Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

At the entry level of this position, you will:

- Plan, execute, and analyze data for water quality research 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;

- 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

• You may be required to travel occasionally each month.
• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.
• You will be required to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

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.

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

Participation in the medical monitoring program is required.

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

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 assisting field and laboratory research involving water quality testing; analyzing experimental endpoints; and preparing scientific reports.
- OR master's or equivalent graduate degree in the academic discipline as described below
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of water quality field and laboratory research methods; 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 developments in analyzing data; 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 ‘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.