Summary Research Positions: The full performance level for a Research position is GS-15; however, promotion eligibility is dependent upon the scientific contributions of the incumbent as evaluated by a peer panel. Salary: $115,793 (GS-13, Step 01) to $150,535 (GS-13, Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01. This is not a remote position. Telework may be approved in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and supervisor approval. Responsibilities The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) conducts basic and applied research on earthquakes, especially as related to quantifying seismic hazard and mitigating the effects of earthquakes in the United States and elsewhere. The ESC seeks a Research Geophysicist in the Seattle, Washington field office to conduct research focused on earthquake ground motions and seismic hazard in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. As a Research Geophysicist within the Earthquake Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Conceive, plan, and conduct research on topics related to ground motions, earthquake simulations, and seismic hazards in the Pacific Northwest. Conduct research aimed towards constraining source, path, and site effects; understanding earthquake rupture processes, ground motion estimates, and cascading hazards; and/or constraining geologic and tectonic structure that may impact seismic hazard estimates, such as sedimentary basins, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Contribute to advancing priorities related to subduction zone science, as outlined in 'Reducing Risk Where Tectonic Plates Collide - A Plan to Advance Subduction Zone Science' (https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/cir1428). Mentor and advise postdoctoral researchers and students conducting research on related topics in seismology, geophysics, and earthquake engineering. Actively engage with, and communicate scientific results to, external partners and end-users on topics related to ground motions and seismic hazard. Physical Demand and Work Environment: Work of the position takes place mostly in an office but may also include a field setting. Work in an office setting includes adequate heat, light, and ventilation. Office conditions do not require safety precautions, and no special physical effort is required. During emergency response periods or field work, the scientist may be expected to walk over uneven terrain while carrying equipment, use proper personal protective gear, work in variable weather conditions, and/or drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Requirements Conditions of Employment Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information. Special Requirements: Travel for official business: The selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued. Driver's License/Driving Record: You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license & a copy of your driving record. A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system. Qualifications BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: To be eligible for the Geophysicist GS-1313 series, applicants at all grade levels must satisfy the basic education requirement as outlined in A or B below. 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.). **OR 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) For GS-13: In addition to the Basic Education Requirement listed above, applicants must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of such experience could include: leading research on simulating, modeling or observing earthquake ground motions; earthquake source, path, or site effects; earthquake simulations; constraining seismic wave velocities or geologic features that may influence earthquake shaking (e.g., sedimentary basins, shallow soft soils); authoring reports, publications, scientific journal articles, and/or other products; attending scientific meetings to present research results and exchange information within the scientific community. The complexity of this work typically requires modification and adaptation of standard procedures, methods, and techniques, and the development of new methods and techniques to address novel or obscure problems for which guidelines or precedents were not substantially applicable. At this level, Geophysicists have extensive knowledge of the principles of seismology, geodesy, geology, physics, and/or chemistry, a highly developed ability in their application, and wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to perform scientific work of marked difficulty. Applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates these qualifications through reports, publications, scientific journal articles, and/or other relevant activities. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement. Education 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 completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs . Additional Information Other Information: This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in other U.S. Geological Survey offices. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position. The full performance level for a Research position is GS-15; however, promotion eligibility is dependent upon the scientific contributions of the incumbent as evaluated by a peer panel. Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties. Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position. USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations. The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361. DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Agency Benefits: USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies. Working for the U.S. Geological Survey offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; health, life, dental, vision, and long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.