Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

At the entry level of this position, you will:

• Serve as a regional technical authority by providing information and technical support concerning chemical exposure and toxicity.
• Prepare, analyze, and review risk assessments and other scientific and technical environmental issues related to toxicology and human health risks.
• Provide technical assistance on environmental exposure models or interpretations of site/facility environmental media sampling data.
• Develop or review plans, review site/facility environmental sampling data, conduct tests, research environmental data, review or develop exposure models.

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.

Conditions of employment

• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
• You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.
• You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
• Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.

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.  All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

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.

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.

Participation in the medical monitoring program is required.

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

If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

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 GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as evaluating human health and/or environmental hazard information and/or risk assessments - OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below - OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as reviewing and/or evaluating risk assessments; and analyzing data related to the effects of industrial chemicals, biological agents, and/or nanomaterials on humans and the environment.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of the concepts and principles of toxicology to resolve novel or obscure problems; extend and modify techniques; develop new approaches that guide others who solve a variety of technical problems; and/or apply new, innovative, or experimental toxicological theories developments and practices to solve problems or conduct studies not amenable to treatment by accepted methods.
2. Skill in written communication to prepare recommendations, findings, and conclusions on toxicological and risk assessment document reviews as well as policy and guidance interpretation.
3. Skill in oral communication to provide technical assistance (e.g., explaining toxicological and risk assessment policies, guidance, and concepts and procedures to federal, state, and/or tribal government officials and the public).
4. Knowledge of environmental statutes and regulations.

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.