The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks to recruit exceptional men and women who will work in new creative ways that are cleaner for the environment, cheaper for business and taxpayers, and smarter for America's future. Founded In 1970, EPA Is a dynamic organization employing people from diverse backgrounds dedicated to Improving and preserving the quality of public health and the environment.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) adds value by promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within EPA and the delivery of environmental programs. The OIG inspires public confidence by preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in Agency operations and protecting the integrity of EPA programs. We serve as a catalyst For improving the environment. By helping the Agency operate more economically, effectively, and efficiently, we contribute to improved environmental quality and human health. We provide solutions to problems that ultimately result In making America a cleaner and healthier place.
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks to recruit exceptional men and women who will work in new creative ways that are cleaner for the environment, cheaper for business and taxpayers, and smarter for America's future. Founded In 1970, EPA Is a dynamic organization employing people from diverse backgrounds dedicated to Improving and preserving the quality of public health and the environment.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) adds value by promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within EPA and the delivery of environmental programs. The OIG inspires public confidence by preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in Agency operations and protecting the integrity of EPA programs. We serve as a catalyst For improving the environment. By helping the Agency operate more economically, effectively, and efficiently, we contribute to improved environmental quality and human health. We provide solutions to problems that ultimately result In making America a cleaner and healthier place.
The Assistant Inspector General for Investigations reports to the Deputy Inspector General for the EPA-Office of Inspector General (OIG). The incumbent manages, coordinates and has overall responsibility for investigations related to EPA programs and operations, pursuant to the Inspector General Act, S U.S.C. App.3. The office designs short, medium, and long·term, multi-office investigative approaches that support the OIG strategic plan; coordinates investigations, synthesizes findings from investigations and provides for the timeliness, quality, and review of the resulting reports. Serves as the principal adviser to the Inspector General on all matters related to investigative program activities for: grant and contract fraud; electronic crimes; employee misconduct; threats; program integrity and laboratory fraud. Identifies and utilizes analytical approaches to apply on individual and proactive investigations. Primarily responsible for the direction, management and conduct of Investigations on EPA programs and operations to efficiently achieve OIG goals and objectives. Evaluates current and proposed investigation programs and operations and recommends actions to initiate, modify, or discontinue projects.
Develops and Institutes a networking process with a wide variety of stakeholders and customers including: OIG components, EPA and other Federal managers, Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), State and Local government offices, Congress, Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys, and other interested parties. Advocates building controls into new and existing programs to deter fraud and abuse and to improve Agency programs. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high·level individuals, including Members of Congress and their staff, other legislative and executive agencies. Establishes and maintains close and cooperative working relationships with all levels or EPA department management and officials, government agencies, and other institutions with related interests, in order to advance the programs and objectives of EPA OIG.
Provides convincing and legally sound written reports and oral presentations about complex fraud or other criminal schemes for internal and external audiences. Responds to Agency and congressional inquiries. Serves as the primary adviser on OIG's investigation program and activities. Leads and coaches teams of professionals with diverse experience and educational backgrounds. Ensures staff collectively possess and maintains the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan and carry out investigations. Encourages innovative and creative problem solving by empowering individual investigative teams to plan, develop, conduct, and report on Investigative efforts.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:
Although not required desirable experience includes: Experience working in a team environment with auditors, program analysts, attorneys, scientists, or other non-investigator staff. Experience in applying professional tools and techniques used by Federal law enforcement officers (e.g., electronic surveillance and techniques, search and arrest warrants, etc.)
You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
You must be a U.S. citizen.
Pre-employment drug testing is required and random testing thereafter.
Pre-employment physical is required and periodic physicals thereafter.
Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees, with reinstatement eligibility, or candidates who have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), however you must still address the Technical Qualifications. All other applicants must submit narrative statements covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications in order to receive consideration for the position. Failure to address these specific qualifications in a separate narrative statement will eliminate you from consideration.
When responding to the Technical Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.
