General Physical Science
GS-1301
Position Overview
Some roles at the Department of the Interior require a high degree of interaction with experts from varied technical backgrounds. General physical scientists fit into this category, and they often work on multidisciplinary teams and evaluate or lead broad programs representing many functional backgrounds.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate has a breadth of technical knowledge or experience related to physical sciences such as geology, hydrology, and geography. This individual has strong communication skills and can collaborate effectively with team members from varied technical backgrounds.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed within an office setting, potentially with sporadic field visits.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Assists with conducting research and field investigations
- Assists with preparing routine reports
- Creates tables, charts, or graphs for reports
- Verifies accuracy of information in reports, tables, charts, or graphs
Mid:
- Conducts research in support of program evaluations
- Researches, analyzes, and prepares science-based recommendations to management
- Collects field data
Journey:
- Leads projects and workgroups
- Manages and coordinates project timelines, objectives, and deliverables
- Conducts training sessions for engineers and scientists
- Arranges and conducts meetings with members of the public, industry, and other agencies
Senior:
- Plans and coordinates broad scientific programs
- Promotes, reviews, and authorizes proposals for program activities
- Evaluates the impact of changes to regulations, policies, standards, or procedures
- Provides advice and guidance to senior management on a variety of issues
Strengths by Level
Entry
5-7
Mid
9-11
Journey
12-13
Senior
14-15
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ComplianceKnowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Creative ThinkingUses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Customer ServiceWorks with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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EntrepreneurshipPositions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Geology
18.8%
Hydrology
14.5%
Hydrologic Technician
7%
Less Common Pathways (<2%)
- 0089 - Emergency Management
- 0340 - Program Management
- 0403 - Microbiology
- 0408 - Ecology
- 0470 - Soil Science
- 0486 - Wildlife Biology
- 0501 - Financial Administration and Program
- 0802 - Engineering Technician
- 0819 - Environmental Engineering
- 0880 - Mining Engineering
- 0881 - Petroleum Engineer
- 1101 - General Business and Industry
- 1170 - Realty
- 1330 - Astronomy And Space Science
- 1340 - Meteorology
- 1371 - Cartographic Technician
- 1531 - Statistical Assistant
- 1550 - Computer Science
- 1801 - General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance
- 2005 - Supply Clerical and Technician
- 2210 - Information Technology Management
Where We Are
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