The USGS Washington Water Science Center is seeking high school, associate, or undergraduate,student working towards a degree in geology, chemistry, physics, geophysics, biology, ecology, mathematics, soils, forestry, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical science, atmospheric science to gain practical experience inMaintenance of stream gages, collection of hydrologic data, stream-flow record computation, and water quality measurements.
As a Student Trainee (Hydrologist) you will serve in a trainee capacity, performing routine and recurring development assignments to acquire knowledge and understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the area of field and laboratory work.
Duties include:
- Performs routine measurements of stage and discharge under a variety of field conditions applying established uniform methods.
- Reviews gage-height data and discharge measurements to check methods and accuracy of computation.
- Plots hydrographs for comparing records.
- Performs routine field water-quality measurements such as water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and alkalinity.
- Computes, processes, and checks routine sediment samples where uniform and established methods exist.
Physical Demands: The work regularly requires considerable dexterity, agility, and strenuous physical exertion such as that needed to: climb, or work from, tall ladders or scaffolding; work in areas where footing is treacherous such as on slippery river banks, in steep or rocky terrain, and in fast-moving water; lift heavy objects weighing 23 kilograms (over 50 pounds) or more; crouch or crawl in constricted areas; and defend oneself or others against physical attack.
Work Environment: The work regularly involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with visiting field sites with limited access, under adverse weather or flooding conditions, or exposure to irritant or toxic chemicals. Work may require the use of special clothing or gear such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, respirators, or life jackets.
Salary: - Ferndale and Tacoma, WA
- GS-03: $16.91 per hour (step 01); $21.98 per hour (step 10).
- GS-04: $18.98 per hour (step 01); $24.67 per hour (step 10).
- GS-05: $21.23 per hour (step 01); $27.60 per hour (step 10).
- Spokane, WA
- GS-03: $15.15 per hour (step 01); $19.69per hour (step 10).
- GS-04: $17.00 per hour (step 01); $22.10 per hour (step 10).
- GS-05: $19.02 per hour (step 01); $24.73 per hour (step 10).
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
Starting at $15.15 Per Hour (GS 3-5)