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Physical Scientist / Life Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is in Region 9, Water Division, Surface Water Branch, Standards and Assessments Section. If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.  About Region 9: Region 9 webpage

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
05/27/2020 to 06/08/2020
Salary
$78,081 to - $121,668 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Location
San Francisco, CA
FEW vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel less than 25% of each month.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CI-R9-OT-2020-0016
Control number
569263200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

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At the entry level of this position, you will: 

  • Participate in the review of proposed triennial water quality standard revisions submitted by States/Tribes
  • Prepare correspondence to States/Tribes on existing or proposed water quality standards advising of deficiencies and recommendations for necessary revisions
  • Review water quality studies and special projects to ensure appropriate information is obtained for water quality standards actions and implementation
  • Provide scientific support, leadership and coordination for assigned activities related to water quality.


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

  • If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
  • Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
  • You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.

If you are selected, you may be required to 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.

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 experience working with stakeholders to establish or implement water quality standards or water quality assessment under the Clean Water Act; working collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate information exchange to solve water quality problems - 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 - OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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 working in a leadership role with stakeholders to establish or implement water quality standards or water quality assessment under the Clean Water Act; working collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate information exchange to solve water quality problems; preparing reports and presenting information to diverse stakeholders, including management.

Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 

  • Knowledge of Clean Water Act and associated regulations
  • Ability to establish goals and assess progress towards their achievement
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of team building
  • Skill in oral communications
  • Skill in written communications

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.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in:

1301 - General Physical Science Series
A. Degree: 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-
B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

0401 – Life Scientist
A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

This position is in the bargaining unit.

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.

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.

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.

Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.

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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