**This announcement has been amended to reflect an extended open period to 2/16/2023.**
This position is in Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, Office of Resource Management and Communications.
This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section.
**This announcement has been amended to reflect an extended open period to 2/16/2023.**
This position is in Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, Office of Resource Management and Communications.
This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section.
-Current federal employee with competitive status; reinstatement eligible; ICTAP/CTAP eligible
-Current/former federal employee eligible under misc act/authority/agreement (e.g., land management, postal service, interchange agreement)
-Veteran who is preference eligible or has separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service (VEOA)
-Applicant eligible for noncompetitive appointment (e.g., Schedule A, Peace Corps, VRA)
-PHS Officer
Serve as expert for OEJECR in the administration and implementation of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program activities;
Provide guidance, oversight, and recommendations to ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and procedures in order to accomplish program objectives;
Develop and provide training to OEJECR staff and leadership on applicable regulations, policies, and procedures related to the FOIA and Privacy Act;
Serve as the FOIA point of contact for OEJECR to coordinate consultation with internal and external customers.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
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 must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period if appointed as Competitive Service or a two-year trial period if appointed as Excepted Service.
#LI-Onsite
Qualifications
To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as making release determinations in response to official requests for disclosure of information; and providing technical advice on implementation of regulations related to the disclosure of information.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); 2) Skill in providing recommendations to management officials; 3) Skill in preparing written reports based on analysis of varied documentation; 4) Skill in oral communication; 5) Ability to develop trainings related to the FOIA and Privacy Act; 6) Skill in information management through the use of information technology; 7) Knowledge of records management systems and principles.
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.
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.
EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Although the Service type indicated in the Overview section is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities.
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
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.
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.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
This position may be eligible for flexible work schedules in accordance with EPA’s Workplace Flexibilities policy and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. If selected, you may apply for expanded telework or, after 90 days of employment, remote work. These flexibilities are not guaranteed and will be determined in accordance with policy and position requirements after you are hired.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
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.
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 (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
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.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
This position may be eligible for flexible work schedules in accordance with EPA’s Workplace Flexibilities policy and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. If selected, you may apply for expanded telework or, after 90 days of employment, remote work. These flexibilities are not guaranteed and will be determined in accordance with policy and position requirements after you are hired.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
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.
-Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections. Your experience description needs to be clear/specific--we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Include a list of awards you have received if you would like them to be considered.
-Veterans: DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), and SF-15 (use current form: SF-15), if applicable (see page 2 of SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of DD-214/VA letter); active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (certification is any written document from the armed forces certifying you’re expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification). If you’re a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated in the noncompetitive appointment bullet below.
-Displaced Federal employees (ICTAP/CTAP): most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.
-Current/Former Federal Employees: You must submit Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you’re eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
• ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]). • TIME-IN-GRADE - If you’re applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section of this announcement. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
-Current Federal Employees: You must submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn’t dated within the last 18 months or you haven’t received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). You only need to upload the pages that show overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given, not the entire document. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
-If you're applying for a noncompetitive appointment, you must submit additional documents to prove your eligibility:
• Schedule A - To be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities, provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you’re eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A Hiring Authority & Sample Letters • Other - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
• If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA, HRMD
Mail Drop: C639-02
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055
RTP, North Carolina 27711
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
-Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections. Your experience description needs to be clear/specific--we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Include a list of awards you have received if you would like them to be considered.
-Veterans: DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), and SF-15 (use current form: SF-15), if applicable (see page 2 of SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of DD-214/VA letter); active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (certification is any written document from the armed forces certifying you’re expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification). If you’re a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated in the noncompetitive appointment bullet below.
-Displaced Federal employees (ICTAP/CTAP): most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.
-Current/Former Federal Employees: You must submit Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you’re eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
• ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]). • TIME-IN-GRADE - If you’re applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section of this announcement. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you’ve met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
-Current Federal Employees: You must submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn’t dated within the last 18 months or you haven’t received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). You only need to upload the pages that show overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given, not the entire document. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
-If you're applying for a noncompetitive appointment, you must submit additional documents to prove your eligibility:
• Schedule A - To be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities, provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you’re eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A Hiring Authority & Sample Letters • Other - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
• If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA, HRMD
Mail Drop: C639-02
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055
RTP, North Carolina 27711
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
