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Biologist/Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Office of Research and Development, Office of Science Advisor, Policy, and Engagement, Extramural Research and Partnership Division, Partnerships Branch.

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

About Office of Research and Development: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
06/08/2021 to 06/21/2021
Salary
$103,690 to - $134,798 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Announcement number
RTP-ORD-MP-2021-0040
Control number
603942700

Duties

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You will:

-As Regional Science Program Coordinator, evaluate impacts of regional science projects in providing scientific and technical advances related to EPA’s mission and regional priorities;

-Advise, coordinate and implement Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement Regional Science Programs, coordinating scientific and technical engagement with regions;

-Communicate Regional Science Program goals, objectives, and results to internal and external partners;

-Maintain a proactive professional scientific liaison within and outside of Environmental Protection Agency.

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.

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.
  • If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
  • 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 may be required to travel less than 25% of each month.

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 must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.

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-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as analyzing research proposals and advocating recommendations, strategies, and actions to reconcile or resolve novel, conflicting, or controversial issues; communicating scientific and technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders, including regional, state, and tribal scientists.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Skill in advising managers on implementing scientific programs; 2) Ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge to evaluate impacts of regional science projects; 3) Skill in evaluating prior scientific projects for current impact and effectiveness; 4) Skill in initiating, formulating, planning and executing scientific research programs; 5) Skill in presenting technical/scientific information to individuals and groups; 6) Skill in identifying and resolving complex or controversial issues; 7) Skill in working with internal and external stakeholder to build cooperation and collaboration.

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.

Education

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

Biologist:

You must have a bachelor's or higher 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 or higher 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.

For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Additional information

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.

This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager. Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework. NOTE: The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID. Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.

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.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

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 and an applicable score assigned.

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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.


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