-Current federal employee with competitive status; reinstatement eligible; ICTAP/CTAP eligible
-Current/former federal employee eligible under miscellaneous act/authority/agreement (e.g., land management, postal service, interchange agreement)
-Veteran who is preference eligible or has separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service
-Applicant eligible for noncompetitive appointment (e.g., Schedule A, Peace Corps, VRA)
-PHS Officer
Serve as a primary EPA staff specialist to develop and implement stakeholder/EPA partnerships for environmental protection programs. Lead negotiation, facilitation, creation, and evaluation of specific agreements.
Review grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and/or interagency agreements activities related to the initiation, administration, and/or close-out of more complex or difficult grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and/or interagency agreements (IGAs), including responsibility for monitoring performance.
Participate as a staff member on ad hoc teams, dealing with competing demands and priorities. Prepare and review written materials; and make briefings and presentations to a variety of audiences. Review and respond to congressional inquiries and inquiries from the general public concerning the interpretation and application of new plans and policies designed to meet environmental program objectives.
Serve as a technical/programmatic specialist in providing advice and assistance to remedial project officers, state, local and/or tribal governments and non-profits to help facilitate assigned environmental protection programs development within municipalities/towns/tribes.
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 more than 50% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
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, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
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 meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
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-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as serving as a technical/programmatic specialist in providing advice and assistance to state, local and/or tribal governments and non-profits; assisting project managers on ad hoc teams and special projects; reviewing grants, contracts, and/or cooperative agreements, interagency agreements.
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 developing and implementing partnerships for environmental protection programs; reviewing grants, contracts, and/or cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, including monitoring performance. Leading negotiating, facilitation, creation, and evaluation of specific agreements.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
Knowledge of applicable federal environmental statutes and regulations including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act (SARA), and the National Contingency Plan (NCP); other regulations as related to program activities and mission, such as Clean Water Act (CWA); Clean Air Act (CAA), etc.
Knowledge of federal grants, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements regulations, policies and procedures, sufficient to manage a variety of complex and difficult grants and cooperative agreements.
Skill in oral communication, sufficient to address and resolve conflicts and complex issues among stakeholders; and deliver briefings and presentations to a variety of audiences.
Skill in written communication, sufficient to prepare materials for briefings and presentations in a variety of media and formats.
Skill in interpreting federal grants and cooperative agreement regulations and guidelines sufficient to provide technical guidance to internal and program staff and external stakeholders.
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.
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.
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.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
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.
Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
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.
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 and an applicable score assigned.
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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
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.
NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.
--Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section. In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.
--Responses to the online assessment questionnaire (you must complete this online - it is not a document you need to upload).
--Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable (see page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter); active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).
--Displaced Federal employees under ICTAP/CTAP: copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.
--Current and Former Federal Employees: You are required to submit Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. The SF-50(s) must prove you are eligible to apply for the position and have met time-in grade: • ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating that you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section at the top right of this announcement. (The most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50].) • TIME-IN-GRADE - If you are applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section of this announcement. (Some examples of SF-50s that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
--Current Federal Employees: You are required to submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal, dated within the last 18 months (if it is not dated within the last 18 months, or you have not received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). NOTE: You only need to upload the page that shows the overall rating and signature, not the entire document. NOTE DURING COVID-19 WORK FLEXIBILITIES: If your hard copy performance appraisal is not available due to current telework requirements/recommendations, you must check your eOPF. If you are unable to access your eOPF, contact your servicing HR office for assistance. If your performance appraisal document is not in your eOPF, you must upload a signed/dated explanation clarifying why the documentation is not available due to telework.
--If you are applying for a noncompetitive appointment, you'll need to submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy announcement. If you want to learn more about noncompetitive appointments, visit OPM's website: Special Appointment Authorities.
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.
To begin the application process, click the Apply 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 day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
Human Reources Office
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
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 online occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.
--Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section. In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.
--Responses to the online assessment questionnaire (you must complete this online - it is not a document you need to upload).
--Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable (see page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter); active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).
--Displaced Federal employees under ICTAP/CTAP: copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.
--Current and Former Federal Employees: You are required to submit Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. The SF-50(s) must prove you are eligible to apply for the position and have met time-in grade: • ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating that you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section at the top right of this announcement. (The most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50].) • TIME-IN-GRADE - If you are applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section of this announcement. (Some examples of SF-50s that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
--Current Federal Employees: You are required to submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal, dated within the last 18 months (if it is not dated within the last 18 months, or you have not received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). NOTE: You only need to upload the page that shows the overall rating and signature, not the entire document. NOTE DURING COVID-19 WORK FLEXIBILITIES: If your hard copy performance appraisal is not available due to current telework requirements/recommendations, you must check your eOPF. If you are unable to access your eOPF, contact your servicing HR office for assistance. If your performance appraisal document is not in your eOPF, you must upload a signed/dated explanation clarifying why the documentation is not available due to telework.
--If you are applying for a noncompetitive appointment, you'll need to submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy announcement. If you want to learn more about noncompetitive appointments, visit OPM's website: Special Appointment Authorities.
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.
To begin the application process, click the Apply 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 day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
Human Reources Office
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
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 online occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