For help in writing responses to ECQ's, applicants are strongly encouraged to review OPM's Guide to SES Qualifications at the following website: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf. The section, "Writing Executive Qualification Statements", begins on Page 8 of the Guide.
Qualifications
ES-1811 series: The work of this position requires executive level management, direction and oversight of investigations on EPA programs and operations to efficiently achieve OIG goals and objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
TQ 1. Demonstrated success in developing and applying proactive investigative strategies (e.g., data analytics) aimed at detecting and preventing fraud In agency programs and operations.
TQ 2. Experience in managing large/nationwide fraud investigations from inception through appropriate resolution.
TQ 3. Demonstrated ability to effectively address and manage conflict in the workplace and to motivate employees to achieve high levels of return on investment in contribution to the agency mission.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS
1. LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this Executive Core Qualification Is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement It In a continuously changing environment.
Leadership Competencies: a. Creativity and Innovation Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and Implements new or cutting edge programs/processes.
b. External Awareness Understands and keeps up·to·date on local, national, and International policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; Is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment.
c. Flexibility ls open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new Information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
d. Resilience Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
e. Strategic Thinking Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with the long-term business and competitive interests of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.
f. Vision Takes a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action.
2. LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this Executive Core Qualification is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution or conflicts.
Leadership Competencies: a. Conflict Management Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.
b. Leveraging Diversity Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and Individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
c. Developing Others Develops the ability or others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing developmental opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods.
d. Team Building Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
3.RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this Executive Core Qualification is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
Leadership Competencies: a. Accountability Holds self and others accountable for measurable high·quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
b. Customer Service Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.
c. Decisiveness Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the Impact and Implications of decisions.
d. Entrepreneurship Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.
e. Problem Solving Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
f. Technical Credibility Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
4.BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification Involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
Leadership Competencies: a. Financial Management Understands the organization's financial processes. Prepares, justifies, and administers the program budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.
b. Human Capital Management Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manages a multi-sector workforce and a variety of work situations.
c. Technology Management Keeps up·to·date on technological developments. Makes effective use of technology to achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
5.BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualifications involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and Local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Leadership Competencies: a. Partnering Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
b. Political Savvy Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
c. Influencing/Negotiating Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.
Fundamental Competencies · These competencies are the foundation for success In each of the Executive Core Qualifications.
a. Interpersonal Skills Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
b. Oral Communication Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
c. Integrity/Honesty Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics.
d. Written Communications Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
e. Continual Learning Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses;pursues self-development.
Additional information
Criminal Investigators - Special Provisions
Medical Requirements: You must be found to be physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.
Age Requirements: You must be at least 21 years of age and not older than 36 at the time of appointment. In accordance with PL 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirements provisions; therefore, you must be appointed before reaching your 37th birthday unless you presently serve or have previously served in a Federal civilian law enforcement retirement-covered position.
Law Enforcement Training: You must successfully complete the 9-week Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Basic Criminal Investigator training program at Glynco, GA. You must pass the training program on the first attempt or you will be removed from this position and failure may result in separation from the Agency. You are exempt from this training if you have previously completed the program.
You must meet qualifications to carry a firearm. Lautenberg Notice: Title 18 USC, Section 911 (g), automatically disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from being appointed to this position. You must not have been convicted of a felony crime.
You must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.
This Is a secondary law enforcement officer position under The law enforcement retirement system. To meet the qualification requirements of chis position, applicants must possess prior experience Investigating, apprehending, or detaining criminals or criminal suspects.
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.
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual’s employment experience will be used only to determine the person’s qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual’s personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination. For more information, visit Mythbuster on Federal Hiring Policies.
This information is used to determine your qualifications for employment. The use of this information is authorized under Title 5 USC, Sections 3302 and 3361.
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.
The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment. You must complete 1-year SES probation period, if not previously completed.
SES pay is determined within the pay range, commensurate with experience, superior leadership qualifications, and/or other competencies consistent with the EPA OIG mission.
