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.

At the entry level of this position, you will:

- As a Science Assessor, interpret, evaluate, and analyze scientific data and other information for the development of human health and environmental assessments in the area of environmental and occupational epidemiology;

- Communicate analyses, research results and technical advice and maintain professional contacts essential to the assessment process;

- Provide technical expertise, assistance and advice to support assessment efforts;

- Identify, plan and implement research to develop and/or improve methods used in assessments.

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.
• Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).
• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.
• You must meet all program requirements by the closing date.
• You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).

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

You may be required to travel occasionally.

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-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as analyzing data on exposure and health effects in human populations for use in the development of human health or environmental assessments - 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 above.

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 analyzing and interpreting data on exposure and health effects in human populations for the development of human health or environmental assessments; and communicating research results and 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 above.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of health effects resulting from exposure of populations or lifestages to pollutants or chemicals in the environment; 2) Skill in analyzing scientific data; 3) Knowledge of concepts and research methods used in environmental or occupational epidemiology studies; 4) Skill in oral communication; 5) Skill in written communication; 6) Ability to synthesize and integrate scientific results into assessments.

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 ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, or ‘Bronze’ 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.