Research Geologist (IS-1350-11)
Apply NowCompany: U.S Government
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Research Geologist (IS-1350-11)
Department: National Air and Space Museum
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Supervisory Geologist
Compensation: $82,764 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: July 9, 2024
CLOSING DATE: July 14, 2024
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed Six (6) Months (with opportunity of extension)
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits objects and materials related to the history, culture, and science of aviation, spaceflight, and the study of the universe. NASM's Research and Curatorial Affairs Department includes the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS), which undertakes scientific research in the fields of terrestrial and planetary geology and geophysics.
NASM is administered as one Museum in the virtual space as well as at multiple physical locations: the National Mall building; the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia; and the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland. NASM provides access to the nation's aviation and space flight history to an average of 7-9 million onsite visitors from around the world annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. In addition, NASM draws tens of millions of learners to its virtual programming.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is to carry out geological research and analysis and/or mission support work in CEPS on topics related to terrestrial or planetary science. The incumbent applies knowledge of the principles and theories of geology and related sciences in the collection, measurement, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geologic information concerning the structure, composition, and history of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. The incumbent publishes the results in scientific journals that are peer-reviewed for adequacy of the conclusions and soundness of the procedures and methods.
Primary research areas for this position include:
Research and Analysis
Tasks to be carried out may include:
Literature Review and Publication
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for this position, applicants must possess/demonstrate experience in analysis of Earth or planetary datasets. A background in quantitative terrestrial or planetary geology and experience with geographic information systems analysis of imaging and topography are desired.
Master's degree plus one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level or Ph. D in geology or a related field.
Knowledge and experience required for this role include but are not limited to:
Work Environment
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
Department: National Air and Space Museum
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Supervisory Geologist
Compensation: $82,764 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: July 9, 2024
CLOSING DATE: July 14, 2024
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed Six (6) Months (with opportunity of extension)
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
- Complete a Probationary Period
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits objects and materials related to the history, culture, and science of aviation, spaceflight, and the study of the universe. NASM's Research and Curatorial Affairs Department includes the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS), which undertakes scientific research in the fields of terrestrial and planetary geology and geophysics.
NASM is administered as one Museum in the virtual space as well as at multiple physical locations: the National Mall building; the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia; and the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland. NASM provides access to the nation's aviation and space flight history to an average of 7-9 million onsite visitors from around the world annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. In addition, NASM draws tens of millions of learners to its virtual programming.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is to carry out geological research and analysis and/or mission support work in CEPS on topics related to terrestrial or planetary science. The incumbent applies knowledge of the principles and theories of geology and related sciences in the collection, measurement, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geologic information concerning the structure, composition, and history of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. The incumbent publishes the results in scientific journals that are peer-reviewed for adequacy of the conclusions and soundness of the procedures and methods.
Primary research areas for this position include:
- Geologic mapping of Saturn's moon Dione, including identifying geologic units, related data analysis, and drafting text and figures for peer-reviewed publication.
- Detailed tectonic mapping of Dione's wispy terrains and subsequent geophysical analysis of tectonic terrain formation.
- Coupling geophysical modeling of Dione's interior evolution to the geological evolution of Dione's surface.
Research and Analysis
- The incumbent plans and executes intensive studies of the geology and geophysics of the Earth and other bodies in the solar system.
- The scope and complexity of the work require subdivision into separate phases.
- It is expected that such work represents a major advance in the field of study.
- The specific range of tasks will be set by the sources of funding, such as NASA research and analysis grants or mission science contracts.
- Duties involve wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgement to perform responsible work of considerable difficulty, requiring somewhat extended professional, scientific, or technical training and experience.
- The research consists of systematically planned, original studies based on data collected by field studies, ground-based telescopes, orbiting or flyby spacecraft, and/or surface-based spacecraft.
Tasks to be carried out may include:
- Use standard or customized data products from ground-based or spacecraft instruments to carry out scientific studies of the surface characteristics and evolution of solar system bodies. These studies may include but are not limited to fluvial, eolian, glacial, polar, volcanic, tectonic, and/or mass-wasting features. Some of this work may require use of Geographic Information System or other specialized software.
- Assist in data processing of ground-based or spacecraft data for solar system bodies.
- Carry out scientific analysis, including possible field work, of terrestrial environments that may be analogous to those being investigated on solar system bodies.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to interns or lower graded employees focused on specific projects.
Literature Review and Publication
- Stays abreast of current scientific literature relevant to her/his research topics and collaborates with scientists and scholars in associated areas of study.
- Participates in national and international conferences and meetings of professional associations to report on research findings and trends in the fields of geology and geophysics as they relate to her/his expertise in Earth and planetary science.
- Publishes scholarly papers of a descriptive, experimental, and/or theoretical nature based on research and analysis results. Publications are significant contributions of substantial scope within the Earth and planetary science field.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for this position, applicants must possess/demonstrate experience in analysis of Earth or planetary datasets. A background in quantitative terrestrial or planetary geology and experience with geographic information systems analysis of imaging and topography are desired.
Master's degree plus one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level or Ph. D in geology or a related field.
Knowledge and experience required for this role include but are not limited to:
- Knowledge of the principles and theories of geology.
- Extensive knowledge of the geology of one or more planets or natural satellites.
- Expertise in the display and analysis of remote sensing data (e.g., use of Geographic Information Systems software such as ArcGIS or other)
- Ability to carry out research efficiently, accurately, and with minimal supervision.
- Skill in oral and written communication for scientific talks and publications.
Work Environment
- Work is in office setting, with public presentations and activities taking place in museum education facilities, museum observatory, museum exhibits, professional conferences, electronic classrooms, or other classroom settings.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.