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Life Scientist/Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position will be located in Region 1, Water Division, Watershed and Nonpoint Source Management Section, in Boston, MA.  For more information on this office, visit their website: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-1-new-england

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

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
07/01/2019 to 07/11/2019
Salary
$46,634 to - $74,152 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 07 - 09
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Boston, MA
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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
Announcement number
RTP-R1-DE-2019-0012
Control number
538301000

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:

- Assist with the regional implementation of the Long Island Sound Study and state and tribal nonpoint pollution control programs;

- Assist in technical reviews/comments on scientific reports, technical grant/contractor work products, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program guidance;

- Participate in stakeholder forums, partnership building and program management;

- Serve as a project officer on one or more Long Island Sound program grants or other grants as assigned.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex

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).
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
  • You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month.
  • Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).

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.

These positions are 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 must complete a one year probationary period.

You will be required to obtain (before coming on board) and maintain a valid driver’s license and must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.

Qualifications

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

Life Scientist: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.

Physical Scientist: 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.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement. However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA. More information on verification of education can be found here: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

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-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as assisting in efforts incorporating scientific principles or policies to address environmental protection issues or problems OR 1 full year of graduate level education; or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in the academic discipline as described below.

To qualify for the GS-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as applying scientific principles or policies to address environmental protection issues or problems OR master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of freshwater and coastal watershed ecosystems sufficient to perform routine technical analyses to determine control strategies and/or pollutant loading to water bodies; 2) Knowledge of state regulations, tribes, and policy issues regarding nonpoint source control and restoration of coastal and freshwater watersheds; 3) Ability to assist management with planning, organizing, and directing environmental effect studies and/or projects on water quality and/or habitat restoration; 4) Skill in written communication sufficient to communicate technical and/or program concepts clearly; 5) Skill in oral communication sufficient to communicate technical and/or program concepts clearly; 6) SKill in collaboration; and 7) Knowledge of EPA’s grants and contracts regulations and policies sufficient to complete relatively routine asignments.

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

See Qualifications section.

Additional information

Earth Day is every day at EPA!  At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all Americans, and you’ll discover that EPA is one great place to work!  We offer great benefits and work flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career--we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment.  Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be.  Find yourself at EPA.

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.

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.

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.

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

This position is in the bargaining unit. 

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

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.

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.


To preview questions please click here.

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