Physical Scientist/ Life Scientist - EPA
Description:
At the entry level of this position, you will:
- Perform duties related to environmental engineering, physical science or life science to support environmental protection work in a program area (air, water, waste, etc.); a functional area (enforcement, compliance, permitting, etc.); or a cross media effort (environmental justice. etc.).
- Assist higher graded engineers/scientist in performing a wide range of administrative, engineering, technical and scientific work associated with the monitoring and reporting of compliance activities by public and private entities on matters concerning air pollution. hazardous materials and toxic substance control and disposal, the preservation and protection of surface and groundwater, and other duties concerned with a broad range of environmental protection responsibilities.
- Perform tasks using standard methods and techniques. Advises as to the adequacy and accuracy of data and processes, proper preservation and collection of samples and specimens, and provides technical assistance where applicable.
- Research technical aspects of EPA laws and regulations.
- Perform quality control functions by reviewing and evaluating technical analyses, studies, sampling, or other forms of data processed by others within or outside EPA, for technical adequacy and acceptability.
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.
One or more positions may be filled.
Skills/Eligibility:- Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
- 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.
- If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
This position is designated as Low 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.
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-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as developing and interpreting policy and procedural requirements on environmental issues to state, local or tribal agency officials, industries, and management; and producing and analyzing scientific/technical documents; and verifying and presenting findings on technical/scientific data collected - 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.
To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as developing and interpreting policy and procedural requirements on complex scientific and/or engineering problems to state, local or tribal agency officials, industries, and management; and producing and analyzing scientific/technical documents; and advising on the most efficient, effective, and feasible solutions to meet scientific and regulatory requirements.
Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
- Knowledge of engineering, physical or biological science theories, principles and methods to execute varied assignments, projects, or studies that may include diverse/complex environmental conditions.
- Knowledge of applicable environmental laws, regulations, statutes, policies and guidelines sufficient to perform assignments and to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
- Skill in using data gathering and analysis techniques to collect and review technical information on environmental activities and to identify and solve problems.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member, coordinating effectively with peers and superiors and collaborating on projects.
- Ability to communicate in writing to prepare technical reports and letters and make presentations to various types of audiences.
- Ability to plan work and meet deadlines.
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: <How to Apply: