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Life Scientist/Physical Scientist

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST APPLY VIA THE EXTERNAL LINK LOCATED IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THIS PAGE


Summary
  • This position is in Region 9, Water Division, Surface Water Branch, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits Section or Land, Chemicals and Redevelopment Division RCRA Branch, Permits Section. If selected, you must work at one of the locations stated in this announcement. About Region 9: Region 9 Website
  • Learn more about this agency


Responsibilities

At the entry level of this position, you will:
  • Prepare or review permits (issuance, re-issuance, and modification) for moderately complex treatment, storage and disposal facilities or sources;
  • Provide technical support to state, local or tribal agencies regarding technical and scientific criteria and methods; implementation of pollution control requirements; and impacts of pollutants;
  • Provide technical support in defense of technical and legal challenges to permits with Office of Regional Counsel (ORC);
  • Respond to permit inquiries;
  • When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.
  • You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or inter agency agreements.


Travel Required

  • Occasional travel - Less than 25% per month
Supervisory status
  • No
Promotion Potential
  • 12

Job family (Series)



Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
  • You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
  • If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
  • This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.


Qualifications

  • You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:
  • To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as performing data analysis on scientific investigations/projects OR preparing permits for facilities (issuance, re-issuance, or modification).
OR 
  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below                                                                      
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:  
  • Knowledge of professional environmental physical science and/or life science concepts, principles, and practices to prepare permits (issuance, re-issuance, and modification) for the discharge of dredged or fill material to waters of the United States;
  • Knowledge of conservation biology, hydrology, and industry technology to develop requirements which are practicable, and mitigate impacts to ensure protection of the environment; 
  • Skill in identifying and resolving alternatives to discharges while meeting project purposes;
  • Knowledge of environmental permit regulations, relevant case law, and agency policies;
  • Skill in presenting technical/scientific information to a variety of individuals and groups including, state, local, or tribal agency officials, and private citizens (both discharges and those affected by discharges)
  • Skill in writing agency correspondence, comments on technical documents, and permit guidance or policies.
  • Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.


Education

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in

Life Scientist - 0401
  • Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
or
  • Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Physical Scientist - 1301
  • 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
  • Combination of education and experience -- 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.


Additional information

This position is in the bargaining unit.
  • Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
  • EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
  • If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
  • Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.
  • Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.
  • Read more


How You Will Be Evaluated

  • You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
  • This position is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management’s government-wide direct-hire authority. Under the provisions of the direct-hire authority, category rating, veterans’ preference, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply. All eligible applicants will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration, and you may be subject to assessments during the selection process. If you are selected, we will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the qualification requirements.

To preview questions please click here.


Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Drug test required
  • No
Position sensitivity and risk
Trust determination process


Required Documents

Documents to be submitted online:
  • NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.

  • --Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section. In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.
  • --Responses to the online assessment questionnaire (you must complete this online - it is not a document you need to upload).
  • --College transcripts - required to submit either unofficial transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester hours earned. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA.
  • -- NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA.
  • --Displaced Federal employees under ICTAP/CTAP: copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.

Additional information can be found on our website: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:


Benefits

  • A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.
  • Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
  • Review our benefits
  • Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
  • How to Apply
  • Help Help


How to Apply

You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.

To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.

If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.

For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.



Agency contact information

Twanita Augustine Twanita Augustine

Phone
Fax
  • 513-569-7826
Email
Address
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • US Environmental ProtectionAgency
  • Human Resources Office
  • 26 West Martin Luther King Drive
  • Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
  • United States
  • Learn more about this agency


Next steps

  • You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your online occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.


Fair & Transparent


Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.


Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

  • The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
  • Read more


Reasonable Accommodation Policy

  • Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.