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Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all Americans. We offer great benefits and work flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career.

These positions are located in the Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Air Quality Assessment Division, Measurement Technology Group, in Durham, NC.  

For more information on this office, visit their website: Office of Air and Radiation

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
03/19/2019 to 03/25/2019
Salary
$76,015 to - $117,508 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Durham, NC
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Announcement number
RTP-OAR-OT-2019-0027
Control number
527671300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

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You will:

- Lead efforts to evaluate emerging measurement and monitoring technologies for the characterization of multi-pollutant air emissions;

- Develop guidelines for applying state-of-the-science air emissions data, analysis, and quality assurance techniques to various air quality projects;

- Serve as national point of contact to backstop implementation issues and concerns in the use of measurement techniques for compliance, monitoring and source characterization purposes;

- Manage contractual resources and serve as work assignment manager on key source emissions measurement projects.

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.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
  • You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).
  • You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month.
  • Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
  • 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.

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

Qualifications

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

Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: 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 -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement.  However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA.  More information on verification of education can be found here:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

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-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as measuring and monitoring air emissions; and preparing source test reports.

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as measuring and monitoring air emissions for industrial sources; preparing source test repots; and managing contractual projects.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of industrial source air measurement and control; 2) Skill in source emissions measurement and monitoring; 3) Skill in analyzing source emission data; 4) Ability to evaluate and incorporate the latest developments in the environmental science field into technical guidelines; 5) Ability to explain and consult on national emissions testing issues; 6) Skill in written communication; 7) Skill in project management; 8) Ability to manage contracts.

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.

Education

See Qualifications section.

Additional information

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee?  If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures

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.

If you have part-time work experience, read this:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.  

Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.

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 above.

If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.

One or more positions may be filled.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This position is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management’s government-wide direct-hire authority.  Under the provisions of the direct-hire authority, category rating, veterans’ preference, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply.  We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.  All applicants who meet these requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration.  If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.


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