About the opportunity
The Supervisory Physical Scientist serves as the senior advisor for geoscience disciplines, predominantly geology and hydrology, within Grand Canyon National Park. This role involves applying broad physical science disciplines to support mission-related scientific work. Key duties include project management, planning and evaluating resource requirements, developing strategic partnerships, and conducting geosciences research and evaluation. The position requires knowledge of interdisciplinary fields such as paleontology, air resources, caves, and climate sciences to increase understanding and mitigation of impacts to physical resources. The work combines office-based planning with field assignments that may involve physical exertion, remote travel, and overnight stays in diverse terrain.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $89,508 – $116,362 per year
- Uniform allowance provided
- Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives on a case-by-case basis
- Federal employee benefits package (health, insurance, retirement)
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Must possess a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering
- Must possess one full year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-11 grade level
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- Subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication
- Must pass E-Verify employment verification
Required documents
- Resume (maximum 2 pages, 10-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins)
- College transcripts (if qualifying based on education)
- Most recent performance appraisal signed by a supervisor (or statement if unavailable)
- List of awards received in the last 5 years
- SF-50 forms for current or former Federal employees (tenure 1 or 2)
- Documentation for Veterans Preference (e.g., DD-214) if applicable
- Proof of eligibility for CTAP/ICTAP if applicable
- Documentation for Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) if applicable
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-13
How to apply
- Read the full vacancy announcement and instructions
- Click the 'Apply Online' button on the USAJOBS portal
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessments
- Attach all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit the application package before the deadline
- Complete the USA Hire Assessment if notified after submission
Additional information
- This is a supervisory position subject to a 1-year probationary period
- Applicants may be required to wear a uniform
- May require obtaining and maintaining a government credit card
- Application materials may be shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior
- Reasonable accommodation requests for assessments must be made prior to starting the assessments
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Experienced physical scientists with a strong background in geoscience disciplines like geology and hydrology.
- Professionals seeking a senior advisory and supervisory role within a national park setting.
- Candidates comfortable balancing office-based planning with field assignments involving physical exertion and remote travel.
- U.S. citizens or nationals who hold a qualifying degree and possess the required year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position involves a one-year probationary period and potential requirements to wear a uniform or maintain a government credit card.
- Field assignments may require overnight stays in diverse terrain and physical exertion.
- Relocation may be necessary depending on your current location, though incentives are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants must carefully compile specific documentation, such as a maximum two-page resume, transcripts, performance appraisals, and relevant federal forms.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role fits professionals aiming to build a high-level federal career in resource management and geosciences, offering a chance to directly influence scientific work and strategic partnerships at Grand Canyon National Park while earning a federal salary and benefits package.
Our take
U.S. citizens with the required physical science background and supervisory experience who enjoy combining office strategy with field research should seriously consider applying before the September 2026 deadline, while those seeking purely remote work or lacking the specific federal qualifications should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