If you are a male and hired, and if you were born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. All Federal employees are required by P.L. 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Senior Executives are required to comply with the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act and must submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, upon assuming the position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION AND RELOCATION: In accordance with Federal and Agency travel regulations, the candidate selected for this position will not be reimbursed for travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty to this position. Position involves travel.
TELEWORK/FLEXIPLACE: This position has portable work; therefore, the selectee may be eligible to telework.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The EPA OIG uses the traditional ECQ based evaluation method. If you meet the basic requirements, your application will be forwarded to an SES Rating Panel for rating and ranking based on your narrative responses to the TQs and ECQs. The Executive Resources Board recommends the best qualified candidates to the selecting official for consideration. You will be notified of the outcome of your application.
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.
The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment. You must complete 1-year SES probation period, if not previously completed.
SES pay is determined within the pay range, commensurate with experience, superior leadership qualifications, and/or other competencies consistent with the EPA OIG mission.
If you are a male and hired, and if you were born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. All Federal employees are required by P.L. 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Senior Executives are required to comply with the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act and must submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, upon assuming the position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION AND RELOCATION: In accordance with Federal and Agency travel regulations, the candidate selected for this position will not be reimbursed for travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty to this position. Position involves travel.
TELEWORK/FLEXIPLACE: This position has portable work; therefore, the selectee may be eligible to telework.
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 must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Technical Qualifications (TQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Your narrative statements may not exceed TWO pages per TQ. Your narrative statements may not exceed TWO pages per ECQ.
Resume – Mandatory: Please limit your resume to no more than five (5) pages. In addition to answering the mandatory Technical Competencies’ and Executive Core Qualifications above, applicants MUST SUBMIT A RESUME.
If you exceed the page limit for your resume, TQs and ECQs or fail to address all of the TQs or ECQs your application will be disqualified.
Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
Current or former SES Career employees must include a copy of their SF-50 that indicates their SES Career appointment under Title 5 (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
Current or former Federal employee must provide a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service.
Do not submit any additional documents. Unsolicited documents will not be considered.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Technical Qualifications (TQs) and (B) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Responses to the three TQs and five ECQs is mandatory. Failure to address the TQs and ECQs will result in your application being disqualified. To begin the application process, click the Apply On-line button to the 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 closing date of this announcement. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USA Jobs document portfolio feature. If you cannot apply on-line, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the closing date of this announcement. For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to http://www.epa.gov/careers/evapr.html
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
MC: 2405T
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, responses to the Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
The Executive Review Board decides which Best Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the Selecting Official to make a selection. Interviews are arranged through the Selecting Official. If your application is not forwarded to the Rating Panel, you will be notified of the outcome of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Technical Qualifications (TQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Your narrative statements may not exceed TWO pages per TQ. Your narrative statements may not exceed TWO pages per ECQ.
Resume – Mandatory: Please limit your resume to no more than five (5) pages. In addition to answering the mandatory Technical Competencies’ and Executive Core Qualifications above, applicants MUST SUBMIT A RESUME.
If you exceed the page limit for your resume, TQs and ECQs or fail to address all of the TQs or ECQs your application will be disqualified.
Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
Current or former SES Career employees must include a copy of their SF-50 that indicates their SES Career appointment under Title 5 (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
Current or former Federal employee must provide a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service.
Do not submit any additional documents. Unsolicited documents will not be considered.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Technical Qualifications (TQs) and (B) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Responses to the three TQs and five ECQs is mandatory. Failure to address the TQs and ECQs will result in your application being disqualified. To begin the application process, click the Apply On-line button to the 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 closing date of this announcement. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USA Jobs document portfolio feature. If you cannot apply on-line, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the closing date of this announcement. For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to http://www.epa.gov/careers/evapr.html
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
MC: 2405T
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, responses to the Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
The Executive Review Board decides which Best Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the Selecting Official to make a selection. Interviews are arranged through the Selecting Official. If your application is not forwarded to the Rating Panel, you will be notified of the outcome of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
