  Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.

This position is interdisciplinary in nature.  It may be filled by an applicant from one of several occupational series and is also announced under those series.

Notice:  5 USC 3303, Hatch Act Amendments of 1993, bars executive branch agencies from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations for Federal jobs.  Any such recommendations received will be returned to the sender.  Federal employees who request such a recommendation may be subject to disciplinary action.

All Department of the Interior (DOI) employees are subject to conflict of interest restrictions and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report.  Please refer to the Minerals Management Service webpage for Ethics located at:  http://www.mms.gov/adm/ethics.html for additional information.  DOI employees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Restrictions imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal government.  In addition, employees of DOI and MMS are restricted concerning their holdings of Federal lands and resources administered or controlled by the Department of the Interior.  This includes the holding of stock in corporations engaged in mining activities on Federal lands (e.g.: oil, gas, coal, alternative energy resources, etc.)

All Federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have Federal payments made by Direct Deposit.

Jefferson, Louisiana, is a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana.  The city of New Orleans and the surrounding area are rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in a steady effort to readily restore our cultural activities, health care facilities, educational resources, etc.  The cultural diversity of the citizens of the Gulf South is reflected in the rebuilding of a Greater New Orleans area that provides a safe haven for all citizens.  New Orleans' normal climate is characterized by mild winters, extended spring and fall seasons, and warm summers.  The weather is conducive to the outdoor recreational activities available in Sportsman's Paradise such as fishing, hunting, golf, and water sports. The region thrives with cultural activities, recognized internationally as a center for fine dining, music, literature and the arts as well as for professional sports including NFL football, NBA basketball, and Triple-A baseball.  New Orleans also boasts a world-class zoo and aquarium.

How To Apply:

Mail your applications so it will be postmarked by closing date and received within five (5) working days of that date. If hand delivered, be sure your application is received by closing date.

Applicants must submit an OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or a resume to: Minerals Management Service, Personnel Branch (MS 2620), 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394.  Resumes should include the following information (in addition to specific information requested elsewhere in this vacancy announcement):  announcement number, title, and grade for which you are applying; full name, mailing address, and phone numbers; country of citizenship; highest Federal civilian grade held (also give series and dates held); education information including high school and college, name and location, majors, and type and year of degrees received; work experience including employer's name and address, job title (include series and grade if Federal job), duties and accomplishments, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary, and indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; job related skills, training courses, certificates, and licenses; and job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments.  An SF-171, Application for Federal Employment, may be used instead of the OF-612 or resume.  Current Federal employees should submit a copy of your current performance appraisal report.  Failure to provide the requested information could result in your elimination from consideration for this position.

If you are a current or former federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) showing your position, title, series, grade and eligibility.

Application mailed using government postage or through an internal federal government mail system will not be considered.

Contact Information:

Rosemary Wise Phone: 504-736-2466

Or write: Minerals Management Service Human Resouces Branch (MS 2620) 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard New Orleans, LA 70123 US

What To Expect Next:

All applicants for this position will be notified of their status either by letter or e-mail.  Please be patient, however, as this process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the closing date of the announcement.