This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer, Sustainability and Environmental Programs.
The primary purpose of this position is to manage environmental protection and compliance activities to support the advancement of the Department's climate change initiatives.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer, Sustainability and Environmental Programs.
The primary purpose of this position is to manage environmental protection and compliance activities to support the advancement of the Department's climate change initiatives.
As a Environmental Protection Specialist GS 0028 11/12, your typical work assignments may include:
Performs duties relative to all facets of environmental protection projects and programs.
Serve as a Senior Environmental Protection Specialist with responsibility for managing the Organizations environmental compliance and protection projects and activities.
Serve as a senior advisor to management officials on program issues concerning environmental protection and compliance.
Serve as a primary contact for the Agency in relation to environmental compliance and protection.
Devise new methods and techniques to produce effective results or implement advances in such areas as pollution prevention, resource allocation, risk assessment, or quality assurance; establishing criteria for administering or evaluating environmental programs.
Develop policy guidance and procedural material for use by the Agency.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial
issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
You must submit to a pre-employment drug test
You may be required to serve a one year probationary period.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
All DHS-HQ announcements have a 5 business day open period due to the number of applications received.
Occasional travel may be required based on the position requirements and mission needs as determined by the Office.
Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
Multiple selections may be made from this announcement.
As required by E.O. 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee?s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law.
If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before appointment or onboarding with the component.
The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret/SCI.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Promotion Potential: GS-12
By applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for other similar positions.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
You qualify for the GS 11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, OR equivalent public or private sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
1. Performing analytical duties associated with the sampling, data collection, analysis, planning, evaluation, reviewing environmental technical reports, policies and procedures;
2. Using analytical techniques to established environmental protection procedures;
3. Performing site inspections; AND
4. Writing reports; articulating or writing the recommended corrective/mitigation action or procedures for environmental compliance, etc.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree directly related to the work of the position or LL.M. if related or a combination of specialized experience as described in A and education as described in B that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.
NOTE: Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used to qualify for the GS-11 level.
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you MUST submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Specialized Experience: GS 12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, OR equivalent public or private sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:
1. Providing subject matter expertise to review, evaluate, negotiate, and problem solving services sufficient to solve specific environmental problems, projects, programs; prepare and conduct briefings, lead group conferences, and write reports and letters;
2. Analyzing hazardous waste and pollutants in the atmosphere, water, and soil to include underground tanks sufficient to identify training needs and develop, establish, and implement required environmental training programs; experience in compliance with Executive Orders affecting environmental programs; AND
3. Coordinating complex environmental projects involving water quality, toxic substances management and air quality management.
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for the GS-12 grade level
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
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.
Education
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html .
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage.
Additional information
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits."
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation as a condition of employment for this position. This may include a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The type of investigation and security clearance level will be made in accordance with the position requirements as determined by the selecting office.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
This language has been approved by the DHS Office of General Counsel and will be included in the upcoming JOA template update. Questions may be addressed to Staffing Policy at
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.
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.
Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens procedures will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
Best Qualified - Demonstrates better overall or key knowledge, skills, or abilities for a specific position. Well Qualified - Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, but does not necessarily meet the definition of best qualified. Qualified - Meets the minimum qualifications standards, including any selective placement factors, for a specific position.
Delegated Examining Procedures certifies all applicants utilizing the Category Rating method with associated cut-off scores; Veteran Preference does apply under Delegated Examining.
Application of Veterans' Preference
Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligible within each category. Veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher.
Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided. To preview the job questionnaire and application, click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11346232
Consideration may be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience. No points will be awarded.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your responses to the online assessments completed during the application process. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Attention to Detail
Auditing
Customer Service
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Oral Communication
Self-Management
Strategic Thinking
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Technical Competence
Writing
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you will be removed from consideration or your score will be lowered.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you do not have ICTAP eligibility . View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of [85] for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
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.
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.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Prior to appointment, an official college transcript may be required.
Are you a veteran? Submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that shows your type of discharge and character of service and/or documentation of service connected disability. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for form) and provide the required documentation (e.g. VA letter) listed on the back of the form.
Applicants who are active duty service members and apply for federal employment shall be considered for competitive service positions and granted tentative veteran's preference status when they submit a certification, in lieu of a DD-214, when applying to a federal job.
A certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days from the date of certification is submitted. Click here for more veterans' information.
6. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. You can upload your Reasonable Accommodation Form under the Other (1) forms option.
7. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Well qualified ICTAP score is 85. Submit:
A copy of your agency/OPM notice;
A copy of your most recent performance rating; and
A copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting your current position, grade level, duty location, and full performance level
8. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
This position is also being announced through merit promotion procedures under MP-11341491-22-CRSO. Candidates who wish to be considered under both Public (US Citizens) and Merit Promotion procedures must apply to both announcements.
???????Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/09/2022 to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below.
1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Prior to appointment, an official college transcript may be required.
Are you a veteran? Submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that shows your type of discharge and character of service and/or documentation of service connected disability. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for form) and provide the required documentation (e.g. VA letter) listed on the back of the form.
Applicants who are active duty service members and apply for federal employment shall be considered for competitive service positions and granted tentative veteran's preference status when they submit a certification, in lieu of a DD-214, when applying to a federal job.
A certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days from the date of certification is submitted. Click here for more veterans' information.
6. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. You can upload your Reasonable Accommodation Form under the Other (1) forms option.
7. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Well qualified ICTAP score is 85. Submit:
A copy of your agency/OPM notice;
A copy of your most recent performance rating; and
A copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting your current position, grade level, duty location, and full performance level
8. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
This position is also being announced through merit promotion procedures under MP-11341491-22-CRSO. Candidates who wish to be considered under both Public (US Citizens) and Merit Promotion procedures must apply to both announcements.
???????Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/09/2022 to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below.
1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
