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Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

These positions are in the Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, Radiation Protection Division, Center for Science and Technology.  

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

About: The Office of Air and Radiation

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
05/15/2020 to 05/26/2020
Salary
$72,030 to - $133,465 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Washington, DC
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-2020-0032
Control number
568536700

Duties

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You will:

- Support the Radiation Protection Division (RPD) with a broad range of radiation protection issues by evaluating and interpreting radiation risk assessments, and assist with recommendations for public health protection;

- Participate on various agency and Federal workgroups to protect public health and environmental quality;

- Provide input to management on technical and policy issues associated with technical or risk assessments, and similar topics;

- Serve as a work assignment manager to assist in the development technical specifications for extramural support (contracts and interagency agreements) as necessary.

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.

One or more positions may be filled

Requirements

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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.
  • Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
  • You may be required to travel less than 25% of each month.

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 may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

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-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as reviewing and interpreting policy or technical data; or reviewing and interpreting human health or environmental risks data; 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 collecting and analyzing human health and environmental risk data; utilizing biokinetic or environmental fate and transport models; and providing input to management on relevant technical or policy issues.

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 biokinetic or environmental fate and transport models, or calculational tools; developing recommendations for improving public health protection or understanding of mechanisms of risk assessment.

Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of risk analysis methods and principles; 2) Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams; 3) Skill in oral communication; 4) Skill in data collection and analysis; 5) Ability to interpret scientific model data; 6) 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.

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

Education

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

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 with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

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.

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.

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

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.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

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.  All eligible applicants will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration, and you may be subject to assessments during the selection process.  If you are selected, we will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the qualification requirements.


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