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Physical Scientist/Life Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is in Region 9. If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.  About Region 9:  Region 9

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/31/2021 to 04/09/2021
Salary
$78,861 to - $122,884 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
San Francisco, CA
2 vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel up to 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
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CI-R9-OT-2021-0005
Control number
596813300

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:

  • Review regulatory actions involving discharges of dredged or fill material to the aquatic environment
    pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) regulatory programs.
  • Advise and support state, local and/or tribal stakeholders in aquatic resource conservation planning and
    regulation.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners and communicate environmental outcomes.
  • Respond to public inquiries and conduct outreach.

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.
  • You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
  • Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.

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, 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.  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

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 applying scientific concepts or principles related to physical or life science (biology, ecology, hydrology, or geology etc.) and experience applying scientific principles to environmental protection issues or problems. 

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 applying physical or life science concepts or principles to environmental protection issues or problems and experience working with the physical or biological processes in wetlands or other aquatic resource ecology.

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

1. Knowledge of professional environmental engineering/physical science and/or life science concepts, principles, and practices to prepare permits (issuance, reissuance, and modification) for the discharge of dredged or fill material to waters of the United States.
2. Knowledge of conservation biology, hydrology, and industry technology to develop requirements which are practicable, and mitigate impacts to ensure protection of the environment.
3. Skill in identifying and resolving alternatives to discharges while meeting project purposes.
4. Knowledge of environmental permit regulations, relevant case law, and agency policies.
5. Skill in presenting technical/scientific information to a variety of individuals and groups including state, local, or tribal agency officials, and private citizens (both dischargers and those affected by discharges).
6. Skill in writing agency correspondence, comments on technical documents, and permit guidance or policies.

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 or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in:

0401 - General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series:

A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. -OR-

B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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.

For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Additional information

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 has portable work.  If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.  Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework.  NOTE:  The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID.  Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.

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.

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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