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This position is in Region 5, Water division, Watersheds and Wetlands Branch, Standards Section. About Region 5: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-5.
This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized.
Learn more about this agency06/07/2023 to 06/13/2023
$52,022 - $82,720 per year
Salary will be based on the grade level for which you are selected.
GS 07 - 09
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel 25% of each month.
No
Recent Graduates - This is a one-year developmental program which may lead to a term or permanent appointment.
Full-time
Excepted
12
No
No
CIN-U5-ORG-2023-0029
730047200
-Recent Graduates who have completed a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or technical education program within the preceding two years of application submittal (the two years begins on the date all course requirements are met). Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to six years after degree or certification.
At the entry level of this position, you will:
-Integrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the sciences, water quality monitoring, data management and analysis to perform complex and detailed water quality assessments and biological or scientific analyses to achieve the objectives of water quality and protection programs.
-Performs program administration work, or environmental liaison work, in order to accomplish the assigned environmental management and protection duties; and serve as technical contact on state or tribal grants or contracts.
-Provide technical and programmatic advice and assistance to state, local and/or tribal governments on matters relating to the development, execution, and monitoring of adequate environmental protection policies, plans, and programs. Using established protocols, the employee reviews, analyzes, and recommends modifications of routine projects or portions of complex plans and/or programs.
-Use information technology and scientific background, analytical methods and techniques to develop applications to analyze a range of scientific, environmental protection, legal and/or environmental management issues.
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. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.
You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
#LI-Onsite
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
If you are selected, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial 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. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
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-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as implementing water programs and projects.
- OR 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in the academic discipline as described below
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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 performing programmatic, technical, financial and grant functions as required including the implementation of water programs and projects.
- 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.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
-Skill in applying concepts, principles, practices, and methodology of the field of life science, engineering and/or physical sciences sufficient to perform assignments of moderate difficulty, or discrete portions of more complex projects.
-Knowledge of environmental statutes and regulations such as the Clean Water Act.
-Knowledge of water quality management programs and concepts relevant to water programs implemented by states, interstate agencies, eligible tribes, and/or other government bodies.
-Knowledge of water quality assessments and/or monitoring programs experience performed to support and assist states interstate agencies, eligible tribes, and/or other government bodies.
-Skill in oral communication, sufficient to articulate issues and positions on both scientific and technical matters related to implementation of water quality standards, water quality monitoring, pollution control, and other environmental protection programs.
-Skill in written 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.
In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Recent Graduates program, this position has specific educational requirements in order to qualify as described below:
A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in
0401 - Life and Biological Sciences Series:
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.
0800 - Engineering Series:
All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:
OR
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.
1301 - General Physical Science Series:
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.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.
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.
This position is in the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, which provides individuals who have completed a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate with an entry-level developmental experience with the potential to lead to a career in the Federal government. Upon successful completion of the program, you may be noncompetitively converted to a term or permanent position without further competition. For more information, see USAJOBS Information Sheet.
ATTENTION VETERANS: If you are a veteran (as defined in 5 USC 2108) who due to military service obligations was precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period (described in the “This job is open to/Clarification from the agency” section above), you have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon your release/discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may your eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date you completed the requirements for a qualifying degree or qualify career or technical education program.
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 in the Overview section.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position. You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category. NOTE: Preference eligible veterans must be selected, or decline further consideration, before applicants who are ineligible for veterans’ preference can be selected (to learn more, visit Veterans' Preference).
We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.
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 will not make assumptions regarding your experience.
-- 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. Required to submit documentation from the school showing date degree was conferred or date all degree requirements were met within the preceding two years. 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. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
-- Veterans' Preference Documents:
Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:
Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:
Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:
Active duty service members:
-- Veterans who are not entitled to preference: If you are unable to apply within two years of receiving your degree due to military service obligation, submit your DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge).
To learn more about submitting documentation, visit Uploading Documents to USAJOBS.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 top 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 two 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.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.
The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: 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. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/730047200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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