We are an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient & cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, & investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place.
Summary
We are an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient & cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, & investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place.
This job will close when we have received 175 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$37,924 - $60,593 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 04 - 05
Locations
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Durham, NC
New York, NY
Cincinnati, OH
Dallas, TX
Seattle, WA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis. NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Internships - Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from undergraduate to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - A full-time and a part-time schedule are available for this announcement. Permitting part-time work when in school and full-time work (if desired) during school breaks.
Note: A part-time schedule is 16-32 hours per week.
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
12 - Full promotion potential is available only if the Office converts the Pathways Intern to a permanent appointment at the end of the program. The Internship appointment concludes upon the intern’s graduation, resignation, or termination by the Office.
MERIT PROMOTION (MP) VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - Students who are current Federal employees, Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; CTAP/ICTAP eligibles; Veterans with VOW, VEOA, or 30% disability; Military Spouses. Those eligible under an OPM interchange agreement. All applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted at least half-time in a qualifying educational institution.
Students must be enrolled for Fall semester 2026.
The EPA OIG is seeking seeking student interns under the Pathways Student Trainee Program. Internships are provided for students with a desire to work in the Office of the Inspector General and assignments are designed to complement the interns educational pursuits while meeting the expressed needs of the agency. Positions are available in the following offices located in:
Atlanta, GA
Boston, MA;
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH;
Dallas, TX
Durham, NC (Research Triangle Park)
New York, NY
Seattle, WA
Responsibilities Ideal candidates for these internships are individuals pursuing a undergraduate or graduate degree program in auditing, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, environmental studies, environmental policy, political science, or related areas.
As a developmental or trainee auditor duties include:
Participating in the design and development of a comprehensive approach to answer significant questions involving routine programs.
Conducting routine assignments and assists with segments of more moderately complex assignments of various programs.
Identifying areas where significant improvements in economy, efficiency, and effectiveness can be made in Agency statutes, regulations, guidance, policies, procedures, or practices
Candidates will be considered on the basis of the applicability of their education to specific EPA OIG assignments.
Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
You must submit transcripts & proof of enrollment--see Required Documents.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship Required.
Background Investigation Required.
Position has portable work and the selectee may be eligible to telework.
This is a Public Trust Position. Employment in this position 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 and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues, the tentative employment offer may be withdrawn. 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.
If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to appointment and the appropriate background investigation forms to determine suitability for Federal employment. False statements or responses on these forms can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
The selectee will be required to complete a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the I-9 Form. We will compare information provided on the I-9 Form to records available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The system confirms employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your driver’s license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e., for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card), the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking, or must be an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g., passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID, see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs.
Qualifications
NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
To be eligible for an internship opportunity you must meet the following criteria:
You must be a current student enrolled at least half time in:
A qualifying educational institution pursuing a degree, or a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school, medical school), or a post-secondary homeschool curriculum that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education)
A certificate program means post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum;
Students who take online courses are eligible to participate so long as all other requirements are met and the school is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
You must have a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 2.0.
You must be at least 16 years of age.
You must be majoring in auditing, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, environmental studies, environmental policy, political science, or related areas.
Education
Mandatory Education Requirement. Your degree must be in a related field, such as: auditing, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, environmental studies, environmental policy, political science, or related areas.
Applicants must meet requirements at the following GS levels:
GS-4: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree.
GS-5: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.
You MUST maintain status as a student for the duration of this program. If you are graduating in Spring 2026 and not pursuing additional education in Fall 2026, you are not eligible for this program.
The qualification requirements must be met within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application process.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement.
All education claimed by applicants will be verified.
Additional information
Appointees may be extended or reappointed under this program without further competition. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service. Additional information on program completion and conversion can be found at Pathways Program. To be eligible for conversion:
Complete at least 480 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program;
Complete their degree or certificate requirements;
Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted; and
Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participant's Agreement, and perform their job successfully.
EPA OIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.
Payment of relocation expenses is NOT authorized.
All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application, by checking reference and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work.
Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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. Learn more about federal benefits.
EPA OIG offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, life and health insurance, Long Term Care insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account program, and retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan).
EPA OIG also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as, flexible work schedules, teleworking, transit subsidies, fitness center, and employee assistance and wellness programs.
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.
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.
