Physical Scientist

Physical Scientist

Department: Department of State

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia, Detroit, Michigan

Salary Range: $138734 - $187093 Per Year

Job Summary: The International Joint Commission assists the governments of the United States and Canada in preventing and resolving water and environmental disputes under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. IJC is an independent organization and not a part of the Executive Branch. The physical scientist for this position will aid in developing policy, providing advice for Commission Consideration, fulfilling complex and high level duties, pursuing the common good of both countries.

Major Duties:

• Reviews, analyzes, makes recommendations, to governments for water infrastructure and security projects that have potential to cause significant or serious damage to national security.
• Participates with the Commission Information Technology Team providing IT recommendations for new collaborative software and technologies for the IJC, US Section office and Commission boards.
• Collaboratively constructs policies and procedures as well as leads development of briefings package for Commissioners before meetings with high level government officials, making recommendations for actions.
• Attends binational board and committee meetings and works closely with the US and Canadian Section office liaisons to lead preparation of scientific, technical and policy advice to Commissioners to facilitate consensus decision making.
• Develops, secures and maintains continuous contact with professional counterparts in appropriate U.S and Canadian federal, state, provincial, local, university, industry, and business organizations and activities.

Qualifications: Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. [If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application. Applicants MUST meet the required basic entry qualification requirements described below: BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Have an undergraduate or higher level degree from an accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that INCLUDED 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Have education equivalent to one of the majors shown in "A" above that INCLUDED at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, PLUS appropriate experience OR additional education. IN ADDITION to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements listed above, the applicant MUST have at least one year of specialized experience that has equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience leading transboundary water projects, including conducting studies, interpreting data, analyzing technological resources used, managing complex cases, communicating with officials from another government, and making recommendations regarding water levels, flows, quality, and environmental health. Experience with addressing transboundary water disputes, creating reports, conducting briefings, handling contracts, and coordinating with water resource experts. Experience with assisting operations as a technical expert, liaising with stakeholders, and supporting leadership with policy recommendations, briefings, and dispute resolution. Note: All applicants WILL BE required to submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.

How to Apply: Prepare your application in USAJOBS To start your application, click Apply and we'll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section. To learn how to view the status of your submitted supporting documentation and application, visit the Application Instructions section of our agency's Civil Service selection process site. Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET Alternate Application Procedures If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-15