The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.
Summary
The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.
This position is in the Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary-Policy, Management, and Budget (PMB), Office of the Deputy Secretary for Policy and Environmental Management (PEM), Office of Environmental Policy (OEPC) Regional Environmental Office, duty stationed in Denver, CO.
The incumbent serves as the Regional Environmental Protection Specialist (REPS) in direct support of the Regional Environmental Officer (REO) by assisting in the development and implementation of major objectives of various regional environmental coordination programs in the assigned geographic area of responsibility and supports the activities/efforts of the REO. The incumbent provides assistance to other Regional Offices as required.
The primary purpose of this position (at the full performance level). Responsible for carrying out many of the Office's environmental functions at the regional and state level, including representing the Department on Regional Response Teams and international Joint Response Teams, as appropriate; and coordinating departmental activities under regional, local, and international contingency plans consistent with the National Contingency Plan. In addition, the Regional Offices serve as a focal point for departmental coordination of cross bureau environmental issues and provide an independent source of information and analyses for the Office of the Secretary on environmental matters.
At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:
1. Serves as principal technical consultant on NEPA matters with responsibility for supporting and engaging in the implementation of environmental protection policies and programs.
2. Applies an advanced level of professional competence and scientific and technical knowledge in reviewing environmental compliance and assessment documents.
3. Coordinates the Department's regional participation in emergency and remedial response actions conducted pursuant to CERCLA, Oil Pollution Act (OPA), Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Contingency Plan (NCP), and other relevant statutes and regulations including providing advice and assistance to Federal, State, Indian tribes, foreign governments, and/or local officials regarding these activities.
4. Evaluates natural disaster and emergency programs/projects within the region to determine the impact on the environment and recommended program/project changes to ensure that environmental objectives are achieved.
5. Serves as technical advisor, authority, and expert in the area of Environmental Compliance, with responsibility for providing implementing policy guidance, consultative assistance, and staff coordination of Departmental responsibilities at the regional level pursuant to the National Response Framework for Emergency Support Function (ESF) for Oil and Hazardous Materials (ESF #10) and Natural, Cultural Resources, and Historic Properties (ESF #11).
6. Prepares responses to inquiries from the public, the Department's components, or other governmental organizations with respect to regional environmental matters. Reviews and provides input into regional plans, manuals, and guidance documents.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.
Salary Range Information (per annum): GS-09: $66,670 - $86,670 GS-11: $80,665 - $104,861 First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.
Note: A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized at the discretion of the Office of the Secretary.
This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.
Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
Recent Graduate Program Requirements:
Students MUST submit transcripts with conferred or degree earned date (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). If selected, official transcripts will be required.
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) will be completed within 45 days of appointment to track the Recent Graduates' career planning, professional development, and training activities.
Selectee will be required to sign Recent Graduates Participant Agreement.
Within the first year of employment, the incumbent will be provided a minimum of 40 formal hours of training.
The incumbent will be assigned a mentor within 90 days of appointment.
Qualifications
To be eligible for this Recent Graduates Program ALL of the following requirements must be met:
1. You must provide a resume.
2. You must have completed a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within two years of the closing date of this announcement. The two year eligibility will be extended for veterans who were precluded from applying within the two year eligibility period following graduation due to a military service obligation. In such cases, veterans will have up to six years from the date of discharge or release from active duty to apply.
3. You graduated by way of good academic standing (Grade Point Average/G.P.A. of at least a 2.0).
4. You must provide a transcript (official or unofficial) showing your degree was conferred (An official transcript may be requested at the time of appointment).
Pathways Participant Agreement: All Recent Graduates are required to sign the Pathways Program Participant Agreement which outlines program requirements and noncompetitive conversion eligibility.
Click https:// USAJOBS Help Center | Students & recent graduates for more information on Pathways program participants.
To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, Recent Graduates must have:
Successfully completed at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.
Demonstrated successful job performance.
Met the Office of Personnel Management's qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet A, B, or C defined below for the grade to which you are applying.
GS-09 A. Specialized Experience
To qualify for the GS-09, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (1) Implementing and interpreting Federal environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to review and evaluate complex and sensitive environmental issues, programs, and proposed projects; AND (2) Assists in general policy guidance pertaining to Federal environmental issues and assist in identifying problems in agency/organization environmental programs; AND (3) Using Microsoft 365 programs, and both written and verbal communication to assist in the conveyance of information to a wide variety of audiences. MUST MEET ALL.
OR
B. Education:
Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
OR
2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree
OR
LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR C. Combination of Specialized Experience and Education: A combination of education and specialized experience that totals 100% of the requirement for the GS-09 grade level.
GS-11 A. Specialized Experience
To qualify for the GS-11, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (1) Implementing and interpreting Federal environmental laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to review and evaluate complex and sensitive environmental issues, programs, and proposed projects; AND (2) Providing general policy guidance pertaining to Federal environmental issues and assist in identifying problems in agency/organization environmental programs; AND (3) Using Microsoft 365 programs, and both written and verbal communication to convey information to a wide variety of audiences; AND (4) Participates in program management projects, operations, and/or administration of environmental programs to ensure performance standards are being met. MUST MEET ALL.
OR
B. Education:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR
3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
LL.M.; if related
C. Combination of Specialized Experience and Education: A combination of education and specialized experience that totals 100% of the requirement for the GS-11 grade level.
Note: If qualifying on education, such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
Volunteer Experience: 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.
Education
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
Important Note: All Department of the Interior (DOI) employees are subject to the conflict of interest restrictions imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report. In addition, DOI employees, GS-15 and above, who work in the Office of the Secretary; along with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) employees (at ALL grade levels), are further restricted concerning their interests in Federal lands and resources administered or controlled by the Department of the Interior. This includes holding stock in energy corporations which lease Federal lands (e.g.: oil, gas, coal, alternative energy resources, etc.). If you have any such investments you should contact the DOI, BOEM or BSEE Ethics Office before accepting employment. DOI employees are held to the highest level of integrity. Employees must be objective and impartial in the performance of their work. All potential issues (e.g.: work-related interactions with friends, family members, or previous employers) must be disclosed at the time of application or during the interview process.
NOTICE: This employer participates in E-Verify and will utilize your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading Comprehension
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/02/2024:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors.
Proof of Eligibility Documentation: College transcripts, including degree completion date.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Office of the Secretary
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/02/2024:
Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and, indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
Documentation that you meet Selective Factors.
Proof of Eligibility Documentation: College transcripts, including degree completion date.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. You must provide documentation to support your claim for each eligibility selected. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibilities language to ensure you submit the appropriate information. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Office of the Secretary
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166
US
Next steps
Once the Occupational Questionnaire is received you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
