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Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency

Summary

This position is in Region 7, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, Field Services Branch. About Region 7: Region 7

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/11/2026 to 05/20/2026
Salary
$108,173 - $140,627 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Kansas City, KS
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
EPA-MPE-R7-26-12948463
Control number
868680600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

-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) -Preference eligible or veteran who 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

Duties

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You will:

  • Plan, lead and conduct Technical System Audits to evaluate the ambient air monitoring Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) programs of state, Tribal, and local air monitoring agencies, other federal agencies, and private industry for compliance with EPA regulations and guidance.
  • Provide expert technical advice and assistance to Federal, State, and local air pollution control agencies and private industry in the area of ambient air monitoring.
  • Plan, schedule, and conduct verifications of ambient air protocol gas cylinders, verification of EPA and contract mobile audit laboratories, certifications of ozone photometers, National Performance Audit Program (NPAP) audits, National Performance Evaluations Program (NPEP) Audits, and special studies related to programs for which the Air Team is responsible.
  • Participate in planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting workshops to train personnel in ambient air monitoring.
  • Represent EPA Region 7 on program matters with other Federal and non-federal agencies, EPA Headquarters, State and Local Agencies, etc., by attending meetings, conferences, and hearings.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

#LI-Onsite

You must be a U.S. citizen.

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.

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.

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.

You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.

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

You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Participation in the medical monitoring program is required.

Pre-employment physical may be required and periodic physicals thereafter.

Qualifications

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.

In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:

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 planning, leading, and conducting QA/QC activities through data review and validation procedures; operating ambient air monitoring equipment; and collaborating with internal/external work groups on air quality improvements.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:

  • Technical Knowledge (Related to position). *
  • Environmental Laws and Regulations. *
  • Laboratory Tools and Equipment. *
  • Interpersonal Skills.
  • Planning and Evaluating.
  • Oral Communication.
  • Written Communication.
  • Quality Assurance.
  • Auditing.
  • Attention to Detail.
*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies

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: Part-Time Experience.

Education

Life Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in 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.

Environmental Engineer: You must have one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college
OR
  • Combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
  1. Professional registration as an engineer.
  2. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
  3. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
  4. Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visitGS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications.

Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in 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 Accreditation.

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.

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 on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP
NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or higher--see the How You Will Be Evaluated 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: E-Verify.

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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements.

In addition, one or more subject matter experts will systematically review your resume to assess the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the critical competencies being evaluated). Based on the assessment ratings, a score will be calculated to determine if you are among the best qualified candidates.
NOTE: Cheating (including the use of a consultant or an AI tool to assist you) on any assessment may result in your removal from consideration for this job.

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.).

NOTE: Veterans' preference does not apply to merit promotion procedures. However, veterans' preference is a consideration for a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and Schedule A disability appointment. If you are eligible to be considered for one of these non-competitive appointments, in order to be eligible for veterans' preference you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility for veterans' preference as indicated in the Required Documents section.

Environmental Protection Agency

Grow your career for the good of our planet

The environmental challenges we face today are urgent. At the Environmental Protection Agency, we need professionals like you to join our team dedicated to safe, clean, and healthy communities. Our agency is built upon a commitment to protect human health and the environment. The work we do here changes the world. That's why there has never been a more crucial moment to be one of the scientists, engineers, community leaders, IT specialists, communicators, administrative professionals, technicians, problem solvers, and innovators united in our mission to protect our land, air, water, and people. Join us. Be EPA.

Discover how you can apply your skills to make an impact. Explore careers and learn more about EPA at epa.gov/careers.

Agency contact information

BRITNEY COLLIER
Phone
(513) 569-7343
Email
COLLIER.BRITNEY@EPA.GOV
Address
Region 7
11201 Renner Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66219
US

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