Hydrologic Technician Student Services Contractor

at U.S. Geological Survey in Idaho Falls, Idaho, United States

Job Description

JOB DESPRIPTION
Position Title: Hydrologic Technician Student Services Contractor
Agency: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Idaho Water Science Center
Duty Location: Idaho Falls, ID, with regular fieldwork at the Idaho National Laboratory
Appointment Type: Student Services Contractor (SSC) 
Work Schedule: Part-time during academic terms; potential full-time during breaks 
Compensation: Hourly ($15.33 to $38.52). Pay rate varies based on education level. 
Visit Website: Idaho National Laboratory Project Office | U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Idaho National Laboratory Project Office is seeking a motivated student to support hydrologic data-collection activities focused on groundwater monitoring at the INL. This position provides hands-on experience in hydrologic field methods, instrumentation, sample collection, and collaboration with professional geologists, hydrologists and technicians. The student will gain exposure to large, long-term groundwater monitoring programs, field safety operations, and federal scientific workflows.

WHAT THE STUDENT WILL LEARN
• Experience with drill core materials and logging core.
• Standard USGS groundwater data‑collection techniques.
• Groundwater sampling procedures.
• Use of hydrologic field instruments and digital data‑collection systems.
• Best practices for scientific record‑keeping and quality assurance.
• Real‑world applications of hydrology in large‑scale environmental monitoring programs

APPLICATION MATERIALS
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Cover letter describing interest and relevant coursework/experience
• Proof of current student status
• Any other documents required under SSC or Handshake posting processes

SPECIAL TERMS
• The student will serve as an independent contractor, not a Federal employee. Payments are taxable as earned income, and no Federal, State, Local, Social Security, or Medicare taxes will be withheld. The student is responsible for paying all applicable taxes. The USGS will report total earnings on IRS Form 1099; a W‑2 will not be issued.
• For payment, the student must have a checking or savings account at a financial institution that will accept direct deposits of Federal Funds.
• Students must successfully complete a background investigation and fingerprint check. After selection, they must also complete required computer security awareness training and follow all policies in the USGS Computer and Network Security Handbook.
• The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection will be based solely on merit, qualifications, and fitness, without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non‑disqualifying disability, sexual orientation, or any other non‑merit factors.  The agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

CONTACT INFORMATION
• Work will be overseen by Brian Twining, Supervisory Hydrologist.
• For questions related directly to the job, contact Brian at 208-607-2385 or email btwining@usgs.gov.

HOW TO APPLY
Select One of the Methods Below:
• Applicants can submit cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript through Handshake. To apply in Handshake you must register for an account at www.joinhandshake.com. Once registered search for job announcement 11118055. 
• Email application materials to Brian Twining at btwining@usgs.gov