Computer Scientist (EDGE)

Summary

You will serve as a Computer Scientist (EDGE). This position will lead development of innovative land characterization and monitoring approaches over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales while investigating and applying new techniques and methodologies emphasizing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Salary: $106,437 (Step 1) - $138,370 (Step 10) First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Leads the research, development, and application of advanced artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and geospatial analytics methods to map, characterize, and monitor land cover, land use, and ecosystem change across the United States using multi-source Earth observation data. Collaborates and coordinates with internal and external scientists, engineers, and stakeholders. Transitions research and technical innovations into operational production environments, supporting the development and application of national-scale land-change monitoring solutions. Provides technical and scientific leadership in support of priority projects at the USGS EROS Center, advancing capabilities for land-change monitoring and decision support through the development of operationally relevant geospatial mapping solutions. Communicates with external partners and stakeholders, disseminating research and applications results and other information through participation in seminars and meetings, by publishing scientific and technical reports in the open literature, participating in professional meetings, symposia, and conferences, and participating in special task forces and study groups. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Qualifications

Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/30/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying. Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following: Degree: Bachelor's or higher degree in computer science OR a bachelor's or higher degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. You must submit transcripts. -AND- To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level: Specialized Experience Requirement: In addition to the basic education requirement stated above, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Applying advanced AI/ML methods-including deep learning, foundation models, computer vision, automated feature extraction, or related approaches-to scientific or geospatial problems. Conduct original research, develop and evaluate novel algorithms or analytical methods, and rigorously assess accuracy, uncertainty, scalability, and scientific validity. Use of AI/ML for Earth observation and geospatial data applications. Translate scientific or mission needs into computational solutions, evaluate emerging technologies and algorithms, and move research concepts toward usable products, tools, or operational capabilities. Lead and collaborate across disciplines and organizations, communicate complex science effectively to technical and non-technical audiences, publish scientific results, and influence programs, stakeholders, or decision-making. You must include hours per week worked. Volunteer Experience: 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

This position does not allow substituting education for experience. This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification