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:

- Plan, execute, and analyze chemical exposure experiments on aquatic organisms as a member of one or more research teams within the larger framework of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research projects;

- Modify, validate, and apply methods to assess experimental endpoints;

- Provide technical assistance, training and advice;

- Develop, implement and adhere to Laboratory, health and safety, quality assurance and other system requirements;

- Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative, Project Officer, or similar as required for extramural contracts, cooperative agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), or related vehicles in support of ORD research.

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 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.
• Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).

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

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

You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.

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 Research GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as conducting the analysis of environmental, biological, or human health data; and preparing scientific reports and publications - OR master's or equivalent graduate degree in the academic discipline as described below.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:  1) Knowledge of characterizing and interpreting biological responses across different levels of biological organization; 2) Ability to plan and implement research experiments; 3) Skill in written communication to prepare reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations; 4) Ability to apply the latest developments in expression-based biomarkers to resolve problems; 5) Skill in oral communication; 6) Knowledge of quality assurance procedures sufficient to perform quality assurance checks and validate methods; 7) Skill in contract management.

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 ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, or ‘Bronze’ 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.