Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

At the entry level of this position, you will:

1. Reviews literature and pertinent reports to maintain working familiarity and expertise with the effects of hazardous substances and with the latest technology in environmental toxicology.

2. Prepares written and verbal reports, answers questions, and makes suggestions and recommendations to the supervisor and project manager for inclusion in comprehensive reports on study findings.

3. Seeks as well as provide guidance from other professional scientists for unusual work assignments, seeks guidance from senior level staff members, or provides guidance for others working in toxicology and risk assessment.

4. Participates in Program Aspects of Scientific Programs developing scientific and/or technical guidance and works with senior toxicologists.

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

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

• 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.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen.

Qualifications

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

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-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as experience participating in the development of human health effects of dose-response of chemicals for risk assessments AND experience gathering and analyzing technical or scientific information from a classroom or professional setting - 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.

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 reviewing, analyzing or using scientific data to assess health effects or risks AND experience developing new processes, analytical approaches or risk assessment methodologies to improve hazard/risk assessments.

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

• Knowledge of chemicals and mixtures of chemicals, microbiology, including toxicology, exposure pathways, biochemistry, physiology, epidemiology, pharmacology, microbiology fate and transport, and environmental and ecotoxicological impacts.
• Skill in applying technical scientific principles and theories and translate them into administratively workable solutions.
• Skill in applying new scientific findings, modify or adapt standard techniques, processes, and procedures, and to assess and apply precedents to devise strategies and plans to overcome significant scientific problems.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental quality organizations and programs and their responsibilities related to public health protection and risk-based decision-making.
• Skill in working with and directing committees and conferences.
• Knowledge of various communication methods to different audiences.
• Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs in support of hazardous waste risk assessment.
• Knowledge with statutory and regulatory requirements as they relate to toxicology and risk assessment issues.

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.

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

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.