Physical Scientist Student Contractor

Physical Scientist Student Contractors Needed

The USGS Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center’s Spectroscopy Laboratory (Denver, CO) is hiring up to two full-time (40 hours/week), 12-month Student Contractor positions to assist with geospatial data processing, laboratory operations, and field work. The USGS Spectroscopy Laboratory (SpecLab) studies and applies methods to identify and map minerals through spectroscopic remote sensing (also referred to as imaging spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging). We are looking for recently graduated (within the last 12-months) individuals who are excited to work collaboratively as part of a team. Students graduating in May 2026 are eligible to apply. These are excellent positions for individuals looking to diversify their experience prior to graduate school or beginning their career.

The pay rate is $20.94/hour for candidates with 2+ years of college, $23.42 for those with a bachelor’s degree, $29.02 for those with a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement or those with a bachelor’s degree and 1+ year of graduate school, and $35.50/hour for those with a master’s degree. The start date is April 2026, but other start dates will be considered. These 12-month positions could be extended for an additional year depending on funding (2 years maximum).

Student Contractor Position Description:

• These positions offer work in the laboratory, office, and field environments.
• Office work includes processing geospatial and spectral data, this includes georegistration of airborne hyperspectral images and processing of laboratory spectral data.
• Laboratory work includes collecting spectral data with a spectrometer, students will be expected to handle and prepare samples (e.g. minerals, rocks, soils, etc.) and reference materials for spectroscopic measurement.
• May be required to handle chemicals in the laboratory on an irregular basis.
• Participate in laboratory upkeep, cleaning, and organization.
• Work as part of a team participating in field work calibration and validation campaigns to collect samples and spectral data.

Working Conditions:

The student will be required to observe standard workplace safety requirements. When working in SpecLab there may be long periods of standing and repetitive actions. Mandatory safety training and personal protective equipment will be provided as needed. The work may require sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time.

Field campaigns often extend multiple days, and nights, away from Denver. Field work requires the ability to lift 50 lbs, the ability to carry 35 lbs on your person in a pack, the capacity for standing and walking/hiking for extended periods of time. Projected field sites for 2026 cover the American southwest, expect field work to be in hot and arid climates during the summer months.

Travel:

The student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Travel away from duty station is expected on an as needed basis and dependent on availability of personnel and field site conditions. While on official travel (e.g. field work), transportation from the principal duty station to the field site(s), lodging, and per diem will be provided by the government.

Applicants:

Candidates should have interest in working as part of a team with the ability to work individually to perform tasks that collectively advance project initiatives. Familiarity with the scientific process including following methods, recording and managing data, and analyzing results is expected. Experience or interest in processing geospatial data (e.g. ENVI, GIS) and/or hyperspectral data is preferred. Candidates with course work or degrees in the earth sciences (e.g. geology, remote sensing, geophysics, geochemistry, geoinformatics, etc.) may apply. We will begin reviewing applications as they are submitted and continue until the positions are filled.

Student Service Contract Specifics

• Under the Student Services Program, USGS contracts directly with the student and students must be at least 18 years of age.
• Former students who graduated more than 12 months ago or left school without graduating are not eligible for this program.
• Students are not Federal Employees. They are self-employed and therefore required to report and pay their own taxes and social security. They will be issued a 1099 form.
• Not eligible to participate in employee medical, insurance or retirement plans.
• USGS employees, their spouses and children are not eligible to participate in this program.
• The total duration for the contract shall not exceed two calendar years.
• Student hourly rates are adjusted each calendar year that Federal Employees receive a cost of living adjustment.
• The pay rate is commensurate with the statement of work, not the level of education. Students who have more years of study than required are not necessarily paid at a higher rate than required by the work statement.
• Contractors are paid only for hours worked, with no holiday or annual leave benefits. Contractors can work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours per week, however they get paid the same amount for each hour worked (i.e., no overtime pay rate).
• Contractors are entitled to one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
• Students must obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number and register in SAM (System for award management (sam.gov)) before a contract can be issued to them. Be aware this service is free. If you are asked for payment, you are not at the right site. Documentation will be provided to make the SAM process easier.
• Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service).

Principal Duty Station:

Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC)

Denver Federal Center

Building 20

Box 24056, MS 973

Denver, CO  80225