USAJOBS - Job Announcement

This position is in Region 7, Office of Regional Counsel, FOIA and General Law Branch. About Region 7

This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.
*EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section.

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Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

07/30/2024 to 08/12/2024
Salary

$105,029 - $136,541 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 13
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Lenexa, KS
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be required to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

13
Job family (Series)

0306 Government Information Specialist
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

EPA-W7-MPE-2024-0023
Control number

802035000

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Clarification from the agency

-Current federal employee with competitive status; reinstatement eligible; ICTAP/CTAP eligible -Current/former federal employee eligible under misc act/authority/agreement (e.g., land management, postal service, interchange agreement) -Veteran who is preference eligible or has separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service (VEOA) -Applicant eligible for noncompetitive appointment (e.g., Schedule A, Peace Corps, VRA)

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You will:

Review, analyze and research the Agency's information assets for response to information requests of a complex nature;
Make release determinations to grant or deny official requests for information and prepare responses to requesters and Agency management;
Ensure personal information and data is collected, maintained, used, or disseminated only as authorized by law;
Develop, implement and/or distribute written privacy policies and procedures that promote commitment to privacy and access to information.

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Conditions of Employment

You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
You must be a U.S. citizen.

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.

You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.

If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period if appointed as Competitive Service or a two-year trial period if appointed as Excepted Service.

#LI-Onsite

Qualifications

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as managing government information, including with regard to the Freedom of Information Act, by reviewing, analyzing, and researching the Agency’s information assets for responses to information requests; making release determinations and preparing responses; and/or ensuring personal information and data is handled as authorized by law and policy.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act;
Skill in analyzing FOIA claims to determine significance;
Skill in oral communication;
Skill in written communication;
Knowledge of the government information management lifecycle;
Skill in project management;
Knowledge of regional and national FOIA guidance;
Ability to develop and conduct trainings.

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

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.

Although the Service type indicated in the Overview section is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or higher--see the How You Will Be Evaluated section).

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.

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.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

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. Opens in a new windowLearn 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.

EPA offers workplace flexibilities as described on the EPA Benefits page. These flexibilities are not guaranteed, and eligibility will be determined in accordance with position requirements, policy, and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement after you are hired.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov

This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.

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.

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 and an applicable score assigned.

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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Review our benefits

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Required documents to submit online:

ALL APPLICANTS

Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections. Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you have received if you'd like them to be considered. PLEASE LIMIT YOUR RESUME TO A MAXIMUM OF 7 PAGES.

CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you’re eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
- ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]).
- TIME-IN-GRADE - If you’re applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section above. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)

CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn’t dated within the last 18 months or you haven’t received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.

DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE

Most recent performance appraisal
Proof of eligibility
Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station

VETERANS

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)
VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), if applicable
SF-15 (use current SF-15), if applicable

NOTE: See page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214/VA letter.

Active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (certification is any written document from the armed forces certifying you’re expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification).

If you’re a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated below.

APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT

SCHEDULE A (for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities) - Provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you’re eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A and Sample Letters
OTHER - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
Learn more about noncompetitive appointments: Special Appointment

How to upload documents: Uploading Documents

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 welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.

The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:

• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.

• If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.

• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.

Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

Julie Burget

Phone: 513-569-7234
Email: burget.julie@epa.gov
Address: Environmental Protection Agency
OMS/OHCO/RCD
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WJC Bldg North, Mail Code 1448K
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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.

Help

Required documents to submit online:

ALL APPLICANTS

Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections. Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you have received if you'd like them to be considered. PLEASE LIMIT YOUR RESUME TO A MAXIMUM OF 7 PAGES.

CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you’re eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
- ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]).
- TIME-IN-GRADE - If you’re applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section above. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)

CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn’t dated within the last 18 months or you haven’t received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.

DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE

Most recent performance appraisal
Proof of eligibility
Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station

VETERANS

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)
VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), if applicable
SF-15 (use current SF-15), if applicable

NOTE: See page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214/VA letter.

If you’re a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated below.

APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT

SCHEDULE A (for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities) - Provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you’re eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A and Sample Letters
OTHER - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
Learn more about noncompetitive appointments: Special Appointment

How to upload documents: Uploading Documents

Help

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

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

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

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.

Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Agency contact information

Julie Burget

Phone: 513-569-7234
Email: burget.julie@epa.gov
Address: Environmental Protection Agency
OMS/OHCO/RCD
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WJC Bldg North, Mail Code 1448K
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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

Help

Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

07/30/2024 to 08/12/2024
Salary

$105,029 - $136,541 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 13
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Lenexa, KS
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be required to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

No
Appointment type

Permanent
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

13
Job family (Series)

0306 Government Information Specialist
Supervisory status

No
Security clearance

Not Required
Drug test

No
Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

EPA-W7-MPE-2024-0023
Control number

802035000

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/802035000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Government Information Specialist

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

Benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

Benefits

Required Documents

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair and Transparent

Required Documents

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent