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:

-Assist senior staff in the development and execution of land remediation plans.

-Conduct research on approaches and actions to be taken for cleanup of contaminated land at regulated sites.

-Serve as staff resource on policy and procedural guidance on land remediation program activities and requirements to management and external stakeholders.

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.

Conditions of employment

• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.
• You must meet all Recent Grad. program requirements by the closing date.
• You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.

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.

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

This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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.  All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

Qualifications

We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:
To qualify for the GS-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as Assisting in the collection, compilation, review and evaluation of program plans, facility progress reports, statistical data and background information for compliance with program guidelines and regulations - OR 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in an academic discipline related to this position.

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

-Knowledge of land remediation programs.

-Knowledge of grants, cooperative/ interagency agreements regulations, policies and procedures.

-Skill in oral communication sufficient to respond to requests for information on land remediation program policies, requirements, and procedures.

-Ability to assist in implementing and evaluating state/tribal/local land resource and protection plans.

-Knowledge of federal environmental laws and regulations governing land related environmental protection programs.

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.