Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

You will:

• Provide advice for Divisional program management, Remedial Project Managers (RPMs), On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs), and other program staff regarding the environmental impact and cleanup criteria and standards for radiation source material and radiological contamination at Superfund sites.
• Develop radiation risk assessment strategies using National preliminary remediation goals (PRG) that are compatible with Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) protocols.
• Provide guidance and technical support to regional programs such as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the office of Air and Radiation, and drinking water for assessment and characterization from radiological sources.
• Review documents involving radiation issues for EPA Headquarters, the Regional Offices, Regional states, Regional municipalities, health physicists, other professionals, consultants, and the general public.

You will spend 25-50% 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.
• You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).
• You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.
• Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.

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.

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.

Participation in the medical monitoring program is required.

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

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period.

Qualifications

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

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-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as developing wide-area remediation strategies following a chemical, biological, or radiological incident; identifying the infiltration of contaminants from outside areas to inside areas; and preparing radiation health risk assessments.

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

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of health physics to extend existing approaches and apply new development to investigate critical problems.
• Knowledge of radiation concepts and practices with regard to site response actions, instrument selection, criteria selection risk assessment, quality assurance and health and safety planning.
• Skill in written communication.
• Ability to provide sound advice on methods of dealing with radiation hazards and procedures to be followed in radiation incidents.
• Skill in oral communication.
• Ability to work on multiple teams lead by project managers with diverse management styles and technical background.

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.

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.