Life Scientist/Physical Scientist/Environmental Engineer

These positions are in Region 4, multiple divisions. About Region 4

This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected).

*Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section.

Qualifications:

NOTE:  You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.

In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:

To qualify for the GS-07 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level defined as assisting in the collection of field or laboratory environmental samples; OR applying scientific/engineering policies to environmental protection issues or problems;
• 1 year of graduate-level education; or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition); the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

To qualify for the GS-09 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level defined as analyzing scientific/engineering data or environmental samples; and providing policy and/or procedural guidance on environmental issues;
• 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree; or master’s or equivalent graduate degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Ability to learn how to conduct field inspections, gather evidence, and/or recommend actions; 2) Skill in written communication; 3) Skill in providing technical assistance for field sampling and analytical services, facility inspections or audits, and/or monitoring support; 4) Ability to read, understand and apply environmental laws, regulations, policies, and/or practices; 5) 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.

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

Life Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following:  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.

Environmental Engineer: All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:

• Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college, OR

• Have a combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.  The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

1. Professional registration as an engineer.
2. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
3. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
4. Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications.

Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following:  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.

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

Employment Type: FULL_TIME