Your package must be complete and submitted in the manner specified in this section. Packages that are submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the agency point of contact will not be considered.
In addition to your resume, the following documents are required for this position:
If you are a Veteran claiming 5-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference.
You must submit your college transcripts (unofficial are acceptable).
You must submit proof of enrollment for Spring 2026 or Fall 2026.
All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in three phases to determine how you move forward in the hiring process.
Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed.
Phase II: If determined to be eligible, your application will be reviewed and rated based on the competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents). Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.
Phase III: If successful in Phase II, you will be invited to participate in a structured interview to be conducted by a SME panel will conduct, who will assign a score for each of the required Competencies listed below, based on your responses to the interview questions.
You will be assessed on the following competencies:
Administration and Management
Auditing
Audit Reporting
Performance Measurement
NOTE:
If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education, or responses to questions, or if you engage in cheating on any assessment (including using a consultant or an AI tool), your rating may be adjusted, and you may be removed from further employment consideration.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Offices within the OIG community who have vacancies with the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
You may choose to opt in to have your information shared with other agencies when applying for this position. If an agency requests a copy of a certificate, you are on, you will be notified.
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.
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. Learn more about federal benefits.
EPA OIG offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, life and health insurance, Long Term Care insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account program, and retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan).
EPA OIG also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as, flexible work schedules, teleworking, transit subsidies, fitness center, and employee assistance and wellness programs.
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.
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.
See USAJOBS Resume Infofor additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
Responses to the vacancy questions
All required documents
If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive any special consideration for which you may be eligible.
Current or former federal employees, in addition to the items above, include:
Your most recent copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing:
Block 24: Tenure 1 (permanent) or 2 (career-conditional)
Block 34: Position Occupied – Competitive Service (code 1)
To be considered under noncompetitive eligibility, your SF-50 must show the highest grade level or promotion potential attained competitively, and that grade must be equivalent to or higher than the grade for which you are applying.
Indicate the highest permanent grade you have held.
If this grade is different from your current grade, include a copy of an additional SF-50 showing that grade.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
APPLICANTS CLAIMING VETERANS’ PREFERENCE
To be eligible for veterans’ preference, you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility as indicated below.
Separated veterans claiming 0-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) and that the release or discharge was due to sole survivorship
Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form)--see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter
Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:
Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15
Active-duty service members:
Certification from the Armed Forces (Statement of Service) documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the Armed Forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)
You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at fedshirevets.
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
Most recent performance appraisal
Proof of eligibility
Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
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.
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.
As referenced in the Required Documents section, all required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
It is recommended that you review your application materials after they have been uploaded to your application to ensure they conform to the requirements stated in the announcement.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement.
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
MC: 2450T
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of the announcement, your package will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Best qualified candidates will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration and may be interviewed.
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBS and selecting "Application Status."
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable.
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
See USAJOBS Resume Infofor additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
Responses to the vacancy questions
All required documents
If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive any special consideration for which you may be eligible.
Current or former federal employees, in addition to the items above, include:
Your most recent copy of SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing:
Block 24: Tenure 1 (permanent) or 2 (career-conditional)
Block 34: Position Occupied – Competitive Service (code 1)
To be considered under noncompetitive eligibility, your SF-50 must show the highest grade level or promotion potential attained competitively, and that grade must be equivalent to or higher than the grade for which you are applying.
Indicate the highest permanent grade you have held.
If this grade is different from your current grade, include a copy of an additional SF-50 showing that grade.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
APPLICANTS CLAIMING VETERANS’ PREFERENCE
To be eligible for veterans’ preference, you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility as indicated below.
Separated veterans claiming 0-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) and that the release or discharge was due to sole survivorship
Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form)--see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter
Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:
Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15
Active-duty service members:
Certification from the Armed Forces (Statement of Service) documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the Armed Forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)
You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at fedshirevets.
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
Most recent performance appraisal
Proof of eligibility
Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
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.
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.
As referenced in the Required Documents section, all required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
It is recommended that you review your application materials after they have been uploaded to your application to ensure they conform to the requirements stated in the announcement.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement.
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
MC: 2450T
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of the announcement, your package will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Best qualified candidates will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration and may be interviewed.
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBS and selecting "Application Status."
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable.
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
