Clarification from the agency

Recent Graduates who have completed a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or technical education program within the preceding two years of the announcement closing date (the two years begins on the date all course requirements are met). Preference eligible veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to six years after degree or certification.

Candidates seeking employment with the EPA under this vacancy announcement will be hired as an EPA Green Intern.  The EPA Green Intern Program is an entry-level program for individuals interested in opportunities with the EPA at EPA Headquarters Offices in Washington, DC, as well as with our Regional Offices and in major cities across the U.S.  EPA Green Interns will be part of a one-year program and will join the Agency at the GS-07 grade level.  Training, opportunities for mentoring and developmental assignments are just a few of the benefits of this internship. 

At the entry level of this position, you will: 

• Provide customer support for hardware and software systems.
• Develop an understanding of all state-of-the-art IT equipment, software, systems, interfaces and networks.
• Apply basic IT specialist system hardware and software and operating procedures.  
• Review and become familiar with all essential elements of IT contracts.
• Communicate information about system changes.

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.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
• You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).
• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.

You must meet all Recent Graduates program requirements by the closing date.

If you are selected, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period.

This position is designated as High 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 will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications

You do not need a degree to qualify for this position.

We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as assisting customers by identifying and/or resolving IT problems - OR 1 full year of graduate level education; or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in an academic discipline related to this position.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 

• Knowledge of information technology operating systems.
• Skill in using tools to assess server performance.
• Skill in researching specifications.
• Knowledge of information technology operating systems.
• Knowledge of contract management.
• Skill in oral communication
• 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.