Life Scientist/Physical Scientist/Chemist

These positions are in Region 4, Laboratory Services & Applied Science Division (LSASD), Quality and Support Branch (QSB), Quality Assurance Section (QAS). About Region 4: R4

This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.
*Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section.

Qualifications:

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-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as preparing environmental reports and/or other related documents to assess compliance to environmental regulations; conducting environmental sample analysis;
- OR master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 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.

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 ensuring environmental compliance and quality assurance for environmental data; providing technical guidance for environmental sample analysis; and reviewing environmental reports and/or other documentation for quality;
- 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 answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of chemistry-based quality control procedures and requirements; 2) Skill in using sophisticated laboratory instruments (e.g., gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment; 3) Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters; 4) Skill in written communication; 5) Knowledge of federal, state, local, or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement, and compliance; 6) Skill in oral communication.

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:

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

LIFE SCIENTIST: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.

PHYSICAL SCIENTIST: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-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 a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

CHEMIST: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework.

For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME