Physical Science Technician
6 open positions in this category
Physical science technicians in the 1311 series support scientists and engineers in the physical sciences: running instruments, collecting and processing samples and data, maintaining laboratory and field equipment and carrying out standard tests and measurements. The work ranges from oceanographic and hydrologic data collection to calibration laboratories and forensic science.
Recent listings have included physical science technicians at U.S. Pacific Fleet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Geological Survey, a gas metrologist technician at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and a physical science technician in forensics at the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Applying tip: technician announcements are rated on hands-on experience with the specific instruments, methods and data systems named in the duties, so list them by name and say what you measured and how the results were used; relevant college coursework in chemistry, physics, geology or oceanography can substitute for some experience at the lower grades. The entry-level guide explains how technician grades progress, and the federal resume guide covers the format.
We currently have 6 open listings for Physical Science Technician roles, all telework eligible. 4 were posted in the last 30 days, the newest on Oct 5, 2026. Advertised pay runs $40,922 to $133,142 a year, typically about $77,683. GS grades range from 4 to 12. Employers with the most listings: U.S. Pacific Fleet (4), National Institute of Standards and Technology (1), United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (1). Figures as of Oct 6, 2026, refreshed daily.