Geophysicist

Summary

This position serves as a Geophysicist, GS-1313-12/13 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center.

Duties

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center, duty stationed in Lakewood, Colorado. At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Design and implement geophysical studies using reflection seismic data to aid in geologic energy resource (e.g., oil and gas, geothermal, gas hydrates, geologic hydrogen) studies and assessments. 2. Load and interpret two- and three-dimensional reflection seismic data used for studies and assessments of geologic energy resources. 3. Design and apply processing and interpretation algorithms (e.g., pre- and post-stack seismic attributes, impedance inversion, amplitude variation with offset) for analysis of multichannel, high-resolution reflection seismic data. 4. Assist with administration of software and hardware dedicated to geophysical data processing and interpretation. 5. Prepare, complete, document, and disseminate results through presentations and publications which advance the role that geophysical data play in understanding undiscovered geologic energy accumulations in priority areas, and on understanding the processes that lead to these geologic energy resources. 6. Actively participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team conducting geologic energy resource studies and assessments, as topical lead for geophysical interpretation. Pre-employment Medical Examination: This position may involve field work. Therefore you will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination to ensure you can perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position, with or without accommodation.

Qualifications

Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 10/20/2026 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 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geophysicist, all grade levels. 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.). 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)Please Note: This position requires specific educational coursework to qualify. You MUST provide transcripts in order to verify that the educational requirements have been met (Unofficial Okay). This information must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide this information may result in you receiving an "INELIGIBLE" rating. -AND- Minimum Qualification Requirements (Continued): Specialized Experience: GS-12 In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement above. To qualify for the GS-12, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Independently performing scientific work of considerable difficulty in the following: 1. Designing and executing complex geophysical studies that involve intensive investigations into geophysical methods; AND 2. Interpreting geophysical datasets including two- and three-dimensional reflection seismic data for the purpose of analyzing elements of petroleum systems; AND 3. Using and/or administering computer hardware and software dedicated to geophysical data processing and interpretation. To qualify, you must meet all three (3) of the specialized experience statements above. GS-13 In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement above. To qualify for the GS-13, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Independently performing scientific work of considerable difficulty in the following: 1. Designing and executing complex geophysical studies that involve intensive investigations into geophysical methods; AND 2. Interpreting geophysical datasets including two- and three-dimensional reflection seismic data for the purpose of analyzing elements of petroleum systems; AND 3. Analyzing complex geophysical attributes; AND 4. Lead in using and/or administering computer hardware and software dedicated to geophysical data processing and interpretation. To qualify, you must meet all four (4) of the specialized experience statements above. The USGS Central Energy Resources Science Center is seeking to hire a Geophysicist with expertise in seismic data interpretation. The applicant will carry out all aspects of the seismic interpretation process for 2D and 3D seismic data related to oil and gas and gas hydrate resources, including data loading, well ties, geologic interpretation, and any relevant quantitative interpretation. Preferred experience but not required for qualification: A strong background in geophysical and geologic concepts in a variety of settings and at a range of spatial scales is essential. Experience with the use of pre- and post-stack seismic attributes, impedance inversion, and amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) approaches is desired but not essential. 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 exp