You will:

GS-9

1. Assist in the analysis of environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters.
2. Assist in the interpretation and evaluation of data to determine its significance.
3. Assist in implementing and adhering to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements.
4. Provide information and advice on sample analysis to federal, state, local and/or tribal governments.

 
GS-11
1. Prepare, analyze, and evaluate environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters.
2. Interpret and evaluate data to determine its significance.
3. Implement and adhere to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements.
4. Modify and validate methods.

GS-12
1. Analyze routine and non-routine environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters
2. Develop, modify, and validate analytical methods
3. Develop, implement, and adhere to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements
4.Provide technical expertise, assistance, and advice based on the analysis of environmental samples.
5. Interpret and evaluate data to determine its significance, and communicate findings orally and in written reports.

Conditions of employment

• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
• Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).
• You must be a U.S. citizen.

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary 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.

Qualifications

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

Chemistry Series, 1320

Basic Requirements:

A. Degree: 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

B.Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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 performing analysis on environmental/scientific data, and/or assists in the interpretation/evaluation of environmental/scientific data - 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.

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

1. Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters to analyze environmental samples and interpret data.
2. Skill in using laboratory instruments (e.g. gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment.
3. Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters to analyze environmental samples and interpret data.
4. Knowledge of chemistry-based quality control procedures and requirements.
5. Skill in oral communication.
6. Skill in written communication.

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 performing chemical analysis on environmental samples and reporting on data interpretation findings - 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.

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

1. Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters to analyze environmental samples and interpret data.
2. Skill in using laboratory instruments (e.g. gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment.
3. Knowledge of chemistry-based qualify control procedures and requirements.
4. Knowledge of federal, state, local, and/or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement and compliance.
5. Skill in oral communication.
6. Skill in written communication.

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 experience performing chemical analyses and tests; evaluating and resolving problems in laboratory operations, such as quality control or instrumentation issues; selecting analytical methods and using standard operating procedures.

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

1. Skill in using sophisticated laboratory instruments (e.g., gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment.
2. Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters.
3. Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters.
4. Knowledge of chemistry-based quality control procedures and requirements.
5. Knowledge of federal, state, local, or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement, and compliance.
6. Skill in oral communication.
7. 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.

How you will be evaluated

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.

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.

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.